Business Development Manager

Pro Personnel; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier law firm in South Africa is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead growth strategies and manage client relationships. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a related field and significant experience in business development within professional services. This dynamic role focuses on strategic expansion, event management, and enhancing brand visibility while collaborating closely with leadership to achieve firm goals.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in business development or client-facing roles.
• Experience in managing sector campaigns, thought leadership programs, and events.
• Familiarity with the South African and broader African business environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement targeted sector business plans with Practice Group Leaders.
• Lead the ideation and execution of large-scale client-focused events.
• Support key account strategies and develop pitch materials.

Skills

Project Management

Event Management

Communication

Relationship Building

Strategic Thinking

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Degree in Marketing, Law, Business, Communications or related field

Job description

Our client is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Business Development Manager to join their accomplished team at one of South Africa's premier law firms.

This key role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, intellectually rich environment.

You will be instrumental in designing and executing sector-focused growth strategies, ranging from high-impact legal colloquiums and thought leadership initiatives to sophisticated client engagement programs. Working closely with Partners, Sector Leads, and Practice Group Leaders, you'll help shape the firm's business development direction, enhance brand visibility, strengthen client relationships, and support strategic expansion across core industries.

The client is specifically seeking candidates with experience in Business Development, Marketing, or Strategy, preferably from the commercial or banking sectors. They are looking for individuals interested in transitioning into legal strategy, rather than those with a traditional legal background.

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Sector Strategy & Development: Partner with Practice Group Leaders to develop and implement targeted sector business plans. Identify high-growth opportunities and promote collaboration across legal practices. Build internal frameworks such as competitive analysis, client targeting, and market research. Lead or support strategic proposals and RFPs in priority sectors.
2. Thought Leadership & Event Management: Lead the ideation and execution of large-scale, multi-regional colloquiums and client-focused events. Manage planning, speaker coordination, delegate engagement, venue logistics, and post-event analysis. Collaborate with attorneys to convert legal developments into client-relevant content. Maintain an annual events calendar aligned with strategic goals. Monitor event effectiveness through follow-up and reporting.
3. Client Growth & Relationship Management: Support key account strategies, including client mapping, relationship development, and growth plans. Develop compelling pitch materials and presentations with legal teams. Analyze client feedback to refine service offerings. Identify cross-selling opportunities and assist in producing firm credentials and submissions.
4. Marketing & Communications Integration: Ensure all activities align with marketing and brand strategies. Lead sector-specific campaigns, content, and digital outreach. Oversee newsletters, thought pieces, and social media. Create and maintain marketing materials such as brochures and pitch decks. Track ROI and report performance.
5. Internal Engagement & Leadership Collaboration: Partner with leadership to align on strategic priorities. Share insights and performance data. Promote knowledge sharing across teams. Equip partners and associates with tools and training. Define and report on success metrics.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience: Degree in Marketing, Law, Business, Communications, or related field. 5-7 years of experience in business development or client-facing roles, preferably within professional services, finance, or commercial sectors. Proven success in managing sector campaigns, thought leadership programs, and events. Familiarity with the South African and broader African business environment.

Core Competencies: Strong project and event management skills. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation abilities. Commercially astute with a strategic, proactive mindset. Confident in engaging with senior leaders. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Salary is negotiable.