Business Development Manager (m/w/x) M&A

FRESHFIELDS OVERVIEW

Freshfields is a global law firm providing high-quality business law advice. With over 2,400 lawyers across 28 offices worldwide, we serve national and multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments.

Our people are our strength. We foster a welcoming, supportive environment that values diversity, teamwork, and excellence. We operate as one firm globally, excelling in cross-border work across different legal and cultural environments.

We aim to add value to our clients and communities through experience, creativity, and a commitment to making a difference.

About Marketing & Business Development (MBD)

MBD is a dynamic global team of specialists in business development, research, branding, marketing, and communications. We shape client strategies, analyze business issues, develop proposals, and run campaigns to enhance our digital presence and global reputation.

ROLE SUMMARY

This role requires excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across regions. The ideal candidate has experience in a law firm, understanding the German legal market, and possibly working in M&A or a related practice BD role. They should have expertise in areas like pitching, client targeting, campaigns, content creation, or client relationship management, and a willingness to learn and collaborate across offices.

The Business Development Manager will work closely with M&A and real estate partners in Germany and Austria, providing high-quality BD support and identifying opportunities in the region.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Understanding regional challenges and opportunities, supporting strategy development.
2. Collaborating with lawyers to prepare proposals, pitches, RFP responses, and tracking activities in Salesforce.
3. Creating and managing content, campaigns, events, and submissions to engage clients and enhance reputation.
4. Supporting webinars, events, and initiatives to raise profile and strengthen relationships.
5. Using technology and tools like Salesforce to analyze trends and identify client opportunities.
6. Building trusted relationships with internal stakeholders and colleagues to promote a 'one team' mindset.
7. Contributing to continuous improvement in business development practices and sharing knowledge.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential:

• Degree-level education with substantial experience in professional service organizations, preferably legal.
• Excellent written, oral, and presentation skills in German and English, with high proficiency in business writing.
• Strong project management skills, capable of managing multiple deadlines and adapting to changing priorities.
• Ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment under pressure.
• Strong teamworking and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of CRM systems, with Salesforce experience a plus.
• Curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and interest in developing expertise in M&A/Corporate business development.