Business Development Manager - Private Equity
Top tier law firm
London
My client is a leading international law firm that continues to invest heavily in both its private equity practice and wider European platform. As part of that growth, the firm is seeking a Business Development Manager to support one of its largest and most commercially important practice groups.
Working directly with senior partners across London and collaborating with colleagues in Europe and the US, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategy, drive client development initiatives and play a visible role in a practice that sits at the centre of the firm's international growth ambitions. It will suit an experienced Business Development Manager who enjoys operating in a fast-paced transactional environment and wants exposure to a genuinely international platform.
Working as part of a well-established global Business Development function, the successful candidate will help shape business development strategy, lead high-profile pursuits, support key client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of the practice across London and Europe.
Key responsibilities
- Partner with Private Equity leadership to develop and deliver business development and client growth strategies
- Drive client development initiatives across key accounts and target organisations
- Identify and progress opportunities to strengthen existing client relationships and generate new business
- Lead complex pitches, proposals, panel appointments and other strategic pursuits
- Deliver market, client and competitor intelligence to support business planning and strategic decision-making
- Facilitate client targeting programmes and relationship development initiatives
- Support partner profile-raising activity through thought leadership, conferences, events and speaking opportunities
- Work closely with colleagues across Europe and the US on cross-border business development initiatives
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and cross-selling across practices, sectors and jurisdictions
- Lead and support client events, sponsorship activity and market-facing campaigns
- Contribute to BD best practice, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the function
- Support and develop junior members of the team
Person specification
- Proven Business Development Manager experience within a law firm or wider professional services environment
- Strong exposure to private equity, corporate, finance, M&A or other transactional practice groups
- Significant experience leading pitches, proposals and new business pursuits
- A strong track record of partnering with senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making
- Experience operating within a complex, international or matrixed organisation
- Commercially minded, proactive and solutions-focused
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously
- Adaptable, collaborative and happy working across teams where business needs require
- Experience working within a US law firm environment would be advantageous, although not essential
- Interest in, or exposure to, AI-enabled business development tools and initiatives would be beneficial
The opportunity
This Business Development Manager role offers the opportunity to support one of the firm's most commercially significant practice groups at a particularly exciting stage of growth. The position provides extensive exposure to senior stakeholders across London, Europe and the US, combining strategic planning, client development, pitching, market engagement and stakeholder management within a highly visible international role.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative and ambitious team with the opportunity to make a genuine impact, not only within the Private Equity practice but also across the firm's evolving European platform. As investment continues across London, Paris and Milan, there is significant scope to contribute to the future direction and growth of the function.
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.