Baker McKenzie

The Senior Business Development Manager, North America Tax Practice Group will develop and drive the North America Tax Practice Group (“NATPG”, “Practice Group” or “Group”) business development strategy to maximize client retention and Practice Group growth. The role-holder will collaborate with the PG Chair, Steering Committee, Partners, and Business Manager to formulate and implement a growth strategy.

The individual will focus on NATPG business development priorities such as client targeting, creating processes for client outreach, managing business development and marketing materials for the Group, coordinating individual partner business development planning, tracking progress toward established goals, supporting client teams, handling client relationship management and reviews, preparing submissions for directories, enhancing the Group’s profile, and organizing strategies for client events. The role has a heavy emphasis on adopting a proactive and innovative approach to drive results.

Main responsibilities: 

Business Development: 

• Work with the Group to identify new business opportunities
• Work with the NATPG BD and NABD teams to develop new work and cross-selling opportunities, and assist the Group to develop and implement materials and strategies to capture those opportunities

Business Development and Marketing Collateral: 

• Develop and maintain marketing collateral for the Group 
• Work with the Group’s Business Development Team to collect deal information for all practice sub-groups, update practice group information, relevant capability statements, CVs, and any other relevant materials, including ensuring website content is up-to-date/relevant on the Firm’s internal and external website

Business Planning: 

• Work with the Chair and members of the Practice Group to identify and contribute to the formulation of a strategy for the NATPG, which is aligned with the North America strategy

Profiling: 

• Assess profile-raising activities against the strategic objectives of the Group and a cost/benefit analysis, including:
  • engaging in sponsorship and conference opportunities, memberships, and associations, in consultation with NATPG management
  • overseeing the publication of NA Tax client alerts, newsletters, blogs, and handbooks

Firm positioning and events: 

• Be instrumental in setting the strategy for events undertaken by the Group, implementing marketing communications/activities, and monitoring their execution in conjunction with the Global Meetings and Events Team
• Develop and implement campaigns to strengthen the group's reputation in key markets as identified in the Group's business plan

Directories: 

• Manage the Group’s directory submission process
• Collaborate with the directories team, develop Firm responses to directories, including assisting with and overseeing building relationships with key publications and directories, such as Chambers and Legal 500

Media: 

• Work with the North America Communications Team to ensure all business development opportunities are maximized and the Group’s profile is raised through timely interaction with the media
• Work may include drafting press releases for approval as directed by Practice Group Management and North America Communications Team

Securing Panel Appointments: 

• Collaborate with the Pitch Specialists, manage projects and draft proposals, respond to requests for tender, and other business development opportunities requiring targeted written responses, which are driven by relationship partners in the Practice Group

Brand Management: 

• Ensure the Firm's brand and that of the Practice Group are maintained; oversee and ensure intranet content is up-to-date and relevant

Budget Management: 

• Ensure all business development initiatives are effectively coordinated to extract maximum return on investment 
• Develop business cases for budget requests based on business planning and be aware of the budgets for both North America and Firmwide Business Development sources
• Other duties as assigned to develop and drive regional strategy

Skills and experience:

• A bachelor's degree is required, preferably in marketing, communications, marketing, business, or a related field
• Extensive experience in a marketing and/or business development role, preferably in a professional services environment
• Able to lead, motivate, and mentor direct reports, including diligently addressing performance concerns and resolving conflicts
• Highly disciplined approach to developing and executing the programs to achieve Practice Group and Business Development team objectives
• Well-developed and sophisticated organization, communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to relate to and gain the confidence of people at all levels within an organization, as well as an ability to build strong relationships and work in a collaborative environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Able to effectively coordinate competing priorities
• Strong judgment and ability to suggest well-reasoned independent recommendations and ideas
• A good, developed practical understanding of marketing and communications
• Self-motivated and independent, able to work with a minimum of supervision
• Comfortable working across multiple cultures and time zones in a matrix organization
• A meticulous attention to detail
• High level of energy and persistence, and understanding of the importance of delivering exceptional customer service to internal and external clients
• Strong technical skills and familiarity with the internet and web-based platforms

Reports to: Associate Director, North America Tax Practice Group

Travel requirements: Flexible to travel frequently to meetings and events, and as a result, able to work long hours during peak training and meeting periods

Position type: Regional

Development framework: Senior 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.

This position is bonus-eligible and offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) plans, based on the number of hours worked.

The US base compensation for this position is expected to be $175,000 to $210,000 annually if located in an office in the state of Illinois (Chicago). Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

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. Should candidates require any reasonable adjustments and/or accommodations when applying to or interviewing with our Firm, please notify recruitmentservices@bakermckenzie.com