Client Development Senior Manager - Private Equity

Goodwin; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier global law firm is seeking a results-oriented leader to drive business development in the Private Equity sector. The ideal candidate will leverage deep industry connections to enhance client relationships and support strategic growth initiatives. This role requires strong analytical skills and a proven ability to cultivate high-performing teams. Join a dynamic environment committed to partnership and innovation.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience in business development within professional services.
• Ability to guide and influence senior stakeholders successfully.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-performing teams.
• Proven track record of executing scalable client development programs.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Private Equity lawyers to develop client relations.
• Shape strategic growth plans for the Private Equity practice.
• Monitor industry trends and inform business development.
• Lead initiatives to deepen client relationships and drive satisfaction.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical capabilities

Relationship management

Business development

Client engagement

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM systems

Job description

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do.

Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer.

This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers.

Goodwin is a premier global law firm with a market-leading Private Equity practice (PEG), representing PE firms, their portfolio companies, and other investors throughout the full investment lifecycle. We provide strategic legal and business counsel on complex transactions, including leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, recapitalizations, mergers and acquisitions, debt financings, and exits.

We are seeking a strategic, results-oriented leader to serve as a trusted advisor to our PEG partners. This individual will have deep relationships across the PE ecosystem and will leverage that network to inform client targeting and drive business growth globally—with a particular focus on Europe and Asia. We're looking for a self-starter who thrives in a high-performance, client-first culture and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to deliver measurable results.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Client Development for PEG, this role will focus on analyzing our current client base across geographies and developing strategic plans to deepen relationships and expand into new jurisdictions. You will collaborate closely with PEG partners, firm leadership, and client development teams to execute these plans and drive meaningful growth in our client portfolio and associated revenues.

This role is ideal for a strategic, results-driven leader with deep industry knowledge, business acumen, and a proven ability to influence and guide senior stakeholders in developing and executing growth strategies, strong ability to build operational infrastructure and develop long-term, scalable client development initiatives that drive measurable impact, effectively navigate the firm’s matrixed structure, and has a hands-on approach to driving client engagement and revenue growth.

What you will do:

• Partner with Private Equity lawyers to lead client development efforts that strengthen existing relationships, capture new business opportunities, and support long-term global growth.
• Shape the strategic growth plans for the Private Equity practice in close collaboration with practice leaders and firm management, ensuring alignment with firm-wide objectives and priorities.
• Develop and execute tailored client development plans aligned with the core pillars of the Private Equity Group (PEG) and the firm’s broader strategic priorities.
• Design and deliver high-impact, scalable initiatives that drive measurable client relationships, profitable growth, and brand leadership from conception through execution, ensuring these efforts are embedded within the firm’s culture and operations for long-term sustainability.
• Monitor, distill, and share actionable industry trends, competitor intelligence, and emerging opportunities in clear, digestible formats to inform strategic planning and guide business development initiatives.
• Oversee the development of high-quality, client-focused marketing materials that elevate Goodwin’s position in the Private Equity market — including differentiated messaging in pitches and proposals, and submissions for directories and awards (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500).
• Drive targeted marketing campaigns and strengthen the Private Equity practice’s brand presence through high-profile thought leadership, strategic sponsorships, and alliances with key industry partners.
• Lead targeted initiatives to engage current and prospective clients, collaborating across practice areas — such as real estate, technology, life sciences, healthcare, private investment funds, and litigation — to identify and pursue cross-practice opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison for key clients by conducting regular check-ins to assess service delivery, gather feedback, and identify opportunities to deepen relationships and drive client satisfaction.
• Support the successful integration of lateral hires by maintaining continuity of client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and promoting new partners’ expertise across the firm.
• Participate in pitch meetings, networking events, and sponsorships to gather market intelligence, strengthen client connections, and position the firm for strategic wins and revenue growth.
• Identify, prioritize, and manage sponsorships and events that align with practice goals and budgets; oversee planning and conduct pre- and post-event evaluations to maximize ROI.
• Build and maintain relationships with key industry organizations and stakeholders to enhance the firm’s market presence and brand visibility.
• Collaborate with the PR and Communications teams to position Goodwin’s Private Equity practice as a market-leading thought leader by producing forward-looking, actionable insights and executing a focused media strategy.
• Partner with the Global Operations (GO) team to ensure accurate capture of matter information in the firm’s experience and knowledge management systems to support business development.
• Champion and implement best-in-class, scalable processes and systems that advance the growth objectives of the Private Equity practice and the firm overall.
• Contribute to firmwide client development initiatives by collaborating with senior leaders across practice areas and geographies.

Who you are:

• Over 10 years of proven experience in business development, private equity, and client relationship management within law firms, corporate finance or professional services environments.
• Brings strategic thinking and strong analytical capabilities to identify business growth opportunities, anticipate client needs, and deliver innovative solutions.
• Demonstrates executive presence, deep market expertise, and the ability to influence at all levels — guiding and advising lawyers, helping them set priorities, and driving alignment around realistic goals as a trusted advisor.
• Proven track record of designing and executing revenue-driving, scalable client development programs that leverage data, technology, and market insights to deliver measurable results.
• Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and developing high-performing business development teams within a large, matrixed professional services environment.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder programs from scoping through execution — managing timelines, resources, change management, and risks to deliver results on time and within budget.
• Brings a structured, analytical approach to problem-solving, applying root cause analysis and practical frameworks to deliver clear, business-aligned solutions.
• Skilled at scoping and leading consulting-style strategic initiatives to accelerate execution, unlock growth, and deliver impactful outcomes.
• Navigates a highly matrixed structure with ease, driving alignment and actionable forward movement across diverse stakeholders.
• Possesses deep knowledge of legal industry benchmarks and peer practices, coupled with a strong understanding of the Private Equity ecosystem and client landscape.
• Presents complex ideas, insights, and data in an executive-ready format, adapting communication to fit the audience or situation with clarity and influence.
• Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment (especially with confidential matters), discretion, emotional intelligence, and accountability.
• Has experience implementing new processes, systems, and scalable approaches that drive growth, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Operates with a high degree of autonomy and accountability while collaborating effectively in a matrixed organization.
• Effectively manages and prioritizes multiple projects, staying organized, delegating when needed, and demonstrating initiative and creativity in problem-solving.
• Shows flexibility, resilience, and a collaborative spirit, working seamlessly with a wide variety of people and projects.
• Shapes and reinforces a positive organizational culture, modeling behaviors that reflect the firm’s core values and vision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint); comfortable using CRM systems and stays current with evolving technologies.

Goodwin Procter LLP is an equal opportunity employer. This means that Goodwin Procter LLP considers applicants for employment, and makes employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Goodwin is a disability-inclusive employer. Please contact us if you require any disability-related adjustments during the interview process, or would like to have a confidential conversation with a member of the recruitment team. If there are any disability-related reasons which have impacted your profile, we may also be able to make adjustments for these. Please see our Disability-Related Screening Adjustments page if this applies to you. (Disability refers to sensory and physical conditions, long-term health conditions, neurodivergence and mental health conditions).