Associate Director Business Development

Ambition; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambition seeks an Associate Director of Business Development for a leading global law firm. The role partners with the Global BD Director to shape client growth, strategy, and market positioning across the project finance team.

The position requires senior BD experience in a complex professional services environment, with a focus on strategy, pitches, and cross-functional collaboration to raise external profiles and win high-value opportunities.

Qualifications

• Significant BD experience in a complex professional services environment
• Deep expertise in client strategy, pitching and pursuit management
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders in a matrix environment
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to translate data into recommendations
• Experience leading teams and driving high performance

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute client growth strategies with practice and industry leaders.
• Oversee design and delivery of tailored, high-impact pitches and proposals.
• Lead thought leadership and external profile-raising initiatives with marketing teams.
• Influence partners and executives to advance BD priorities across practice groups.
• Coach and manage teams and major BD projects for continuous improvement

Job description

Our client, a leading global law firm, is seeking an Associate Director of Business Development to act as a strategic leader and trusted advisor to the project finance team, working closely with the Global Business Development Director.

We would like to welcome engagement from those currently at Associate Director level or individuals who will be looking to step into this role from a senior management position.

• Developing and executing client growth strategies in partnership with practice and industry leaders, using market intelligence and competitive analysis to identify and pursue high-value opportunities.
• Overseeing the design and delivery of tailored, high-impact pitches and proposals.
• Take the lead on thought leadership and external profile-raising initiatives in collaboration with marketing and communications teams.
• Acting as a senior, visible leader across practice groups, influencing partners and executive stakeholders to advance key BD priorities
• Leading teams and major projects, with a focus on coaching, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Significant BD experience within a complex professional services environment; legal sector experience preferred
• Deep expertise across client strategy, pitching and pursuit management, and market positioning
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and align diverse teams in a matrix environment
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to translate data and market insight into clear recommendations
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and driving high performance

Our client has a strong reputation for investing in its people and offers long-term career development opportunities for senior BD professionals. This is a genuine opportunity to shape strategy, lead a team, and make a measurable impact within the global BD function.