Baker McKenzie

About the role

The Business Development Manager, Asia Pacific Employment Practice Group will plan and execute the overall BD strategy and related BD/marketing initiatives for the AP Employment Practice Group. The role holder will work closely with the AP Employment Practice Group Leaders, Steering Committee, Business Manager, Knowledge Lead, in-market partner leads, fee earners, and AOA and in-market BDMC colleagues to drive revenue-generating activities, profile-raising initiatives and client development opportunities for the Firm in this practice area.

Main responsibilities:

• Work with the AP Employment Practice Group Leaders, Partner Community, fee earners, Business Manager, Knowledge Lead, in-market partner leads, Expert Functions and Global End-to-End Services to proactively plan and deliver a compelling regional BDMC strategy for the AP Employment Practice Group.

• Lead the design and execution of Employment BDMC plans across Asia Pacific, bringing in expert and end-to-end functions as required, including marketing, directories, proposals, key client management, data analytics, market research, events and design teams.

• Drive Employment priorities in Asia Pacific such as practice-driven strategic initiatives, client targeting, client events, client listening, thought leadership, directory and award submissions, proposals and other BDMC projects across the practice group.

• Work with partners and fee earners to ensure BDMC needs are strategically brainstormed, developed, implemented and communicated to other parts of the BDMC function; challenge requests where commercially prudent, including pitch go/no-go decisions.

• Develop clear positioning and messaging for the Employment Practice Group and its practitioners in AP, aligned with Firm branding, communications plans and global Employment & Compensation messaging.

• Monitor forward-looking Employment issues and trends, translate their legal and commercial impact for clients and lawyers, and equip lawyers with timely insights and talking points.

• Actively collaborate with regional and global PG/IG BDMC colleagues, Business Managers, Knowledge Lawyers and Client Development teams in strategic planning, identifying collaborative offerings and connecting lawyers to key initiatives and hot topics that create opportunities.

• Plan and deliver high-quality cross-border client events, campaigns and profile-raising opportunities, including thought leadership programs, article writing, speaking opportunities and client conferences, with a focus on ROI and profitable revenue generation.

• Work with AP Proposals/Pitch Excellence & Pursuits and other BD colleagues to deliver winning major cross-border Employment pitches and proposals, including proposal strategy, messaging and pitch preparation.

• Support client account management for priority Employment client(s) by working with partners, client teams and Key Client Management colleagues to develop account plans, identify cross-border opportunities, track relationship activity and monitor progress against agreed growth objectives.

• Partner closely with expert BDMC functions, including Key Client Management, Communications, Pitch Excellence & Pursuits, Pricing Excellence, Marketing Services, Directories/Awards/League Tables and Global Meetings & Events teams to align regional execution with business needs and best practice.

• Ensure content and BDMC materials are regularly reviewed, refreshed and tailored for AP Employment priorities, service lines and client opportunities.

• Ensure regular sharing of best practices, success stories and regional priorities with PG, regional and in-market BD colleagues aligned to the PG, supporting collaboration and alignment across AP offices.

• Provide line management, coaching and oversight for a Senior BD Coordinator in in delivering regional priorities of the Employment PG.

Reports to: Head of Markets & Practices - Asia Pacific

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel to AP offices, regional PG meetings / training, and AP Partner Meeting

About the candidate

• Degree in business, finance, economics, communications, marketing or a related subject; postgraduate or commercial qualifications are advantageous.

• Strong experience in legal business development or comparable professional services marketing/business development environment, ideally with Employment, advisory practice group or professional services exposure.

• Excellent English language skills, both verbal and written, and confidence communicating in a multi-cultural, multi-level environment.

• Experience working directly with senior stakeholders on strategy and execution, with strong relationship-building skills.

• Strong judgement and a demonstrable track record of confidently suggesting well-reasoned independent strategic recommendations and ideas.

• Advanced understanding of strategic marketing, communications, client targeting, thought leadership, events and pitch/proposal processes.

• Excellent project management, time management and organizing skills, with ability to prioritize and manage competing deadlines.

• High degree of attention to detail and accuracy.

• Self-motivated, proactive and independent with ability to work with minimum supervision, while being a collaborative team player.

• Strong word processing and spreadsheet skills; experience in or willingness to learn document automation and other legal tech.

• Comfortable working across multiple cultures and time zones in a matrixed regional organization.

• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities.

• Knowledge of Employment & Compensation work is desirable but not essential

Baker McKenzie empowers clients to compete in the global economy. We provide comprehensive and practical legal advice that cuts through complexity with clear, actionable guidance. Our people represent diverse cultures and jurisdictions, combining local know-how with international expertise to ensure your business thrives across borders.

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.