Business Development Manager

Bird & Bird is an international law firm providing legal services to lawyers and professionals worldwide. The firm operates as one global team, with more than 70% of its work involving people across the firm.

• Develop and drive client development strategies for sector-priority and other high-potential clients in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data, and Cyber Security;
• Design and implement account strategies, including account plans, budgets, and relationship maps;
• Monitor industry and client issues through press releases, news alerts, and research tools, and share insights with account teams;
• Establish consistent global service standards and a One firm approach;
• Create new matter opening alerts to support compliance with clients’ contracting and billing processes;
• Provide dynamic reporting using CRM intelligence and introduce dashboards to monitor account performance, fees, opportunities, matters, activities, and client engagement;
• Review new client and Bird & Bird contacts in Introhive and inform account teams;
• Implement and manage systematic client feedback processes to evaluate engagement and satisfaction and identify new business opportunities;
• Create and manage a pipeline and maintain accurate CRM records;
• Identify new business opportunities and connect and coach Bird & Bird teams to pursue them;
• Support major RFPs and tenders, including coordinating client pitch materials and aligning proposal teams with client culture, buying criteria, and structure;
• Build direct relationships with client contacts to understand their issues and tailor value-added services and Client Solutions;
• Identify BD projects, initiatives, and strategic focus areas requiring additional support.

• Prior experience in professional services and a partnership environment;
• Expertise in account relationship management and experience building strategic business relationships and pursuing new business;
• Proven track record of excellence and ability to gain credibility with stakeholders and coach and influence behaviours;
• Commercial awareness and project management skills;
• Strong external network and experience developing and implementing innovative processes;
• Knowledge and enthusiasm for topics related to Bird & Bird’s core sector groups;
• Nice to have: sector-focused business development, marketing, or sales experience, experience in a multijurisdictional organisation, experience with AI and Data Analytic tools.

• Private medical cover, life assurance, critical illness cover, and regular health assessments;
• Cycle to work scheme, online GP appointments, discounted gym memberships, and an electric vehicle scheme.