Business Development Manager at Kimberly Ryan

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a good understanding of the Firm’s practice areas or services and be able to advise others about them
• Develop and execute strategic business development plans to drive growth and expand the Firm’s client base
• Lead the review and continuous improvement of the practice unit’s suite of marketing materials, including capabilities statements, pitch templates, and website content
• Formulate relevant business development budgets and management of the budget to ensure appropriate expenditure and that the Firm receives suitable return on that investment
• Team with Fee Earners to market the services and expertise of the practice units through the development and deployment of thought leadership content and other profile-raising activities
• Team with other members of the BD team to draft press releases, pitch story ideas and provide spokespeople to reporters as appropriate, track published articles and consider social media strategy around key projects
• Maintain the operational standards of the BD team to ensure our branding approach is implemented effectively
• Provide support to manage the Firm’s website, social networking for the Firm and its lawyers, and other electronic communications, including drafting and updating content and images, evaluate effectiveness, draft and implement policies, and work with external technical and design consultants as needed
• Work with Knowledge Management to develop client and market facing knowledge-based marketing tools and materials – handbooks, tools, market know how, technical updates, training programs and seminars, etc
• Work with the Practice Partner to conduct and promote post transaction reviews in order to obtain client feedback and assist in improving client service
• Support the preparation of responses to client’s request for proposals or information on the practice areas and in preparing Fee Earners for business development meetings with clients and prospects
• Monitor, analyze and communicate market, industry and competitive trends for the practice units and subunits
• Launch and design marketing plans for emerging practice areas including research and content writing
• Train members of the BD team, arranging internal and external training where appropriate
• Identify training needs for Fee Earners on skills such as pitching and sales
• Evaluate and manage all Firm memberships, and do what is necessary to take advantage of membership opportunities to enhance the Firm’s profile
• Develop, manage and generate reports on a focused client care programme for the major corporate clients.
• Work with Partners and Head of Chambers to develop a coordinated client targeting/client care/client listening programme
• Represent the Firm at networking events, conferences, and industry meetings to enhance the Firm’s visibility and reputation
• Make a constructive contribution to the non-chargeable activities of the Firm Undertake special task and perform other related duties as assigned in accordance with the Firm’s objectives.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree 
• A minimum of five (5) years business development or marketing experience in a professional services environment, preferably a law firm
• Proven track record of achieving business development targets
• Previous experience in a managerial role
• Experience with CRM systems
• Tenacity and enthusiasm to drive new business initiatives and meet or exceed targets
• Ability to think strategically – seeing the bigger picture and setting aims and objectives in order to develop and improve the business of the Firm
• Ability to use commercial logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions and be generally commercially aware.
• First-rate communication skills - both written and verbal and ability to communicate effectively with all levels in the Firm
• Be committed to a process of continual improvement
• Proficient in the use of IT particularly Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and willing to learn new packages.

Good networking skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills, articulate and confident, with ability to summarize and present arguments quickly and concisely.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills with the ability to juggle conflicting priorities
• Must be keen to innovate and be successful at formulating and implementing strategies and plans.
• A self-starter, able to demonstrate high levels of initiative and motivation, but also work closely with other team members and displaying trust and loyalty
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy, whilst maintaining high levels of productivity