Associate Director Business Development

Ambition; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambition is partnering with a global law firm to appoint a Senior Manager / Associate Director, Business Development for the M&A practice. This senior role offers exposure to leadership and the opportunity to shape BD strategy across the US, in coordination with an international network.

The role suits an ambitious Senior BD professional ready for the next step, joining a high-performing global firm with a hybrid work model (3 days in office, 2 days flexible).

Qualifications

• Senior business development professional with leadership experience.
• Experience managing a US-based BD team.
• Experience collaborating across US-EMEA or international networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of the M&A BD strategy.
• Mentor a US-based BD team and partner with EMEA colleagues.
• Drive target client activity and key account initiatives.
• Raise the profile of the practice through client programs and campaigns.
• Monitor market activity and competitive trends to inform strategy.
• Contribute to high-value pitches and RFPs for growth.
• Provide market insights to leadership and practice leaders.

Skills

BD Leadership

Strategic Planning

Team Management

Market Intelligence

RFPs

Job description

We're delighted to be partnering with a globally recognized law firm on the appointment of a Senior Manager / Associate Director, Business Development to support its market-leading M&A practice.

This is a senior strategic position offering significant exposure to practice leadership and the opportunity to influence business development strategy across the US, while collaborating with teams and stakeholders across an international network.

This opportunity would suit an ambitious Senior Business Development Manager ready for their next step who is looking to join a high-performing global firm.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the development and execution of the M&A practice's business development and marketing strategy.
• Manage and mentor a US-based BD team, while partnering closely with colleagues across EMEA.
• Drive client targeting and key account initiatives aligned to firm-wide growth objectives.
• Raise the profile of the practice through client programs, events, sponsorships, thought leadership, and market-facing campaigns.
• Monitor market activity, competitive trends, and emerging opportunities to support strategic decision-making.
• Partner on high-value panel pitches and RFPs, helping position the firm for continued growth and success.
• Deliver market intelligence and actionable insights to practice and firm leadership.

Why Consider This Role?

• Work directly with senior partners and practice leadership.
• Lead a highly visible function within one of the firm's flagship practice areas.
• Be part of a collaborative BD leadership team with a reputation for investing in talent and career progression.
• Hybrid working model: 3 days in the office, 2 days flexible.