Snr Business Development Manager | Private Equity | M&A

Onward Legal Innovation; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive compensation

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Onward Legal Innovation, a top AmLaw 10 US law firm, seeks a Senior Business Development Manager focused on client engagement to join its Marketing & Business Development team in Chicago. You will shape client engagement strategies and deliver high-impact programs that strengthen relationships with Private Equity and M&A clients.

You will work closely with senior Partners to design executive-level events, strategic partnerships, and client programs that drive growth and differentiating value

Qualifications

• 10+ years in business development, client engagement, or related roles within top law firms or professional services.
• Strong client relationship management skills with experience in PE/M&A or transactional practices.
• Experience designing and delivering executive-level client events, sponsorships, and partnerships.
• Commercially-minded with the ability to advise senior partners and business leaders.
• Excellent project management, stakeholder management, and communication abilities.
• Analytical mindset with use of CRM data and market insights to inform strategy.

Responsibilities

• Drive Client Engagement Strategy: develop initiatives to strengthen key client relationships and generate new business across PE and M&A.
• Shape High-Impact Client Programs: lead events strategy, executive roundtables, and invitation-only programs from concept to execution.
• Partner with Senior Leadership: collaborate with partners to identify opportunities for client growth and differentiation.
• Develop Strategic Partnerships: identify and manage sponsorships and partnerships delivering commercial value.
• Leverage Market Intelligence: use client insights and market trends to shape strategy and measure impact.
• Collaborate Globally: work with international Marketing & Business Development teams to deliver exceptional client experiences.

Skills

BD experience

Client relationships

Executive events

Strategic partnerships

Project management

CRM analytics

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Senior Business Development Manager focused on Client Engagement Strategy is needed to join the Marketing & Business Development team at one of the top ten | AmLaw 10 US law firms, supporting its market-leading Private Equity and M&A US practice.

This is an opportunity for a commercially minded business development professional who enjoys working closely with senior Partners, shaping client engagement strategies, and delivering high-impact programs that strengthen relationships and drive business growth.

The role goes beyond traditional legal marketing and events. You'll have the opportunity to influence how the firm engages its most important clients, develops strategic partnerships, and creates new business opportunities across its Private Equity and M&A practices.

Key Skills & Experience

• Circa 10+ years' experience in business development, client engagement, strategic marketing, or client programs within a leading law firm, private equity firm, investment bank, or professional services environment.
• Strong background in client relationship management and business development strategy, ideally supporting Private Equity, M&A, Corporate, or other transactional practices.
• Experience designing and delivering sophisticated client engagement programs, executive-level events, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.
• Commercially astute, with the confidence and executive presence to advise senior Partners and business leaders.
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills.
• Analytical mindset, with experience leveraging CRM systems, client intelligence, and market insights to inform business development strategy.

What You'll Do

• Drive Client Engagement Strategy: Develop initiatives that strengthen key client relationships and generate new business opportunities across Private Equity and M&A.
• Shape High-Impact Client Programs: Lead strategic client events strategy, executive roundtables, and invitation-only programs from concept through execution.
• Partner with Senior Leadership: Work directly with Partners and practice leaders to identify opportunities for client growth and market differentiation.
• Develop Strategic Partnerships: Identify and manage sponsorships, partnerships, and thought leadership initiatives that deliver commercial value.
• Leverage Market Intelligence: Use client insights, engagement data, and market trends to shape strategy and measure business impact.
• Collaborate Globally: Work with an established international Marketing & Business Development team to deliver exceptional client experiences.

Why This Opportunity?

• Join one of the most prestigious and commercially successful law firms in the US, with a globally recognized Private Equity and M&A practice.
• Gain direct exposure to influential Partners and senior leadership.
• Take ownership of high-profile client engagement initiatives with genuine strategic and commercial impact.
• Work within a sophisticated, collaborative, and well-resourced Marketing & Business Development function.
• Enjoy a competitive compensation package, hybrid working, and excellent opportunities for professional development.

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