Manager, Business Development

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in Hong Kong seeks a Manager, Business Development to support the firm’s corporate and Litigation practices and lawyers with BD requests, client events, proposals, and marketing materials.

You will partner with the local team to develop BD plans, coordinate with global teams, and manage databases, market intelligence, and client information to drive growth and success.

Qualifications

• Experience in business development and marketing, preferably in law or professional services.
• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in marketing, law or finance.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and office software.
• Event planning experience preferred.
• Familiarity with social platforms like WeChat and LinkedIn.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, prioritization, and execution of Hong Kong-based BD and marketing activity for corporate and litigation practices.
• Develop and maintain individual and practice-based BD plans with opportunities for collaboration across practices and markets.
• Manage client events: site selection, contracts, menu, AV, invites, logistics, and post-event follow up.
• Collaborate with lawyers and staff to create events and curated experiences aligned with client objectives.
• Coordinate electronic invitations, mailing lists, and RSVPs; negotiate contracts with venues and vendors.
• Liaise with global BD and Library teams to ensure consistent delivery of best practices.

Skills

Business development

Marketing

Client events coordination

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing / law / finance

Tools

CRM (InterAction)

MS Office

Job description

The Business Development team supports the firm across a broad spectrum of nee business and client relationship building activities, including the creation of new business proposals and firm marketing materials, upkeep of the databases that track firm experience and client information, market intelligence, and coordination of client events.

The Manager, Business Development will partner with the local Hong Kong team to serve the firm’s corporate and Litigation practices and lawyers with business development related requests including client event management and planning.

The scope of the Business Development function in Asia is comprehensive, including (for each practice group and across multiple geographies):

• practice coverage
• intelligence-gathering, including information on clients, prospects, competitors, regulators and market developments
• maintenance and development of experience and client information databases
• client events, both social and substantive
• marketing and communications, including brochures, websites, email and social media campaigns
• public relations, including legal directories and awards submissions, media relations, and publication, speaking and sponsorship opportunities.

This role requires direct and proactive interaction with a diverse group of senior partners and firm executives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee the development, prioritization, and execution of the full range of Hong Kong-based business development and marketing activity focusing on the corporate and litigation practices (as summarized above), including a focus on excellence, efficiency, creativity, and the mitigation of risk.
• Work directly with a diverse group of Asia partners who focus on corporate practice areas to develop, implement and maintain individual and practice-based business development plans, including acting as a bridge for the identification of opportunities for collaboration across practices and markets.
• Execute discrete and often sensitive or confidential special projects, often including critical communications and business analytics or matters requiring complex administration (e.g., visiting partner roadshows or major client events).
• Manage all aspects and logistics of critical client events including site selection, contract negotiation, menu selection, A/V set up, development of invitee lists, management of the invitation process, event materials, décor, onsite staffing and logistics, transportation, and post-event follow up.
• Collaborate with lawyers and business services staff to conceptualize events and curated experiences based on client objectives and business development needs.
• Execute electronic invitation development, mailing lists, and track RSVPs.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with venues and vendors.
• Contribute to venue databases, firm-wide events calendars and spreadsheets.
• Liaising with global Business Development and Library team (both leadership and execution) including Practice Coverage, Creative, Digital Marketing, Events, PR & Communications, and Reference, to ensure collaborative, consistent delivery according to, and towards the ongoing development of, global best practices.
• Liaising with other business services functions, including Office Administration (Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo), Accounting, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Systems, Office Services, and Professional Development on matters of shared interest and responsibility.

Qualifications/Position Requirements

• Knowledge and practical understanding of the business, finances and operations of a modern professional services firm. Basic understanding of our key corporate products / practices in Asia and our business environment, including competitive and regulatory aspects. Eagerness to learn and continue learning.
• Excellent judgment, with the ability and confidence to prioritize and manage multiple workstreams, to proactively identify and address risks and conflicts, and to maintain professional composure in high-pressure situations and a fast-paced, multi-authority environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a focus on positivity, proactivity, respect, and collaboration, from the most senior partners and management to counterparts in other functions, to junior team members and staff.
• Extremely professional demeanor and possessing good judgment in time sensitive situations.
• Fluency and the ability to communicate clearly in both English and Chinese (spoken and written) is strongly preferred.
• Ensure confidentiality of Firm and client information and compliance with firm policies and procedures.

Education and/or Experience

• Significant experience in business development and marketing (law firm, financial services, or professional services background preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in marketing, law or finance (JD or other advanced degree a plus).
• Proficiency in contemporary office and productivity software (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.) and familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., InterAction).
• Experience in event planning and execution preferred.
• Familiarity and experience with the operation of key institutional social media platforms (including WeChat and LinkedIn).

Compensation

Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.