Sr Business Development Mgr

Position summary

The Business Development Senior Manager provides business development support and strategic project leadership to attorneys in the Global Commercial Disputes practice group in the United States, interacting with practice group leadership, partners and associates, and other business development and marketing resources across the firm. 

In tandem with the Assistant Director for the practice group and the broader business development team, this position will be responsible for managing and executing the full range of business development and marketing activities for the commercial disputes practice group, including supporting a variety of areas of focus such as class actions, trials and products liability. This position will lead business development efforts for the practice group in addition to working with the BD team to support other subgroup areas. Additionally, this role will be responsible for creating and executing holistic business development efforts, including supporting firmwide collaboration across practice groups. The key to this position is the ability to provide strategic evaluation of potential client development opportunities in light of current market trends and firm competitive advantage, and to lead each effort through completion to ensure optimal return on investment. 

The role will require strategic and creative thinking on global issues impacting the group and will require the ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with attorneys within the practice group. The role will require strong organizational skills, time management, initiative, collaboration, managerial and mentorship skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to perform under pressure. 

This position will function as part of a growing and energetic firmwide marketing and business development team around the globe. 

Job duties and responsibilities

• Develop a working knowledge of the practice group's services as well as an understanding of the group's revenue priorities, clients and prospects. Develop in-depth knowledge of and act as a firm resource regarding collective and individual experience; industry/trade group organizations; legal, industry and business trends; practice-specific marketing collateral; and practice-specific media. Keep current on developments and trends in relevant industries and remain informed of all major new clients and significant matters.
• Collaborate with firm resources to prepare routine analyses of industry competition, market trends, internal financial information, business opportunities, and pitch activity.
• Work with the practice group leadership and the leadership of the firmwide business development team to assist in the development of the annual marketing strategy and implement the strategic plan of the practice group. Partner with leadership for the development and creation of a holistic global strategic framework and execution of key objectives. Work with select client relationship leaders and other business development personnel to develop strategic business development plans for key clients. Work with leadership, Legal Operations, and the Assistant Director of Business Development on practice development budget analysis.
• Assist attorneys in identifying business development opportunities with new and existing clients and in executing individual marketing plans.
• Develop tailored pitch and proposal material for opportunities. Assist with global proposals and multi-practice pitches as a subject matter expert, contributing experience and practice capabilities as needed. Work closely with various legal, business development and marketing professionals to develop related presentations or material.
• Work with attorneys and other business development professionals to develop and maintain standard practice-related materials (standard and customizable capability statements, practice group profiles, matter lists, case studies, bios, etc.).
• Work with firm resources and practice group leaders to develop strategies for directory submissions (Chambers, Legal 500, etc.) to ensure marquee practice areas and individuals are being considered appropriately. Assist in the preparation and submission of materials to applicable directories or rating organizations.
• Partner with the branding and public relations teams to develop and help implement thought leadership and campaigns to help raise the profile of the practice group both internally and externally and to ensure coverage of successful matters and initiatives in key markets.
• Develop and implement thought leadership strategies on multiple platforms including client alerts, blog postings, podcasts, social media and other marketing platforms.
• Assist practice group leadership with onboarding and integration of lateral hires into the group.
• Plan and execute strategic events and coordinate participation in seminars, webinars, sponsorships, and conferences, including identifying opportunities, contract negotiation, and project management, as well as assisting with other events as needed to maximize the firm's investment.
• Utilize the firm's experience tracking tool and the firm's CRM system.
• Develop and execute internal communication strategies.
• Complete special projects as assigned.
• Work to ensure quality professional work product, as well as delivery of all work within established time frames.
• Must be able to travel for meetings and events 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 in business, marketing or related field preferred. JD and/or MBA strongly preferred.

Experience

7-10 years of directly relevant experience in a marketing or business development-related position, including experience in a large law firm or professional services firm. Experience in litigation is desired. Strong business development and marketing acumen and basic legal substantive knowledge are required. Minimum of 3 years' proven managerial experience, including responsibility for supervising, developing, and evaluating staff.

Skills

• Strong oral and written communications skills with the ability to interact at various levels with confidence and with a customer service attitude.
• Strong computer skills including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
• Must be highly organized with the ability to multi-task, manage workload and competing priorities, and remain detail oriented.
• Must be able to think critically and creatively, present ideas and views clearly and with confidence to people at all levels, including partners and clients. 
• Must be able to demonstrate initiative, be flexible and adaptable, and be a team player. 
• Must have experience managing and mentoring.
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion and adapt to changing work situations. 
• Must have a strong focus on customer service delivery while dealing with a variety of personalities and being sensitive to cultural differences and issues.
  
  

Additional information

Supervisory responsibilities

This position may include supervisory responsibilities. 

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.
• Ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities.
• Ability to engage in effective and professional communication.
• Ability to analyze complex information while maintaining attention to detail, managing multiple priorities, and exercising sound judgment in decision-making.
• Ability to access, use, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information while performing job responsibilities in work environments that support confidentiality, privacy, and information security requirements.
• Ability to work extended or adjusted hours as needed, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and early start times to support collaboration with international stakeholders in EMEA and to meet business, operational, or project needs.
• Ability to travel for meetings, training and conferences as required.
• Ability to work in-office as required to meet business or project needs. 

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 ranges

This 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/Miami/Dallas/Houston/Atlanta: $175,000 - $200,000

Chicago: $188,000 - $215,000

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.