Business Development Executive / Manager

Gardner Champion Solicitors Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related incentives

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunities for progression

Job summary

Gardner Champion Solicitors Ltd is hiring a Business Development professional to join their team in the United Kingdom. This role involves developing and implementing business initiatives, nurturing client relationships, and supporting the growth objectives of the firm. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business development, ideally in legal or professional services, and excellent communication skills.

The position offers flexibility in working arrangements and a competitive salary package. Candidates will engage with senior professionals and contribute significantly to the firm's growth strategy.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development, sales, or relationship management, ideally within legal or professional services.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Proactive, target-driven, and commercially astute.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement business development initiatives aligned with growth objectives.
• Identify and nurture new business opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with referrers and introducers.

Skills

Business development

Sales experience

Relationship management

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Location: Flexible / Hybrid
Contract Type: Full-Time (flexible for the right candidate)
Reporting to: Managing Partner / Senior Leadership Team

About Gardner Champion Solicitors

Gardner Champion Solicitors is a long-established, forward-thinking law firm with over 245 years of heritage. We combine legal excellence with a modern, client-focused approach, delivering trusted advice to individuals and businesses across a broad range of practice areas.

As part of our growth strategy, we are investing in business development and are looking for a driven, commercially minded Business Development professional to help us strengthen relationships, grow our client base, and raise the firm’s profile.

The Role

This is a hands-on Business Development role where you will work closely with partners, fee-earners, and senior management to drive new instructions, deepen existing client relationships, and identify growth opportunities across the firm.

You’ll play a key role in connecting the firm with referrers, introducers, agents, and commercial partners — turning relationships into long‑term value.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement business development initiatives aligned with the firm’s growth objectives.
• Identify, pursue, and nurture new business opportunities across multiple practice areas.
• Build strong relationships with referrers, estate agents, brokers, IFAs, accountants, and other introducers.
• Support partners and fee‑earners with networking, pitches, presentations, and follow‑up activity.
• Track leads, opportunities, and conversions, reporting on BD performance and ROI.
• Represent the firm at networking events, industry functions, and client meetings.
• Collaborate with marketing on campaigns, content, and brand visibility where appropriate.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the firm’s services, strengths, and differentiators.

About You

• Proven experience in business development, sales, or relationship management, ideally within legal, professional services, property, or financial services.
• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Commercially astute, proactive, and target‑driven.
• Comfortable engaging with senior professionals and external stakeholders.
• Organised, resilient, and able to manage multiple opportunities at once.
• A self‑starter with the confidence to open doors and create momentum.
• Experience using CRM systems and reporting tools is desirable.

What We Offer

A Visible, Influential Role
You’ll have real input into the firm’s growth strategy, working directly with decision‑makers.

Supportive, Collaborative Culture
We value ideas, initiative, and teamwork — you won’t be operating in a silo.

Flexibility
Hybrid working and flexibility for the right candidate.

Competitive Package
Attractive salary with performance‑related incentives and scope to grow with the firm.

Long‑Term Opportunity
This is a role with genuine progression for someone who wants to build something meaningful.

Why Join Gardner Champion?

We are a firm with deep roots and ambitious plans. If you enjoy building relationships, opening doors, and seeing the tangible impact of your work, Gardner Champion offers a platform where your contribution will be recognised and valued.