Business Development Manager

The role:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Manager to join our Marketing & Business Development department.

This role represents an opportunity to be part of the Simmons & Simmons Financial Services and Tax (FST) team.

Working as a collaborative member of the FST M&BD team, the FST M&BD Manager works closely with fee earners across the advisory practice of financial services regulatory and financial services funds and with other members of the M&BD team to advise on and drive the execution of marketing and business development initiatives across the Simmons Financial Services and Tax International Practice Groups (FST IPG).

Operating as an integral part of M&BD, the successful candidate will have a strong voice in the future planning of the practice group. This role demands both strategic thinking and hands-on delivery - the ability to juggle both is key.

This is the perfect opportunity for a skilled and experienced M&BD specialist who wants to be both immersed in the FST practice and active as a valued part of a strong and genuinely international firm. Only solutions-orientated team-players need apply.

The M&BD Team

Uniting the firm's expertise to meet clients' global needs...

The Marketing and Business Development (M&BD) team at Simmons & Simmons is a diverse group of professionals, including value-adders, digital innovators, and relationship builders. We're seeking talented individuals with ambition and passion to join our high-performing team, known for its commitment to learning, growth, and excellence.

Our team benefits from the expertise of seasoned professionals from leading firms and industries. We invest in our talent at all levels, offering extensive training programs like the 'Future Leaders' program to nurture the next generation of leaders.

Our team is redefining the M&BD function by incorporating roles such as pricing and sales experts, horizon scanners, and specialists in Emerging Technology and ESG.

Our innovative efforts, including the award-winning "supercharge" client program and Cross-Border Group teams, have significantly contributed to the firm's global collaboration and success in attracting top-tier clients.

The Marcomms team plays a crucial role in enhancing the firm's reputation through impactful experiences and media coverage.

We prioritize continuous improvement and operational excellence, adopting best practices to maintain our competitive edge and align with our vision of a Next Generation law firm.

Our global M&BD team operates as 'One Team,' valuing contributions from members worldwide and fostering a culture of connection and fun. Joining us means making a definitive impact in a role that values and leverages your contributions.

What will you do:

BD and marketing execution: deliver high-quality day to day tactical M&BD to FST transactional fee earners with support from the FMR and FST Senior M&BD Manager. Specific tasks will include:

• Lead the development of new product offerings, working with partners and M&BD to define the benefits of the new products and the most effective routes to market (i.e. via sector marketing campaigns and client development activities).
• Oversee the ongoing activities of specific sub-practice groups, covering BD and marketing planning and the execution of specific initiatives.
• Regularly interact with and provide support to international offices where the practice is particularly active.
• Contribute to the BD practice planning and budgeting process, as required, and then work with the relevant fee earners and the FMR and FST Senior M&BD Manager to implement the plan. Ensure correct budget sign-off procedures are followed for unplanned activities.
• Profile raising, communications and CRM. Contribute to the formulation of the practice's internal and external communications strategies (including digital) and then implement accordingly, ensuring best practice is observed.
• Assist in strengthening the firm's reputation across the FST practice group through the identification of speaking, advertising and media opportunities (in conjunction with the central Comms team), as well as overseeing the project management of directory and award submissions as necessary.
• Work with the FST fee earners to develop the content of written communications including factsheets, webpages and intranet pages, including their production and maintenance ensuring best practice is observed.
• Assist FST fee earners with practice specific tenders, proposals and pitches, including conducting a bid / no bid process, managing the logistics of the pitch process for any assigned pitches, gathering of relevant material and information and writing formal responses.
• Client relationship management: potentially managing and developing a client programme client, helping the client team to be outward-facing and focused on revenue generation opportunities.
• Encourage/educate key stakeholders to share best practice and support all FST client teams in developing client relationships.
• Challenge: work with partners and other stakeholders to grow and extend their businesses.
• Reporting: supporting the process of reporting centrally on local activity, key trends and opportunities.
• Collaboration: contribute to the broader firm wide approach to client management by ensuring that client relationship management best practices and skills are widely adopted across the firm.

What we are looking for:

• Minimum of four years' experience in a marketing / sales / business development role.
• Well-developed understanding of marketing and business development strategy and implementation.
• Strong project management skills.
• Commercial acumen.
• Has an ability to provide effective challenge to fee earners.
• Ability to manage the pitch process end-to-end, accurately and efficiently identify contributory material for pitches, and work with fee earners to articulate USPs.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, document management systems, intranets, website etc.
• Identifies opportunities to bring efficiency to the practice and firm.
• Acts to maximise the profitability of the business.
• Self-starter with attention to detail, can work with minimal supervision.
• Highly consultative approach and is solution oriented.
• Aims to exceed expectations of high quality service delivery in every task.
• Builds and maintains constructive relationships with a variety of different individuals at different levels of seniority.
• Supports new opportunities and practices within the role.
• Organises self and activities effectively to meet work demands and achieve objectives.
• Energetic, enthusiastic with drive and ambition.
• A strong team player with an intelligent, pragmatic approach.
• Ability to interpret legalese and draft pitch documents (especially key sales messages / differentiators) in plain English is essential.
• An open and communicative nature borne of a desire to share best practice and maintain a flow of market/client/work information which enables effective cross-selling and client relationship development.
• Ability to work with a range of personalities and cultural backgrounds and therefore strong interpersonal, inter-cultural and communications skills will be key.
• Adapts to changing circumstances and re-prioritises if necessary.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 3. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone's voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
• All UK offices have their own artwork collections - including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.
• Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the 'Innovation in Automation and AI Tools' category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.
• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.
• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.
• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you're interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the bottom of the page or visit our career page for more details.

Simmons & Simmons: A global law firm providing specialised legal services in various industries and sectors.