Baker McKenzie

The Business Development Manager, Dispute Resolution Practice Group – London will be the main business development contact for the Dispute Resolution Practice group for the London office. 

The role-holder will work closely with the EMEA Business Development lead for Dispute Resolution as well as the Market Lead in London to help advance PG revenue-driven priorities for the Dispute Resolution Group in the London office. 

The individual will be part of the PG-aligned BD community for the Dispute Resolution Practice Group and collaborate with all markets, colleagues in specialist teams, Business Managers and EMEA BDMC colleagues to deliver on the BD and client elements of the Dispute Resolution PG’s business plan in London.

The role-holder will pursue a strategic-focused, market-leading BDMC business-partnering capability, which enables the practice to win, retain and grow business through consistently high standards, engaging thought leadership, strong relationship management, and elevating the Firm’s reputation. 

Main responsibilities: 

•  Drive the profitable growth of the Dispute Resolution PG in London and help the Partners pursue new mandates in London and internationally through the design and execution of strategic, revenue-generating and profitable BD activities
• Make recommendations on BDMC activities, best practices, progress and importantly, return against priorities and investment 
• Drive work with priority clients for London and internationally where required, work with specialist client teams and local teams as needed
• Review a pipeline of targets to ensure that opportunities are prioritized and targeting efforts are focused on the greatest opportunities for developing business
• Be involved in pitches and pursuits as required for the Dispute Resolution PG; Focus on pitches for their home market but also lead on international opportunities as necessary, ensure consistency of PG messaging and advise on PG content as required; Work with other pitch specialists and colleagues as necessary
• Directories and submissions; Local delivery for the PG by working closely with the Directories Awards & Submissions team 
• Capture client feedback, matter experience, client contacts, and business development leads to enable the practice to promote itself effectively and to grow its business
• Support marketing for the PG within the office, working with any marketing specialists as applicable
• Work with communications professionals to help drive comms as appropriate to best develop the Practice’s profile through relevant channels, both externally and internally
• Contribute to any BDMC infrastructure roll-outs which are relevant to the PG or function
• Encourage a more data-driven mindset within the London office; Use appropriate tools and work with the analytics team as necessary 
• Work with Knowledge Management (KM), Research (and other) teams as necessary to develop useful research, monitor trends and apply them in the best way possible for the PG
• Deliver some office initiatives and support as necessary

Skills and experience:

• Educated to degree level and ideally with an additional business qualification / experience focusing on Business Development, Marketing, Communications, Sales or related commercial subjects
• Extensive experience in business development, client relationship management with an international law firm or other professional/financial services environment
• Deep business acumen and understanding of strategic and business planning gained through experience in mid-to-senior level business roles, as well as strong financial acumen
• Proven track record of delivering on client relationships and revenues, as well as developing and delivering on metrics
• Leadership experience is preferred, with strong experience managing a Business Development department 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to interact and influence at senior levels of the Firm
• Fluent written and spoken English is required with strong writing skills
• Outstanding Leadership skills, high IQ and EQ, with an ability to coach and inspire others
• An appreciation of, and experience of matrix management across multiple offices/countries
• A collegiate approach and able to work collaboratively with colleagues, management and leadership across EMEA and the Firm more widely
• An ambassador of change
• A confident, calm and credible style with the ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple concurrent projects
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Respects and enjoys the diversity of cultural, social and academic backgrounds found in the Firm

Reports to: The EMEA BD Lead for the Dispute Resolution Practice Group, but with close operational working relationship with the London Office Lead

Direct Reports: Although not a direct report, the structure includes a BD specialist for the Employment and DR PGs in London

Travel requirements: Limited travel required on an ad-hoc basis only (e.g., if necessary for certain meetings or events)

Position type: In Market

Development framework:  Manager

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.

To Apply

At Baker McKenzie, we welcome direct applications.

Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role. We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Recruitment Team on either 020 7919 1000 or Recruitment.London@bakermckenzie.com.

Please review our Applicant Privacy Notice here.

No agencies please - Please note Baker McKenzie does not accept unsolicited CVs. Please click here for details of our Agency Policy and commitment to sourcing directly.

For more information about this position or to discuss any adjustments you may require during the process, please contact in confidence, Hannah Ritchie, Recruitment Manager, at Hannah.Ritchie@bakermckenzie.com