FI Sector Lead

Simmons & Simmons; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Marketing & Business Development Manager to lead the Financial Institutions sector. This role involves developing and executing strategic business plans, enhancing relationships with key stakeholders, and managing sector-specific marketing initiatives. The successful candidate will have proven experience in marketing and business development within the sector, strong project management skills, and the ability to drive teamwork and collaboration. This position is essential to build the firm's reputation and engage with clients effectively.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in marketing and business development roles.
• Strong ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives.
• Experience managing teams and projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and disseminate sector insights to deepen partner knowledge.
• Prepare the FI sector business plan and oversee BD activity alignment.
• Build relationships with fee earners to advance sector objectives.
• Project manage strategic sector bids and develop responses.
• Assess and develop cross-border collaboration opportunities.
• Manage client listening initiatives to track and analyze feedback.

Skills

Sector insight

Business planning

Relationship building

Content development

Project management

Financial reporting

Client feedback

Team management

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Marketing & Business Development Manager to lead our Financial Institutions sector. Utilising deep industry expertise and a strong understanding of sector client needs, the FI Sector Lead will work alongside the FI Sector Head (partner) and the FI sector leadership team to identify ways in which we can differentiate ourselves in the FI sector through the development of a small number of integrated reputation building, relationship deepening and revenue generating programmes. The FI Sector Lead will develop, implement and execute a structured M&BD plan which integrates and aligns with the firms M&BD strategy and the global client programme objectives outlined in the firmwide business plan. They will be the key source of knowledge within the M&BD team about the work the sector does and the clients we act for.

What will you do:

• Sector insight: responsible for delivering and disseminating sector insights that can be used to deepen partner knowledge, provide high value client engagement (sparking new "touch‑points" throughout the firm).
• Business planning and budget management: in consultation with the firm's business plan and relevant sector stakeholders, prepare the FI sector business plan and oversee all elements of the FI sector BD activity to ensure alignment.
• Relationships with fee earners: Build strong relationships with fee earners across the international FI sector to further the strategic objectives of the FI sector business plan.
• Sector content and sales enablement tools: develop and implement the sector's internal and external communication strategies (including digital) and then implement accordingly, ensuring best practice is observed. Development of thought leadership campaigns, liaising with the Marcomms campaigns team and the FI Sector in delivering each campaign.
• Sector specific bids / pitches: project manage strategic sector bids and panel bids for sector clients (working closely with relevant client manager, practice group M&BD and the dedicated pricing team), including developing responses.
• Sector calls: coordination of FI sector calls and client team calls, ensuring notes and actions are circulated to the relevant team(s) for digestion/ action. Ensuring actions are executed.
• Reporting: preparing updates for the FI sector, senior management, M&BD team and others in the business on key trends and opportunities - contribute to brainstorming discussions on how we can develop the opportunities highlighted.
• Sector specific events: project manage the end‑to‑end process of sector specific events, including in‑person and virtual, ensuring follow up takes place to maximise return on investment.
• Financial reporting: Owning the end‑to‑end process of reviewing the monthly billed fees report and open / closed matters report to identify any reclassifications between sectors and FI sub‑sectors.
• Cross‑border and cross‑practice collaboration: assessing and developing opportunities to strengthen international and cross‑practice cooperation across the FI sector for business development purposes and managing the international M&BD team involved in implementing related activities.
• Client listening: proactively seek feedback at all levels from sector clients, to spot opportunities and threats. Support the Client Listening and Alumni Manager to deliver these initiatives, including preparing for and gathering client feedback, tracking and analysing and acting upon feedback gathered and monitoring alumni movements and activities.
• Profile raising: Strengthening the firm's reputation across the industry through the identification of speaking, sponsorships and media opportunities (in conjunction with the Marcomms team).
• Sector specific content: Overseeing the management and maintenance of all sector specific content including client facing content (website, brochures, credentials and capability statements) and intranet sites, liaising with the FI sector M&BD team and the M&BD hub as appropriate.
• Team management: strong people management, and day‑to‑day management of assigned team members, including coaching, mentoring and identifying objectives for junior members of the team.
• Client Development: management of non‑programme sector clients. Support members of the FI M&BD team in harnessing best practice from the Client Programme and performing their hybrid Client Manager roles. Coach partners and associates in delivery of business development objectives as regards to the client.
• Integration with the Client Programme: work closely with the Client Programme lead to ensure sector related initiatives and products are driven through the FI Programme Clients.

Equal Opportunities

• We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:
• 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.