Business Development Assistant

Freeths; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Business Development Assistant to support their growth in the Sheffield area. This role offers a chance to engage in lead generation, coordinate events, and conduct market research while working closely with a talented team. The firm values a proactive approach and excellent communication skills, making it an exciting opportunity for someone eager to make a significant impact in a collaborative environment. Join a firm recognized for its commitment to fairness and work-life balance, and help drive success across the Yorkshire offices.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level, ideally in marketing or business-related field.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Support business development activities, including events, pitches, and meetings.
• Conduct research to identify new lead opportunities in the Sheffield region.
• Manage events and provide administrative support for business development.

Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Market Research

Event Management

CRM Knowledge

Proactive Approach

Education

Degree in Marketing or Business

Tools

MS Office

Microsoft Dynamics CRM

Job description

Company Overview: Freeths is a top 50, full-service commercial law firm with a wide range of clients throughout the UK and strong international connections. The firm has over 200 partners and more than 1000 members of staff. Freeths is committed to continuous improvement, fairness, equality, and a healthy work-life balance. The firm has been recognised for its efforts, including being awarded Best Companies star status and being a silver standard accredited Investor in People Company.

Role Overview: The Business Development Assistant will work with the Senior Business Development Manager from the Yorkshire region to assist in lead generation and new revenue creation. This role is based in our Sheffield Office and requires a candidate with a strong understanding of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Region. The successful candidate will coordinate webinars/seminars, produce support materials for pitches and meetings, conduct market research, and provide staff training and networking support. The role requires a proactive, forward-thinking individual who can work under pressure on multiple projects and has excellent communication skills. The successful candidate will join the wider Yorkshire team as they continue successful growth across the Yorkshire offices.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Support the Business Development Team in general business development activities, such as preparing for and supporting events, pitches, and meetings.
2. Assist in account management activities, including attending meetings and recording minutes.
3. Conduct desk-based research to identify new lead opportunities and potential clients within the Sheffield and Yorkshire Region.
4. Maintain CRM pipeline records and have a working knowledge of CRM systems or MS Office.
5. Build relationships with work referrers in the local market and attend local networking events.
6. Manage events, including in-house seminars, networking events, and webinars.
7. Research local industry events for lawyers to attend and manage bookings.
8. Provide general administrative and ad hoc support for business development activities.
9. Attend meetings with internal sector focus groups to plan business development activities.
10. Ensure action plans are achieved and followed up.
11. Attend new business meetings with the BD manager/partners/directors when appropriate.
12. Follow up on networking and business development activities to generate meetings with clients, active targets, and intermediaries.
13. Support the Senior BD manager and partners in creating and maintaining prospect and target pipelines.
14. Take an active role in the regional future leaders program, including holding/chairing meetings and running events.
15. Prepare and create marketing materials, including mini-pitch documents.
16. Support web and digital requirements for regional offices, including webinar hosting and ancillary support.

Person Specification:

1. Educated to degree level, ideally in marketing or a business-related field.
2. Advanced knowledge of MS Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
3. Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics CRM advantageous.
4. Office/administration skills and confident use of social media channels and telephone.
5. Previous experience within a law firm or other professional services firm is an advantage.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills, flexible approach, and ability to prioritise and manage different tasks simultaneously.
7. Proactive, able to challenge established practices, and develop relationships with third parties.
8. Strong organisational skills, ability to work independently and as part of a small team, and excellent attention to detail.
9. Positive, committed, and prepared to use initiative and learn.
10. Strong client focus and commitment to outstanding service delivery.
11. Ability to adapt to changing work environments.

Additional Requirements:

1. Strong understanding of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Region, including key industries, businesses, and networking opportunities.
2. Experience in professional services, such as law firms, accounting firms, or consulting firms.
3. Ability to build and maintain relationships with local businesses, clients, and industry professionals.
4. Skills in organising and managing events including seminars, workshops and roundtables.
5. Proficiency in conducting market research to identify new business opportunities and potential clients.

Smart. Bold. Together. We Are Freeths.

Become part of the team at Freeths.

View some of our recent highlights on our website here.

Do we sound like a match? If you’re someone who cares deeply, communicates openly and collaborates effectively, then we’d love to have you join our diverse, inclusive team.