Senior Business Development Manager

ROLE OVERVIEW //

We are recruiting a dynamic and experienced Senior Business Development Manager to sit in our Corporate team, with particular focus on leading and driving business development initiatives within our fast-growing and dynamic Private Equity (PE) practice. We are looking for a strategic, client-focused professional who can enhance our market presence, deepen client relationships and work closely with partners to drive growth in their practices. You will work as an integrated team with lawyers and the broader BD and marketing teams to identify opportunities, develop targeted strategies and manage business development activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES //

The key responsibilities of this role are set out below and there may be others which are not listed. This is a corporate role with a particular focus on PE. Further details are broken down below:

Private Equity

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive business development and marketing strategies to support the growth of the Private Equity practice. Work with partners to complete the practice review: reviewing the practice’s performance against objectives and setting new goals.
• Client Relationship and Development: Introduce a client programme and work closely with partners to strengthen relationships with existing clients, increase share of wallet and develop new client opportunities.
• Opportunity Spotting: Proactively look for opportunities to win new mandates and to grow and diversify the PE practice, taking advanced and thought-out ideas to partners.
• Lead Generation: Using data from a variety of sources, identify leads for the PE practice. Where appropriate, follow up personally with the prospects, take initial meetings and facilitate introductions for the PE partners.
• Market Knowledge: Maintain and extend extensive PE market knowledge, information on key stakeholders and market conditions, and utilise this data to inform BD approaches.
• Network and Contacts: Utilise existing network of contacts in the industry such as bankers, advisers etc. and continue to grow the network for future BD opportunities.
• Pitching & Proposals: Lead on pitches, proposals, and presentations, working closely with partners to ensure tailored and compelling messaging for prospective clients.
• Thought Leadership and Client Issues: Identify pertinent client issues and themes affecting our private equity audience, making suggestions on topics and hooks for client conversations and/or campaigns.
• Client Development Initiatives: Manage and coordinate client development programs, including client events, seminars, and thought leadership initiatives, to increase visibility and reinforce the firm’s reputation in the Private Equity market.
• Market Research & Analysis: In conjunction with our Research & Insight team, conduct in-depth market research to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive activity within Private Equity and wider Private Capital. Provide insights and recommendations to partners on emerging business opportunities.

Corporate

• Partner Relationships: Develop individual relationships with partners, supporting them on their personal BD activity including conducting monthly meetings with each partner and owning the agenda.
• Clients and Cross-selling: Identify cross-selling opportunities and the hooks we have across the firm to facilitate introductions and position the firm for work in new areas.
• Client Relationship Management: Ensure partner’s client relationships are benefitting from our marketing ecosystem and are on the appropriate distribution and targeting lists, and recipients of our value-added offering.
• Client Targeting: Work with partners on their client targeting efforts, notably FTSE, private and international targets. Spotting and promoting opportunities and tracking and driving actions.
• Associate BD: Develop relationships with senior associates and support them on their BD activity, encouraging them to do BD and providing tips and guidance on best practice.
• Communication: Be the BD lead for the Corporate Group demonstrating excellent communication skills in proactively updating partners on BD/Marketing activity that is taking place across the stream and the wider firm, joining dots and sharing information that ensures greater awareness and drives activity.

CANDIDATE PROFILE //

Candidates for this position must have:

• Experience: Minimum 7-10 years of business development experience, ideally within a professional services environment, with a strong focus on Private Equity.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Private Equity market, including key players, market dynamics, and emerging trends. Experience working with Private Equity firms, funds, and investors is essential.
• Strategic Mindset: Proven ability to develop and implement strategic business development plans that align with broader firm objectives and deliver measurable results.
• Client-Focused: Strong client relationship management skills, with a proven track record of developing and maintaining high-level relationships with senior stakeholders and clients.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling pitches, proposals, and presentations, and confidently communicate with senior leadership and partners.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Strong team player with the ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, collaborate across practice areas, and mentor junior staff.
• Proactive & Results-Driven: A self-starter with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities, solving problems, and driving business development initiatives to achieve tangible outcomes.
• Commercial Awareness: Strong commercial acumen and the ability to understand and respond to client needs.
• Education: A degree in business, marketing, law, or a related field is preferred. An MBA or equivalent qualification is a plus.