Business Development Manager

Simmons & Simmons; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global law firm based in the UK is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead new product development and manage client relationships. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of four years’ experience in marketing or business development, strong project management skills, and a commercial acumen. The position offers flexible hybrid work arrangements and a competitive salary package including bonuses and medical insurance. Join us in a dynamic work environment that values diversity and innovation.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Private medical insurance

Pension contribution

Excellent learning opportunities

Social and sports committees

Qualifications

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a marketing / sales / business development role.
• Well‑developed understanding of marketing and business development strategy and implementation.
• Self‑starter with attention to detail, can work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new product offerings and market strategies.
• Oversee activities of specific sub-practice groups for BD and marketing planning.
• Manage client relationships and support teams in developing client programs.

Skills

Strong project management skills

Commercial acumen

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Ability to manage pitch processes

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new product offerings, working with partners and M&BD to define the benefits of the new products and the most effective routes to market (via sector marketing campaigns and client development activities).
• Oversee the ongoing activities of specific sub-practice groups, covering BD and marketing planning and the execution of specific initiatives.
• Regularly interact with and provide support to international offices where the practice is particularly active.
• Contribute to the BD practice planning and budgeting process, as required, and then work with the relevant fee earners and the FMR and FST Senior M&BD Manager to implement the plan. Ensure correct budget sign‑off procedures are followed for unplanned activities.
• Profile raising, communications and CRM. Contribute to the formulation of the practice’s internal and external communications strategies (including digital) and then implement accordingly, ensuring best practice is observed.
• Assist in strengthening the firm’s reputation across the FST practice group through the identification of speaking, advertising and media opportunities (in conjunction with the central Comms team), as well as overseeing the project management of directory and award submissions as necessary.
• Work with the FST fee earners to develop the content of written communications including factsheets, webpages and intranet pages, including their production and maintenance ensuring best practice is observed.
• Assist FST fee earners with practice specific tenders, proposals and pitches, including conducting a bid / no bid process, managing the logistics of the pitch process for any assigned pitches, gathering of relevant material and information and writing formal responses.
• Client relationship management: potentially managing and developing a client programme client, helping the client team to be outward-facing and focused on revenue generation opportunities.
• Encourage / educate key stakeholders to share best practice and support all FST client teams in developing client relationships.
• Challenge: work with partners and other stakeholders to grow and extend their businesses.
• Reporting: supporting the process of reporting centrally on local activity, key trends and opportunities.
• Collaboration: contribute to the broader firm wide approach to client management by ensuring that client relationship management best practices and skills are widely adopted across the firm.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a marketing / sales / business development role.
• Well‑developed understanding of marketing and business development strategy and implementation.
• Strong project management skills.
• Commercial acumen.
• Has an ability to provide effective challenge to fee earners.
• Ability to manage the pitch process end‑to‑end, accurately and efficiently identify contributory material for pitches, and work with fee earners to articulate USPs.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, document management systems, intranets, website etc.
• Identifies opportunities to bring efficiency to the practice and firm.
• Acts to maximise the profitability of the business.
• Self‑starter with attention to detail, can work with minimal supervision.
• Highly consultative approach and is solution oriented.
• Aims to exceed expectations of high quality service delivery in every task.
• Builds and maintains constructive relationships with a variety of different individuals at different levels of seniority.
• Supports new opportunities and practices within the role.
• Organises self and activities effectively to meet work demands and achieve objectives.
• Energetic, enthusiastic with drive and ambition.
• A strong team player with an intelligent, pragmatic approach.
• Ability to interpret legalese and draft pitch documents (especially key sales messages / differentiators) in plain English is essential.
• An open and communicative nature borne of a desire to share best practice and maintain a flow of market / client / work information which enables effective cross‑selling and client relationship development.
• Ability to work with a range of personalities and cultural backgrounds and therefore strong interpersonal, inter‑cultural and communications skills will be key.
• Adapts to changing circumstances and re‑prioritises if necessary.

Benefits and Perks

We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role / level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.

Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).

We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role / team / client demands.

We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.

We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.

We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.

Culture & Community

All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long‑standing history in supporting the art community especially up‑and‑coming artists.

We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next‑generation law firm.

Our in‑house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.

We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories : construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Every day, our expert teams across Europe, the Middle East and Asia come together to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges. We’re an international melting pot of perspectives and experiences, united in helping to shape a better future for our clients, our people and our communities. A place for ideas, skills, ambition and innovation. For personal growth and professional challenge. For powering success through trust, respect, integrity and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.

Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.

Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.

We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.