Baker McKenzie

The Business Development Manager, Tax will develop and drive the North American business development strategy to maximize client retention and growth for the Tax Practice Group. The role-holder will work closely with partners as an integral member of the Practice Group’s Business Development team, focusing on growing existing client relationships and developing tax opportunities with prospects, including Firm clients who are not currently tax clients. 

The individual will provide proactive support to partners by helping them prioritize and act on opportunities. They will also oversee the maintenance of business development and marketing materials for the Practice Group; monitor progress against planned priorities; support client teams, client targeting, and relationship management; coordinate client care reviews and directory submissions; enhance the Practice Group’s profile; and develop the strategy for major events.

Main responsibilities:

Business Development:

• Proactively work with the Practice Group partners and other stakeholders to identify new business opportunities and pursue them
• Work with North American and global colleagues to develop new work and cross-selling opportunities; assist the Practice Group to develop and implement strategies to capture those opportunities

Firm Positioning and Events:

• Set the strategy for events undertaken by the Tax Practice Group and partner with other team members, including the Global Meetings and Events Manager(s), on the execution of events such as client events, Firm meetings, client-sponsored events, and speaking engagements
• Develop and implement campaigns to strengthen the Tax Practice Group’s reputation in key markets as identified in the Practice Group business plan; respond to requests for tender and other business development opportunities requiring targeted written responses, driven by relationship partners in the Practice Group

Pitches & Proposals:

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

Business Development and Marketing Collateral:

• Develop and maintain marketing collateral for the Tax Practice Group across North America
• Update Practice Group information, capability statements, CVs, and other relevant materials, including those appearing on the Firm’s external website

Business Development Planning:

• Develop a business development strategy that reflects the strategy for the Tax Practice Group and aligns with the North America and Global strategy

Directories:

• Work with partners to set directory submission strategies, select matters, and complete submissions
• Develop communications for the Firm’s responses to directories following the strategic direction set by the lead for North America Communications; assist with and oversee relationship-building with key publications and directories such as Chambers and Legal 500

Profiling:

• Assess profile-raising activities against the strategic objectives of the Tax Practice Group and a cost/benefit analysis
• Manage sponsorships, conference opportunities, memberships, and associations
• Oversee the publication of client alerts and newsletters

Brand Management:

• Ensure the Firm’s brand and that of the Tax team is maintained, including overseeing and ensuring intranet content is up-to-date and relevant

Budget Management:

• Ensure that all business development initiatives are effectively coordinated to maximize return on investment
• Develop business cases for budget requests based on business planning and remain aware of the budget available from both North America and Global Business Development sources
• Perform other duties as assigned to develop and drive the North America and Global strategy

Skills and experience: 

• A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in marketing, communications, business, or a related field; an advanced degree is a plus
• Strong experience in business development, marketing, or another relevant field, preferably within a legal or professional services environment
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
• Able to lead, motivate, and mentor direct reports, including diligently addressing performance concerns and resolving conflict
• Able to comprehend business objectives and develop and execute appropriate strategies
• Highly disciplined approach to developing and executing programs to achieve Practice Group and Business Development team objectives
• Well‑developed organization, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate to and gain the confidence of individuals at all levels and build strong relationships in a collaborative environment
• Organized, detail‑oriented individual with strong project management skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks with competing deadlines
• High level of discretion and diplomacy, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality

Location: Any Baker McKenzie Office or Center in North America

Reports to: Director, Business Management, Tax

Travel requirements: Some travel is required

Position type: Regional

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

Pay Transparency 

• This position is bonus eligible and includes benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) based on number of hours worked. 
• The US base compensation for this position is expected to be $149,000 to $189,000 (annually). 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. 
• California notice: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories (arrest and conviction records), in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.