Senior Business Development Manager - Tech
3 days ago
City of London
ROLE OVERVIEW // We are recruiting for a Senior Business Development Manager to drive forward our Technology Group. The Technology Group is an established strategic priority for Slaughter and May and is made up of partners and associates from across various practice groups across the firm, including Corporate, Tech, Digital, Data & IP and Competition groups. The role will involve working as part of the Technology Cross-Practice leadership team, alongside the three partners who head the Technology Group and our technology-focused Knowledge Counsel, to both build upon our established relationships with both the world’s largest and most sophisticated technology companies and some of the most exciting growth companies, whilst also working with our existing non-technology client teams to cross-sell our elite digital and tech law capabilities. A key aspect of the role will also be to identify and pursue opportunities to secure new technology client relationships. We are looking for an individual with a background in the technology sector, who can bring a strategic, client-focused approach to the role whilst building our external market profile as an elite legal advisor in the technology sector. The nature of our cross-stream Technology Group will provide a unique opportunity for close collaboration with, and insight into, all of the firm’s practice areas as well as being part of the Technology Cross-Practice leadership team. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES // The key responsibilities of this role are set out below and there may be others which are not listed. You may be required on occasion to work outside our normal working hours of 9:30am to 5:30pm. Strategy • Provide strategic BD leadership and set vision for Technology Practice - including creating and delivering on BD strategy alongside the rest of the Technology group leadership team, internal coordination with various other parts of firm including key practice groups, international offices and country teams, leading on half yearly strategic reporting to the firm’s Practice Board whilst ensuring the KPIs set at both Group level but also within the eight technology sub-groups are being delivered upon. Being a strategic BD advisor to the partners within the Technology Leadership Group is a key part of this leadership role. Business Development • Client targeting (existing cross sell, opportunity spotting & new client pursuit)- Identify and then pursue cross selling opportunities for tech work with existing firm clients, both proactively and via existing client growth programmes. Identify new target lists as well as the relevant pursuit hooks & channels then leading on execution of identified actions., • Pitching, creds & client training - Producing high quality pitches, creds docs and training materials to help secure mandates/prepare for follow ups to meetings., • Content, comms/PR, brand and website- Planning, production, distribution and engagement analysis for direct client follow-ups of all external comms, including thought leadership, briefings, podcasts, ‘expert guides’, blogs and others – and ensuring they are being distributed to the correct target audience. Being aware of key sector issues the firm should be proactively engaging clients with. Working with our PR team on raising our tech sector profile in relevant journals/newspapers. Enhancing our online presence via the firm’s website and social accounts, using each platform to help drive towards tangible BD opportunities., • Events (external and internal) & internal training – Set in-person and online events calendar for year based on strategic objectives, deliver on events and drive to ensure events are leading to tangible follow-up opportunities. Co-ordinate internal training programme to both upskill firm on key technology messaging but also raise awareness of our tech strategy., • Directories and award submissions – Overseeing the directory process across all Technology categories (working with more junior BD support), as well as a selection of sector award submission., • International strategy - Set international strategy, including overseas targets, relationship law firm engagement and international trip, conference strategy and facilitation. Includes liaising with our Hong Kong, Beijing and Brussels offices. Relationships and communication • Partner Relationships - Develop individual relationships with partners, supporting them on their personal Tech-focused BD activity in a tailored manner that maximises their output., • Client Relationship Management - Ensure partner’s client relationships are benefitting from our marketing ecosystem and are on the appropriate distribution and targeting lists, and recipients of our value-added offering., • Associate BD - Develop relationships with associates with a particular interest in technology and support them on their technology BD activity, encouraging them to do BD and providing tips and guidance on best practice., • Communication - be the BD lead for the Technology Cross-Practice demonstrating excellent communication skills in proactively updating partners on BD/Marketing activity that is taking place across the stream and the wider firm, joining dots and sharing information that ensures greater awareness and drives activity. Proactive cross-firm co-ordination will be critical to the role. CANDIDATE PROFILE // Candidates for this position must have: • Minimum 7-10 years of business development or legal experience, with a strong focus on/interest in the technology sector., • Deep understanding of the technology sector, including key companies/potential targets, market dynamics, and emerging trends. Experience working in the technology sector desirable., • Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with broader firm objectives and deliver measurable results., • Strong client relationship management skills, with a proven track record of developing and maintaining high-level relationships with senior stakeholders and clients. Sensitive to Partner time pressures and different ways of working., • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling pitches, proposals, and presentations containing technology-focused content, and confidently communicate with senior leadership and partners., • Strong team player with the ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, collaborate across practice areas, and mentor junior staff., • A self-starter with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities, solving problems, and driving initiatives to achieve tangible outcomes., • Strong commercial acumen and the ability to understand and respond to client needs. We welcome applications irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, belief or marital status.