Global Client Pursuits Manager, Americas

Baker McKenzie; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker McKenzie in Chicago seeks a Manager, Global Client Pursuits, Americas to lead strategic client pursuits across the region. You will coordinate lawyers, business development professionals, and senior stakeholders to craft winning proposals, RFP responses, pitches, and client presentations for high-value opportunities.

The role requires senior judgment, strong project management, and the ability to translate complex legal and business concepts into persuasive content while driving

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in business development, pursuit management, proposal management, legal marketing, consulting, or professional services.
• Proven experience leading complex RFPs, pitches, competitive bids, and strategic pursuits.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Exceptional business writing, editing, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and execution of high-profile proposals, RFPs, panel reviews, pitches, and strategic client growth opportunities.
• Advise partners and pursuit teams on competitive positioning, value propositions, win themes, and client-focused messaging.
• Develop and manage pursuit plans, project timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful execution.
• Facilitate strategy sessions, kick-off meetings, and pursuit workshops across multiple offices and practice groups.
• Create and oversee the development of compelling proposals, presentations, executive summaries, and interview materials.
• Translate complex legal and business concepts into clear, persuasive, and client-centric content.
• Conduct client, industry, market, and competitor research to strengthen pursuit strategies and identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with lawyers, business development professionals, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality client solutions.
• Lead preparation efforts for finalist presentations, including messaging development, presentation coaching, and rehearsal support.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and influence decision-making across a global, matrixed organization.
• Mentor and support junior team members while promoting pursuit best practices and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, pursuit reporting, pipeline management, and operational excellence efforts.

Skills

Business development

Proposal management

Strategic thinking

Project management

Client relationship management

Executive communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

PowerPoint

Word

CRM platforms

SharePoint

Job description

The Manager, Global Client Pursuits, Americas is responsible for leading and managing strategic client pursuits across the Americas region to help Baker McKenzie win new business and expand existing client relationships. This role partners closely with lawyers, business development professionals, and senior stakeholders to develop winning pursuit strategies, compelling proposals, and impactful client presentations for high-value opportunities.

The position serves as a trusted advisor to pursuit teams, driving the development of client-focused solutions, coordinating complex cross-functional initiatives, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality proposals, RFP responses, pitches, and panel review submissions. Through strategic thinking, strong project management, and effective stakeholder engagement, the Manager contributes directly to the firm's revenue growth, client retention, and market expansion efforts.

The Manager, Global Client Pursuits, Americas is responsible for leading and managing strategic client pursuits across the Americas region to help Baker McKenzie win new business and expand existing client relationships. This role partners closely with lawyers, business development professionals, and senior stakeholders to develop winning pursuit strategies, compelling proposals, and impactful client presentations for high-value opportunities.

The position serves as a trusted advisor to pursuit teams, driving the development of client-focused solutions, coordinating complex cross-functional initiatives, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality proposals, RFP responses, pitches, and panel review submissions. Through strategic thinking, strong project management, and effective stakeholder engagement, the Manager contributes directly to the firm's revenue growth, client retention, and market expansion efforts.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and execution of high-profile proposals, RFPs, panel reviews, pitches, and strategic client growth opportunities.
• Advise partners and pursuit teams on competitive positioning, value propositions, win themes, and client-focused messaging.
• Develop and manage pursuit plans, project timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful execution.
• Facilitate strategy sessions, kick-off meetings, and pursuit workshops across multiple offices and practice groups.
• Create and oversee the development of compelling proposals, presentations, executive summaries, and interview materials.
• Translate complex legal and business concepts into clear, persuasive, and client-centric content.
• Conduct client, industry, market, and competitor research to strengthen pursuit strategies and identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborate with lawyers, business development professionals, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality client solutions.
• Lead preparation efforts for finalist presentations, including messaging development, presentation coaching, and rehearsal support.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and influence decision-making across a global, matrixed organization.
• Mentor and support junior team members while promoting pursuit best practices and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, pursuit reporting, pipeline management, and operational excellence efforts.

Requirements, Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in business development, pursuit management, proposal management, legal marketing, consulting, or professional services.
• Proven experience leading complex RFPs, pitches, competitive bids, and strategic pursuits.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Exceptional business writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and influencing teams in a matrixed environment.
• Strong strategic thinking and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Professional services, consulting, or law firm experience preferred.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Word; familiarity with Excel, Teams, SharePoint, CRM platforms, and proposal management tools.
• Experience leveraging AI and technology tools to enhance productivity and pursuit effectiveness is a plus.