Senior Business Development Manager

FBT Gibbons; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 154,000 - 196,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care coverage (medical, dental,

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid parental leave

Wellbeing programs

Paid time off

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

FBT Gibbons LLP seeks a Senior Business Development Manager to serve as a trusted strategist for the Corporate, M&A and Private Equity practices. You will lead growth initiatives, partner with attorneys and firm leaders, and translate market insights into actionable plans that drive revenue.

The role requires deep B2B professional services experience, strong leadership and data-driven decision making, and the ability to manage multiple priorities across a national footprint with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; degree in business, finance, marketing, communications or other relevant area preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a B2B professional services setting developing and executing business development strategies.
• Sophisticated understanding of corporate and transactional legal services and ability to translate that knowledge into growth strategies, client opportunities, and market-facing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development strategy for Corporate, M&A, Private Equity, and other transactional practices, partnering with industry teams and firm leadership to drive growth and revenue generation.
• Identify growth opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and advance strategic priorities across corporate and transactional practices.
• Analyze firm, client, market, and competitive data to inform growth opportunities and strategy.
• Develop and execute business development plans, client initiatives, and market-facing programs that drive revenue and visibility.
• Oversee proposals, pitches, and other BD pursuits from strategy through execution.
• Manage BD resources, budgets, and performance metrics to ensure successful execution of initiatives.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Project management

Data-driven

CRM

Microsoft Office

Communication

Negotiation

Relationship building

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

CRM

Pipeline tracking

Experience databases

Marketing technology

Microsoft Office

Job description

FBT Gibbons LLP is a national law firm focused on serving companies operating and investing in the middle market. With nearly 1,500 employees across 26 offices, we support clients ranging from large multinationals to mid-sized businesses and growth-oriented startups across the United States. Our teams collaborate across departments and geographies to deliver excellent service to our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.

At FBT Gibbons, diversity enriches our vibrant culture and empowers our teams to achieve more together. We welcome talented professionals who bring valuable skills, a collaborative mindset, and a shared commitment to helping our firm and clients thrive. Here, you’ll make meaningful contributions, collaborate with exceptional colleagues, and build a career that grows with your skills and ambitions.

We are currently seeking a Senior Business Development Manager (SBDM) to serve as a trusted strategic advisor to Practice Groups, Industry Teams, key client programs (Cornerstones), cross-functional departments, and firm leadership, creating and leading business development strategies that accelerate revenue and support long term growth for the Corporate, M&A and Private Equity practices. This includes data analysis, strategic planning, execution of tactics that support strategic initiatives, budget planning, and identifying, tracking and reporting on KPIs.

Our ideal candidate is a strategic and commercially minded professional with demonstrated understanding of corporate and transactional law practices who partners with attorneys and firm leadership to drive growth, strengthen client relationships, and enhance the firm's market position. They serve as both a business advisor and an execution leader, balancing long-term planning with hands‑on implementation. Experience in a B2B professional services and/or legal environment is required.

This position can be based in Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY; Nashville, TN; Newark, NJ; or Washington, D.C.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead business development strategy for the Corporate, M&A, Private Equity, and other transactional practices, partnering with industry teams, key client programs, and firm leadership to drive growth and revenue generation.
• Partner with attorneys and firm leadership to identify growth opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and advance strategic priorities across the firm's corporate and transactional practices.
• Analyze firm, client, market, and competitive intelligence data to identify growth opportunities, inform business development strategy, and support practice growth.
• Develop and execute business development plans, client initiatives, and market‑facing programs that drive revenue growth, strengthen client relationships, and elevate market visibility.
• Lead key client development efforts, including client growth strategies, cross‑selling initiatives, client feedback programs, and relationship expansion opportunities.
• Oversee proposals, pitches, presentations, and other business development pursuits from strategy through execution.
• Direct business development resources, budgets, and performance metrics to ensure successful execution of strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on initiatives that support practice growth, client service, and firmwide objectives.
• Monitor legal industry, client, and market trends and provide actionable insights and recommendations to firm leadership.
• Contribute to departmental leadership, process improvement, and the development of business development best practices.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work culture by motivating employees, promoting teamwork, and maintaining high levels of engagement and job satisfaction.
• Provide continuous coaching and mentorship to direct reports, offering constructive feedback to support professional growth and skill development.
• Ensure adherence to firm policies and legal regulations while managing employee conduct and performance.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required; degree in business, finance, marketing, communications or other relevant area preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a B2B professional services setting developing and executing business development strategies required, including 3 years of management experience.
• Sophisticated understanding of corporate and transactional legal services and the ability to translate that knowledge into growth strategies, client opportunities, and market‑facing initiatives. Strong strategic planning and development skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use data, financial metrics, market research, and competitive intelligence to identify growth opportunities and inform strategy.
• Proficiency with CRM, pipeline tracking, experience databases, marketing technology, and Microsoft Office applications preferred.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
• Self‑motivated professional with sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to work over 40 hours per week and travel as needed across the firm’s footprint. Weekend and overnight travel may be required from time to time. Travel time estimates are moderate (10‑15%).

FBT Gibbons is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of FBT Gibbons to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, military status, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other protected status.

• Health care coverage (medical, dental, and vision)
• Life insurance
• Short‑and‑long‑term disability
• Paid parental leave
• Employee wellbeing and EAP programs
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching and profit‑sharing

Benefit offerings and eligibility vary by location and are subject to applicable plan terms and legal requirements.

FBT Gibbons offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health care coverage (medical, dental, and vision), life insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, employee wellbeing and EAP programs, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching and profit-sharing.

The pay range for this role accounts for the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. For applicants physically based in Denver, CO, a reasonable estimate of the current annual range is $154,000-$187,000. For applicants physically based in Los Angeles, CA; Newark, NJ; and Washington, DC, a reasonable estimate of the current annual range is $161,000-$195,500. Actual pay will be determined based on skills, relevant experience and other job‑related factors, consistent with applicable employment laws.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. FBT Gibbons does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, FBT Gibbons will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest and/or conviction records.

The application deadline for this position is October 30, 2026.