Senior Business Development Manager

Warner Norcross + Judd; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Remote work flexibility

Wellness program

Professional development

Firm paid parking

Job summary

Warner Norcross + Judd in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a Senior Business Development Manager to lead marketing and business development initiatives for assigned practice and industry groups.

You will coach attorneys, manage proposals and client communications, identify growth opportunities through market research and relationship mapping, and collaborate with the Marketing and BD team to strengthen the firm’s market presence.

Qualifications

• 6–12 years’ experience in law or professional services.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Marketing.
• Proven sales experience in professional services.
• Strong team player with matrix structure experience.
• Proven leader of large-scale client-focused initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead practice group business development initiatives, marketing projects, and performance tracking.
• Manage proposals, RFP responses, pitch materials, and client communications with attorneys and marketing team.
• Identify and evaluate growth opportunities through market research, client intelligence, prospect development, and CRM management.
• Develop strategies that support new business, cross-selling, client retention, and expansion across groups and offices.
• Coach attorneys on business development efforts, target outreach, and pitch-team selection.
• Maintain practice group collateral and digital content, including experience lists and website content.
• Coordinate events, sponsorships, public relations opportunities, and other activities to strengthen market presence.
• Build strong relationships across the firm and externally while representing the firm professionally.

Skills

Sales experience

Team leadership

Relationship building

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Marketing

Tools

CRM management

Job description

Warner Norcross + Judd is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to join our team. The Senior Business Development Manager leads marketing and business development initiatives for assigned practice and industry groups. Responsibilities include helping define group business plans, overseeing the implementation process, being the strategic point of contact for the designated groups, and supporting responsible attorneys and timeframes.

The Senior Business Development Manager will also actively represent the firm through various business, trade and professional associations related to the specific groups that they support. Activity within these groups will include identifying centers of influence, relational leads and potential targets; providing sales coaching for the attorneys; and tracking lawyer accountability for specific business development tasks identified in the group business plans. The Senior Business Development Manager must be comfortable interacting with all levels of personnel at clients/prospects as well as coaching attorneys of various experience levels. The Senior Business Development Manager will work collaboratively with marketing and business development resources, while sharing best practices with others in the department.

The role will be based in our Grand Rapids, MI, office and will include travel to other offices and events as needed.

What You'll Do:

• Lead practice group business development initiatives, marketing projects, and performance tracking.
• Manage proposals, RFP responses, pitch materials, and client communications in collaboration with attorneys and the Business Development and Marketing team.
• Identify and evaluate growth opportunities through market research, client intelligence, prospect development, relationship mapping, and CRM management.
• Develop strategies that support new business, cross-selling, client retention, and expansion across practice groups, industries, and offices.
• Coach attorneys on business development efforts, target outreach, and pitch-team selection.
• Maintain practice group collateral and digital content, including experience lists, practice descriptions, presentations, newsletters, and website content.
• Coordinate events, sponsorships, public relations opportunities, and other activities that strengthen the firm’s market presence.
• Build strong relationships across the firm and externally while representing the firm professionally in the marketplace.

The physical demands of this position are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. These include being both mobile and stationary throughout the workday, having the ability to transport 25 pounds and being able to operate a computer and other business equipment found in the office.

What Makes You Successful:

You are a strategic, curious, and proactive professional who takes ownership and brings innovative ideas to drive business growth. You excel at managing multiple priorities, leading projects, and building strong relationships while delivering exceptional client service. A collaborative coach and effective communicator, you are detail-oriented, results-driven, and comfortable handling confidential information with discretion. Your ability to think strategically, solve problems creatively, and support cross-selling and business development initiatives helps position both your team and the firm for success.

About You

Experience, Education and Training:

• 6-12 years’ experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications and/or Marketing (or related discipline).
• Proven sales experience in professional services.
• Strong team player with excellent team management skills and demonstrated ability to work in a matrix structure.
• Proven leader with demonstrated success leading large-scale, client-focused business development initiatives.

What sets Warner Apart

At Warner Norcross + Judd, we know that talented professionals have choices. That's why we've built a workplace that supports your success both professionally and personally.

Benefits Designed to Support You

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Firm-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with employer contribution or match, depending on plan design
• Generous paid time off and leave programs
• Paid firm holidays
• Remote work flexibility
• Wellness programs
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Firm paid parking

Why People Choose Warner

At Warner, our culture is guided by our motto: "Fun, Pride + Profit...in that Order." We believe people do their best work when they feel connected to their colleagues, supported in their careers and empowered to maintain balance in their lives.

When you join Warner, you'll find:

• A collaborative environment where teamwork and mutual respect are valued
• Meaningful opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that encourages participation and leadership at every level
• Flexibility that supports both professional achievement and personal well-being
• A firm that invests in its communities through charitable giving, volunteerism, and scholarship programs
• Colleagues who are passionate about delivering exceptional service while enjoying the work they do

About Warner

Warner is a full-service corporate law firm with 230+ attorneys practicing in nine offices throughout Michigan: Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb, Midland and Muskegon. To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.