Business Development Manager, Employment

McDermott Will & Schulte; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 138,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte is seeking a Business Development Manager to support the employment practice, expand client relationships, and drive revenue growth. You’ll lead BD strategies and oversee a team to deliver high‑quality proposals and programs.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree, 7+ years of experience, strong communication, leadership, and CRM/Office skills, with ability to travel and meet deadlines. Competitive package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 7+ years of related work experience
• MS Office and CRM software proficiency
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Ability to handle confidential information and travel
• Ability to work independently and under tight deadlines

Responsibilities

• Manage workflow and performance of the Business Development team

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Ability to work under deadlines

Ability to travel

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM software

Job description

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.

With Us, You’ll Find

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!
• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

Job Description

The Business Development Manager maintains the business development relationship with attorneys in the employment practice group. This position develops and implements business development strategies in order to expand client relationships and increase revenue and brand recognition, while overseeing the business development team members and departmental processes. The Business Development Manager relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Manage the workflow and performance of the Business Development team members, including providing ongoing performance feedback and participating in the annual staff performance evaluation process
• Identify and analyze opportunities for new business, client growth and cross‑selling; prepare and present proposals to practice group leaders and partners
• Manage lateral partner integration programs, including creating plans, tracking progress and preparing reports for practice group leaders
• Oversee the request for proposal (RFP) management process for the designated practice area, including developing strategic response plans and reviewing and approving written materials and presentations
• Manage, review and track the business development budget for the employment practice group
• Consult with attorneys to develop and monitor individual business development goals and plans
• Oversee the execution of client and designated practice group events
• Review collateral for the designated practice group, including practice-wide communications, brochures, one-pagers and presentations
• Monitor client and industry trends

Job Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least seven (7) years of related work experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)
• Knowledge of client relationship management (CRM) software
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential informationAbility to travel and work flexible and/or fluctuating work hours
• Ability to work independently and under own direction and initiative

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance‑based bonuses.

Target Hiring Range $138,000 - $203,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear
• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.