Business Development Manager

Joblink Placement; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in South Africa seeks a Business Development Manager to spearhead strategies driving growth across critical sectors. This role involves developing business plans, managing high-profile events, and enhancing client engagements. Ideal candidates will have strong project management skills, a background in professional services, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a business development or client-facing role.
• Strong understanding of the South African and African business landscape.
• Demonstrated experience in managing events and thought leadership campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sector-based business development plans.
• Design and manage large-scale multi-region colloquiums and seminars.
• Support relationship mapping and client targeting for strategic accounts.

Skills

Project Management

Strategic Thinking

Client Engagement

Interpersonal Abilities

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in Marketing, Business, Law, or Communications

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

We are looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Business Development Manager to join our high-performing team at one of South Africa’s leading law firms. This is a pivotal role for a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment. You will lead the development and execution of impactful, sector-driven growth initiatives including high-profile multi region legal colloquiums, thought leadership platforms, and strategic client engagement campaigns. Working alongside our Partners, Practice Group Leaders, and Sector Leads, you will play a key role in elevating the firm’s market presence, deepening client relationships, and driving growth across our most critical industries.

Key Responsibilities :

Sector Development :

• Develop and execute sector-based business development plans in collaboration with Practice Group Leaders.
• Identify high-potential growth areas and support cross-practice collaboration.
• Build internal sector knowledge frameworks, including competitor benchmarking, target client mapping, and market intelligence.
• Lead or support RFPs and proposals aligned to strategic sectors.

Colloquiums & Thought Leadership :

• Design, coordinate, and manage large-scale multi-region colloquiums, client seminars, and strategic roundtables that position the firm as a thought leader.
• Own the planning lifecycle : from concept development, speaker and panel coordination, delegate lists, venue management, logistics, and post-event reporting.
• Collaborate with lawyers to translate legal developments into relevant client-facing content.
• Develop Firms Business Development Strategy
• Develop and maintain an annual events calendar aligned with the firm’s business development strategy.
• Conceptualise, plan, and manage colloquiums, conferences, and sector-specific client roundtables.
• Partner with legal teams to deliver impactful content aligned with sector goals.
• Drive post-event engagement strategies and reporting for business impact tracking.

Client Development :

• Support relationship mapping, client targeting, and growth strategies for strategic accounts.
• Collaborate with fee earners to craft tailored pitch materials and client presentations.
• Track and analyse client feedback to refine service offerings and improve engagement.
• Support fee earners in identifying cross-selling opportunities within existing client relationships.
• Assist in the preparation of capability statements, credentials, and legal directories.

Marketing & Communications Alignment :

• Align business development initiatives with the firm’s broader marketing strategy.
• Manage the Business Development & Marketing team to ensure sector campaigns, publications, and social media communications align with BD goals
• Collaborate on the production of newsletters, legal updates, and digital campaigns with sector relevance.
• Ensure consistent messaging across campaigns, events, digital platforms, and communications.
• Create and maintain compelling firm-wide collateral, brochures, pitch decks, and directories.
• Monitor ROI of BD initiatives and provide regular reporting to senior stakeholders.

Internal Collaboration :

• Work closely with the Chairman and Practice / Sector Group Leaders to ensure alignment on priorities.
• Deliver regular reports and insights to senior leadership on pipeline, engagement success, and market feedback.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices across regions and practice groups.
• Support partners and associates with training and tools to elevate their BD capabilities.
• Establish metrics to measure BD success across events, initiatives, and client growth

Requirements :

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Marketing, Business, Law, or Communications.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a business development or client-facing role, preferably in financial services, commercial services or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated experience in managing events, thought leadership campaigns, or sector-based initiatives.
• Strong understanding of the South African and African business landscape.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive and commercial mindset.
• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders with credibility.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

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