Senior BD Manager (D&R)

Monday 19 May 2025

Ref: 1556

Are you a strategic, results-driven business development leader ready to make a big impact? This global law firm is looking for a Senior Business Development Manager to join its high-performing Sales & Marketing (S&M) team, supporting our growing Disputes & Risk (D&R) practice. Based in either Bristol or London, this is a fantastic opportunity to shape and execute the BD strategy for one of the most dynamic and ambitious legal teams in the market.

We’re seeking someone with the vision, confidence, and commercial insight to drive new business opportunities, shape strategic campaigns, and challenge conventional thinking. You’ll play a central role in shaping how the team is positioned in the UK and internationally, working closely with partners and the wider business to lead innovative go-to-market strategies.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Designing and executing business development strategies to grow client relationships and revenue across all D&R service lines.
  • Conducting market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and emerging issues.
  • Partnering with the D&R Marketing Manager and sub-group teams to implement tailored BD plans aligned with our firmwide sector strategy.
  • Building the practice’s external profile and strengthening UK and international referral networks.
  • Leading on key client pitches and proposals.
  • Tracking performance and measuring the ROI of BD activities to inform and refine future strategy.
  • Managing and developing a team of marketers (Marketing Manager and Executive) to foster a collaborative, high-performing culture.

What we’re looking for:

  • Significant business development experience in professional services or legal, with a clear understanding of the disputes landscape.
  • Strong leadership skills, with a proven track record of leading teams and driving cultural or strategic change.
  • The ability to challenge, coach, and influence partners to think differently and act commercially.
  • Experience of using data and market intelligence to generate opportunities and build strategic plans.
  • Confident communicator who can build credibility with senior stakeholders across the business.
  • A creative thinker with a proactive, hands-on approach to driving results and revenue growth.

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.