Senior Business Development Manager

Overview

In this role you will lead business development for Dentons’ Banking & Financial Services Division, acting as a strategic adviser to partners and shaping initiatives that strengthen market position and profitable growth. You will coordinate BD activity across Banking, Capital Markets and Restructuring, driving cross‑practice collaboration and client engagement. You’ll manage significant client pursuits, campaigns and events while developing and mentoring the BD team. This is a high‑visibility leadership role focused on turning strategic priorities into measurable outcomes in a global law firm environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual BD plans aligned to firm strategy
• Advise partners on market positioning and growth opportunities
• Oversee strategic initiatives across Banking, Capital Markets and Restructuring
• Promote cross‑practice collaboration to increase cross‑selling
• Oversee BD budgets, reporting and KPI tracking
• Chair BD and go‑to‑market meetings with accountable actions
• Develop business cases for strategic investments
• Lead strategy and delivery of client pursuits and pitches
• Manage opportunity pipeline with robust qualification and pursuit planning
• Collaborate with Proposals team for client-focused submissions
• Plan and implement strategies for priority clients and growth opportunities
• Increase value of panel appointments through follow‑up BD and client engagement
• Improve pursuit and proposal processes using feedback and best practices
• Manage participation in Client Programme and strategic account planning
• Coordinate cross‑practice client development initiatives
• Support partners with client relationship and pursuit strategies
• Engage with client listening programmes and implement resulting actions
• Monitor market developments to identify growth opportunities
• Develop integrated marketing and BD campaigns across practice groups
• Lead thought leadership programmes aligned to market trends
• Leverage regulatory and industry trends to engage clients
• Plan flagship events, webinars and sponsorships
• Collaborate with Communications and Digital Marketing to extend reach
• Raise external profile of the practice across target markets
• Manage legal directory and awards strategy and submissions
• Support media opportunities, publications and speaking engagements
• Ensure consistent messaging across collateral and channels
• Monitor competitor activity and market positioning
• Lead, coach and develop BD professionals supporting the practice
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within Clients & Markets
• Allocate resources across practice groups to priorities
• Promote best practice and process improvements across BD
• Encourage adoption of CRM, client intelligence and data analytics
• Improve BD processes and transparency for partners
• Drive efficiency and effectiveness of BD activity

Key requirements

• Significant senior BD experience in legal or professional services
• Experience partnering with senior stakeholders to implement strategic BD plans
• Proven track record leading BD across complex practice groups or sectors
• Strong people management and leadership experience
• Experience managing strategic pitches and client development programmes
• Commercial acumen with Banking and Financial Services market knowledge
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities
• Experience using CRM, client intelligence and data to support BD decisions
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a matrix organization
• Experience guiding transformation efforts with senior leaders

• Business-oriented mindset with focus on measurable outcomes
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate ideas into action
• Relationship builder and collaboration advocate
• CRM
• Client intelligence and data analytics
• Pursuit and proposal process optimization

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