Senior BD & Marketing Manager - Business Services and...

at  Wedlake Bell

SENIOR BD & MARKETING MANAGER - BUSINESS SERVICES AND DISPUTES (12-MONTH FTC)

Wedlake Bell is recruiting for a Senior Business Development Manager to work with our prestigious Business Services and Disputes Groups to develop and drive BD and Marketing plans and campaigns. This role is a 12-month contract, to cover a maternity leave in the team.
Our Business Services and Disputes practices comprise of: corporate, commercial, M&A, employment, pensions / employee benefits, intellectual property, projects & infrastructure, insolvency & restructuring, utilities, and disputes (in all its guises).
As the Senior Business Development Manager for both groups, you will be leading the planning, development and execution of practice and sector BD & Marketing plans and campaigns, including the identification and creation of opportunities to win new business. You will work closely and collaboratively with our core BD & Marketing team, also contribute to wider BD initiatives, as appropriate.

Key relationships include:

• Heads of the Business Services and Disputes Groups
• Heads of the sub-groups
• Aligned Professional Support Lawyers
• Other members of the wider BD & Marketing Team, including:
• BD & Marketing Director
• Head of PR & Comms
• Senior BD & Marketing Managers (Real Estate, Private Client)
• Business Development and Marketing Executives

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead BD & Marketing activities for key and prestigious groups. We are looking for a dynamic and driven Senior Business Development Manager who has a proven background across the sectors covered, with a strong ability to strategise and influence at all levels.

ABOUT US

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.
Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip!), you will quickly feel like part of the Wedlake Bell team!

KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Has a strong understanding of business services and disputes within a law firm and client context, from both an external market / sector and internal operational perspective
• A driven individual with the ability to build credible relationships with Partners and the ability to influence accordingly
• A strong network of industry contacts including advisers to the sector, intermediaries and referrers
• Recognises the differences between a sector or practiced based go-to-market approach
• Articulate and confident with the ability to alter approach depending on the situation and characters involved
• Has proven experience of managing and developing key clients focused on revenue generation opportunities
• Interacts confidently and effectively with key clients and stakeholders
• Self-starter who recognises the challenges and benefits of playing a senior role in an evolving team
• Experience of handling a large workload and capable of identifying priorities in terms of what’s important versus what’s deemed urgent
• Strong presentation skills
• Effective coach of all levels of experience from junior team members to Partners
• Exemplary communication skills in both team and individual settings
• Professional services (Partnership) experience and understanding, with a proven track record of leading BD & marketing at a senior level
• International experience an advantage but not critical

WHY JOIN US?

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package;
• 25 days of paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
• Pension plan, Life Assurance, and Income Protection Scheme;
• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
• Enhanced parental leave policies;
• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;
• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships;
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression; and
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
  We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.
  If you are passionate about your work and are looking for a challenging yet rewarding career, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our successful team

• Lead the BD & Marketing function for the Disputes and Business Services practices, acting as a strategic advisor to key stakeholders and the wider partnership
• Work with Partners and other key stakeholders to create and execute strategic BD & Marketing plans
• Develop BD & Marketing strategies aligned to the direction of the practices and Firm - driving top line growth
• Lead the development of new product offerings, collaborating with Partners and the wider marketing and BD teams to define the benefits of the new products and the most effective routes to market (i.e., via sector marketing campaigns and client development activities).
• Act as a conduit across the business, helping Partners to leverage the strengths and capabilities of other areas of the business
• Develop, manage, monitor, sign-off and report on practice group and sub-group budgets
• Work with individual Partners to develop and execute their own, personal BD & Marketing plans
• Work with stakeholders to identify the key issues and topics, or areas of specialist knowledge, we should be promoting and the best approach to marketing
• Work with other members of the team to ensure materials and public information is up-to-date and accurate
• Lead on relevant pitch opportunities from start to finish, including on the ‘go/no go’ decision and pre-presentation coaching
• Work with the BD & Marketing Director, and other members of the team / firm, to deliver firmwide projects and initiatives
• Deploy appropriate and effective BD & Marketing tools and tactics to execute business objectives
• Actively develop and manage the opportunity pipeline
• Lead selected firmwide sector teams (as the initiative is established and develops) delivering strategic, targeted and well executed campaigns
• Manage key client accounts as developed
• Work with the Partners, Head of PR & Communications and / or external PR agency, to identify and deliver appropriate PR and Comms opportunities (internally and externally)
• Work with Partners, Professional Support Lawyers (PSLs) and other fee earners, to develop and deliver relevant email alerts to specific clients/targets
• Measure, report on and change approach (as necessary) to BD & Marketing depending on results and ROI
• Scope legal directory submissions with Partners and help them prepare for interviews with researchers
• Champion best practice and the use of relevant technology / tools (InterAction, Objective Manager, Passle etc)
• Provide effective leadership and direction for the Senior BD Executives and other members of the team, using coaching, mentoring and other development initiatives
• Delegate tasks at the appropriate level and provide both positive and constructive feedback on a rolling basis
• Proactively identify and tackle underperformance using the appropriate methods and channels