Business Development Manager
Ambitious law firm in growth mode
M&A, Private Equity and Tax
London
Hybrid working
My client is a highly regarded independent City law firm with a strong position in the UK private capital market. The firm advises ambitious businesses and leading investors at key points in their growth, bringing together expertise across M&A, private equity, venture capital, finance and strategic advisory work.
As the firm continues to grow, it is investing in its business development capability and creating a more focused approach to supporting its core practices. This newly created role will work directly with partners across M&A, Private Equity and Tax, helping them develop valuable relationships, identify and pursue opportunities, and strengthen their profile in the market.
This is a visible role within a lean structure, offering more ownership than can often be found in a larger firm. Partners are engaged and keen to work with dedicated business development support, giving the successful candidate the opportunity to influence priorities while remaining closely involved in delivery. Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, you will have the autonomy to move activity forward and see the impact of your work.
Key responsibilities
- Work closely with partners to implement business development plans across M&A, Private Equity and Tax
- Identify and develop opportunities with prospective clients, existing relationships, referrers and intermediaries
- Lead pitches and proposals, coordinating specialist input and developing clear, relevant positioning
- Use client and market intelligence to inform targeting, campaigns and practice priorities
- Develop focused outreach and relationship-building activity through the firm’s CRM and digital tools
- Plan and deliver high-quality client events, seminars, webinars and partnership initiatives
- Manage legal directory and award submissions in collaboration with the wider team
- Coordinate activity across business development, marketing, communications and client intelligence
- Maintain momentum against agreed priorities and provide partners with clear visibility of progress
About you
- You will have 4 to 7 years’ business development and marketing experience gained within a law firm or wider professional services environment. Experience supporting M&A, private equity or another transaction-led practice will be important, together with an understanding of how professional partnerships operate.
- You will be comfortable working directly with partners, influencing senior stakeholders and taking responsibility for projects from initial discussion through to delivery. Strong writing, presentation and project management skills are essential, as is the ability to manage competing priorities within a lean team.
- The firm is also open to relevant experience gained within other professional services environments, including accountancy and private capital, where you can demonstrate credible stakeholder management and a good understanding of the markets in which the practices operate.
- You will be commercially minded, practical and comfortable working independently. An interest in digital tools and the evolving use of AI within business development would also be valuable.
The firm operates a hybrid working pattern, with 3 days per week in the London office and 2 days working remotely.
Equal Opportunities
As a responsible business, it is important that we represent the diversity of our people, our clients and our communities. We believe that the firms that thrive are those with the most diverse team; that's why we work so hard to source the best talent from the broadest pool possible. As an equal opportunities employer we strive to accommodate anyone who may have specific needs. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the selection process, please talk to a member of the recruitment team so that any required adjustments can be made in advance.