Business Development Manager (Corporate M&A)

Ambition; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambition in Houston is seeking a Manager, Business Development – Corporate M&A to drive client development and growth for a leading corporate practice. You will partner with lawyers, clients, and BD leadership to shape strategy and execution across complex transactions.

The role requires experience in law firm or professional services BD, with a focus on corporate, transactional, private equity, or M&A-focused practices.

Qualifications

• Experience driving client development and growth initiatives in professional services.
• Experience translating market insights into actionable BD plans.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and mentor junior staff.
• Strong presentation and proposal development skills including RFPs.

Responsibilities

• Support execution of client development and growth strategies through market research, client mapping, and opportunity identification.
• Partner with lawyers and BD leadership to develop and implement client plans, track engagement, and strengthen key client relationships.
• Provide market insights and recommendations to enhance client targeting, segmentation, and BD effectiveness.
• Lead the preparation and delivery of tailored pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and capability statements that align with client needs and firm strategy.
• Manage the collection and maintenance of deal experience, credentials, and supporting materials used in BD efforts.
• Work closely with partners, BD colleagues, and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and consistency across initiatives.
• Manage and mentor junior business development professionals, overseeing workflow, quality standards, and professional development.

Skills

Business development

Stakeholder management

Market research

Client relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

We’re delighted to be partnering with a leading global law firm in the search for a Manager, Business Development – Corporate M&A. This is an exciting opportunity for a business development professional to play a pivotal role in supporting one of the firm’s flagship corporate practices, partnering closely with lawyers, client teams, and BD leadership to drive growth, strengthen client relationships, and enhance market positioning.

In this role, you will serve as a business development process expert and operational leader, overseeing the execution of key BD initiatives while supporting strategic client development efforts across a sophisticated M&A practice. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders, manage junior team members, and contribute to the firm's continued success in a highly competitive market.

We would love to speak with individuals who bring strong business development experience from a law firm or professional services environment. Experience supporting corporate, transactional, private equity, or M&A-focused practices would be particularly valuable.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support the execution of client development and business growth strategies through market research, client mapping, and opportunity identification.
• Partner with lawyers and BD leadership to develop and implement client plans, track engagement, and strengthen key client relationships.
• Provide market insights and recommendations to enhance client targeting, segmentation, and business development effectiveness.
• Lead the preparation and delivery of tailored pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and capability statements that align with client needs and firm strategy.
• Manage the collection and maintenance of deal experience, credentials, and supporting materials used in business development efforts.
• Work closely with partners, BD colleagues, and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and consistency across initiatives.
• Manage and mentor junior business development professionals, overseeing workflow, quality standards, and professional development.