We are seeking a commercially driven and highly organised Business Development Manager to support the delivery of the firm's business development strategy in Germany and across the EME region. This role sits within the Germany BD team, reporting to the Director Business Development & Marketing EME, and plays a central role in translating strategic priorities into tangible commercial outcomes.
The Business Development Manager will work closely with the Director Business Development & Marketing EME and partners to execute on client development plans, deliver high-quality pitches and proposals, and contribute market intelligence that informs strategic decision-making. This is a hands-on role with meaningful ownership of BD execution and scope for strategic input, ideally suited to an ambitious professional looking to develop toward a senior BD leadership position.
Responsibilities & Key Skills
Business Development Execution & Support
Support in executing the business development strategy for Germany, ensuring commercial priorities are advanced through structured plans and timely delivery.
Contribute to the development of go-to-market plans for priority practice areas and sectors, working with partners and BD leadership.
Take ownership of defined BD initiatives and projects, managing timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables to a high standard.
Provide commercially focused input to partners and fee earners on growth opportunities and tactical BD activities.
Client Development Support
Assist in developing and maintaining client development plans for strategic and locally significant accounts.
Support relationship mapping activities, helping to identify key contacts, opportunities for deeper engagement, and potential growth areas.
Prepare briefing materials, meeting agendas, and follow-up actions for client development meetings.
Track client activity and pipeline development, ensuring CRM data is accurate and up to date.
Pichtes, Proposals and Submissions
Lead the preparation of pitches and proposals, coordinating inputs from partners, fee earners, and specialist teams to ensure timely, high-quality delivery.
Draft and refine pitch narratives, credentials, and case studies tailored to client needs and competitive positioning.
Maintain and develop the firm's pitch and credentials library for the Germany market.
Coordinate post-pitch debriefs and capture lessons learned to continuously improve win rates.
Market Intelligence and Research
Monitor market developments, competitor activity, and regulatory changes relevant to the Germany legal market.
Prepare research briefings and sector analyses that inform strategic BD planning.
Identify emerging opportunities for client engagement, sector growth, or cross-border collaboration and escalate to the Director BD&M.
Cross-Selling and Internal Collaboration
Support the identification and progression of cross-practice and cross-border opportunities within existing client relationships.
Work with BD colleagues across offices and regions to share intelligence, align on key accounts, and coordinate pursuits.
Directories and Profile Raising
Support the preparation of legal directory submissions for the Germany market, coordinating with partners and fee earners to gather evidence and draft narratives.
Track submission deadlines, manage the submissions calendar, and ensure timely delivery.
Assist the Director BD&M in monitoring directory outcomes and identifying areas for improvement.
Performance Tracking and Reporting
Track and report on key BD metrics and KPIs, providing regular updates to the Director BD&M and Germany leadership.
Maintain accurate CRM records, ensuring data quality and completeness.
Produce insight-driven reports on pipeline activity, pitch outcomes, and market trends to support decision-making.
Skills
Solid experience in a business development or commercial role within a professional services environment (legal sector experience preferred).
Demonstrated ability to manage and deliver high-quality pitches, proposals, and client-facing materials.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for detail and the ability to draft compelling narratives.
Commercially aware, with a proactive approach to identifying and advancing growth opportunities.
Comfortable working with data, CRM systems, and reporting tools to inform strategy and track performance.
Collaborative and confident in engaging with senior stakeholders, including partners and practice group leaders.
Self-motivated and able to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
