Business Development Manager (Corporate)

Overview

In this role you will lead strategic business development to support the Corporate practice and own the firmwide Retail & Leisure sector strategy. You will work closely with Corporate Transaction Services, IP & Commercial, and Employment & Immigration to shape growth and align market opportunities with practitioner activity. You’ll drive cross‑firm initiatives, enhance pitches and credentials, and mentor junior colleagues, while building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. The position offers a platform to influence firm strategy, deliver impactful campaigns, and champion a collaborative, inclusive culture. A strong track record in client development and successful pitches will,

Responsibilities

• Partner-level advisory support to Corporate Practice and lead Retail & Leisure sector strategy
• Identify growth opportunities and drive strategic BD initiatives
• Manage firmwide BD projects (client programmes, pitches, tender processes, cross-firm targeting)
• Lead sector-specific thought leadership, campaigns, events, and cross‑practice collaboration
• Collaborate with marketing, digital, and CRM to deliver integrated initiatives
• Line management of one BD Assistant
• Coach partners, associates, and junior staff in BD best practices
• Build senior stakeholder relationships and translate strategy into delivery

Key requirements

• Strong BD experience within law firm or professional services
• Degree level education (or equivalent)
• Proven track record in client development and successful pitches
• Ability to operate with gravitas at partner level
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Line management experience
• Collaborative, analytical, self-motivated team player
• Commercial acumen and creative problem-solving

• collaboration
• communication
• relationship building
• CRM systems
• pitch and tender processes
• proposal development

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