Business Development Manager

Position summary

The Business Development Manager supports the Intellectual Property practice group to drive its business development and marketing efforts. This will involve identifying, formulating and implementing business development and marketing strategies that complement similar initiatives across regions where the firm has a presence. This is a hands-on role and involves taking ownership of the development of key credentials and leading on client pitch opportunities. Communication is important in this role as the Business Development Manager will lead engagement and implementation efforts for strategic BD priorities and find effective ways to raise the profile of the practice group internally and externally (with the support of the Communications team). The successful candidate will work largely autonomously in terms of the day-to-day business of practice group marketing and business development but also collaboratively with the business development professionals supporting the practice groups, as well as other industry groups, in other regions on joined up projects, to ensure that all practice group-related marketing is coordinated across the firm's global platform. The position sits within a growing and energetic firm-wide marketing team of professionals. This is a high-profile role and we are looking for someone who has the gravitas and subject matter expertise to drive growth, influence and motivate partners across the practice group and successfully assist in building client relationships and brand. A proactive and enthusiastic approach with the ability to work with little supervision is also key. The successful candidate should be a confident and effective communicator, with the ability to offer ideas at practice meetings and draft clear and accurate copy. This role includes the supervision of one BD coordinator.

Job duties and responsibilities

• Develops a working knowledge of the group's services, market position and inbound and outbound group cross-selling opportunities, as well as an understanding of the group's revenue priorities, clients and prospects.
• Leads the support of marketing and business development planning to all Partners. Tracks and evaluates business development plans and efforts on an on-going basis.
• Assists leadership team in identifying business development opportunities with new and existing clients.
• Works with the IP practice group leadership team and select Client Relationship Leaders to develop strategic business development plans for select clients. Also responsible for updating contacts and key information, such as meetings, on the firm's CRM system.
• Conducts client / prospective client research and analysis using library, knowledge management, and accounting resources.
• Develops practice related materials (practice group profiles, experience lists, case studies, etc.)
• Leads the production of client alert preparation and mailing business development activities within the group.
• Assists the IP practice group leader with integration of lateral hires into the group.
• Works closely with the Pitches and Proposals team to develop RFPs, RFIs, and key proposals/presentations.
• Assists in tracking and disseminating key practice group activities, proposals, new business wins, etc.
• Travel for meetings and training as required.

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented asnecessary.  Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time. 

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree required. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years' experience in marketing or business development, including significant interaction with partners; law firm experience required.
• Client-facing experience strongly preferred.
• Cross-border experience desirable but not essential.
• Strong knowledge of the legal industry and substantive business development practices, with proven experience in a law firm environment.
• Solid commercial acumen and awareness of business and legal trends affecting firm clients.

Skills:

• Ability to influence leadership and partners, so they can quickly become a trusted advisor – acting as internal consultant to partners on marketing and BD, inputting ideas and providing advice 
• Abilty to demonstrate initiative where possible 
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and issues and the ability to deal with a variety of personalities 
• Abilty to be a good team player.
• This position will function as part of a collaborative and energetic firmwide marketing and BD team of professionals around the globe. 
• Requires strong organizational skills, time management, initiative, focus on service delivery and excellent attention to detail and the ability to perform under pressure. 
• Must be able to communicate well, with excellent oral and written skills. They will be a natural internal networker who uncovers opportunities through engaging informally with partners and colleagues, as well as externally with clients. 
• Keen problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities and solutions-oriented thinking. 
• Flexibility and adaptability; ability to multi-task, stay organized and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment to recommend and effectuate decisions. 
• Ability to have a customer-focused mindset and deliver high-quality service or solutions to internal or external stakeholders. 
• Must have Flexibility and adaptability to navigate changes, unexpected challenges, and evolving priorities. 

Additional information

Supervisory responsibilities: May oversee other members of the Business Development team.

Equipment used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential job functions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use.
• Use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail while analyzing complex information, managing multiple priorities, and applying sound judgment to [strategic] decisions.
• Travel for meetings and training as required.
• Ability to work extended hours as required to meet project, client, or business needs.
• Ability to concentrate for extended periods, apply critical thinking to assigned tasks, and take appropriate action in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work extended hours as required to meet project, client, or business needs
• Flexibility to adjust working hours, including early start times, to support collaboration with international stakeholders in EMEA.

Working conditions

You will be required to work in the office at minimum 4 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

Pay rangesThis represents the presently anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith's pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

• Pittsburgh, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta — $125,000–$160,000
• Chicago — $139,000–$170,000
• Boston -  $148,000 - $180,000

Employee benefits overview

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Virtual Health Services
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care Services
• College Coach Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
• Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.