Business Development Manager

Overview

Key responsibilities and deliverables

• As a Business Development Manager you will apply your understanding of the Firm’s BD Strategy to drive Business Development activities in the region.
• You will craft pitches, campaigns, content/credentials creation, directory submissions, and supporting on key client relationships for the practice.
• You will also work closely with colleagues across other practice areas and geographies to spot opportunities for collaboration.
• Help identify and respond to the specific challenges and opportunities for the practice.
• Identify strategies for new business opportunities by staying informed about clients' present and emerging needs and the issues and trends in their industries and by monitoring relevant updates.
• Support and execute the Firm’s business development strategy by being visible, credible and using strong influencing skills to engage the practice group in the strategy to advance business development activities effectively across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and proactively spot opportunities by connecting the dots across the MENA region and globally— leveraging regional insights, cross-office relationships and global sector trends to identify collaboration opportunities and emerging client needs.
• Lead or support the development, execution and monitoring of regional client plans.
• Support the Firm’s client feedback programme by capturing insights from matter and pitch debriefs, identifying cross-selling opportunities, and feeding back intelligence to partners.
• Conduct structured market, sector and competitor intelligence.
• Create and manage compelling proposals and pitches to respond to fast turn-around bids, strategic panels, or other opportunities.
• Maintain the quality and accuracy of each practice’s collateral materials, experience lists, and related resources. Produce and oversee relevant directory and award submissions to increase engagement with key clients and enhance the personal brands of leading practitioners and the firm’s global reputation.
• Maintain a strong understanding of how AI tools, including Gen AI products, can be used to support and where appropriate automate horizon scanning, research and other functions of the role. Over time, take responsibility for identifying, adopting and leveraging the Firm's suite of Gen AI tools to deliver better BD support, more efficiently.
• Assist in managing and strategically deploy the MENA BD budget.
• Mentor and guide junior colleagues on live work projects where appropriate.
• Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 4-8+ years’ experience working for a law firm with a focus on the Middle East.
• Familiarity with relevant legal BD databases and other resources.
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders.
• Strong multi-tasking and project management skills and demonstrated capabilities to manage multiple deadlines, changing project criteria, and maintaining calm under pressure.
• Excellent written, presentation and oral communications skills.
• Strong organizational skill and attention to detail.
• Natural curiosity and dedication to learning; passion to grow into a well-rounded business development practitioner.
• Readiness to work overtime and outside normal hours as required.