Senior Business Development Manager - Corporate - (Hybrid Schedule) at Reed Smith LLP

Firm Information

Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers in 30 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, entertainment and media, shipping and transport, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.

Position Summary

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

In tandem with the Senior Business Development Manager 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 practice group, including supporting a variety of areas of focus. This position will lead business development efforts for the practice group in addition to working with the BD team to support other subgroup areas and geographies. Additionally, this role would be responsible for creating and executing holistic business development efforts, including supporting firmwide collaboration across practice groups.

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 leading 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 a candidate who can establish and maintain strong relationships with attorneys within the practice group.

The role will require strong organizational skills, time management, initiative, collaboration, 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 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 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 holistic global strategic framework and execuition 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 and Senior Business Development Manager 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.).
• Utilize the experience tracking tool to ensure matters are accurately and promptly updated.
• Maintain contacts and key information on the firm’s CRM system.
• 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 assist with other events as needed to maximize the firm’s investment.
• Develop and execute internal communication strategies, including coordination of practice group newsletters and firm news for new business highlights and client and matters successes.
• Complete special projects as assigned.
• Work to ensure quality professional product, as well as delivery of all work within established time frames.

Job functions included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.  Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job functions at any time.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field preferred. JD and/or MBA strongly preferred.

Experience: 5+ years of directly relevant experience in a marketing or business development-related position, including experience in a large law firm or professional services firm. A strong business development and marketing acumen and basic legal substantive knowledge is required.

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 pay close attention to details. 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 a strong focus on customer service delivery while dealing with a variety of personalities and being sensitive to cultural differences and issues.

Other

Pay Range for NY: $203,000 - $230,000. 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct line management to BD Coordinator, along with collaborative guidance and mentorship for other BD Coordinators and Managers working alongside the Corporate Group based in three different offices, as needed.

Equipment To Be Used:  Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential Job Functions: 

• Ability to effectively communicate with various personalities at all levels. Exceptional organzied and time management skills. Keen problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities and solutions-oriented thinking. Must be able to travel for meetings and events as required. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to utilize technology, including computers and telecommunication devices.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and diverse work problems on a daily basis and complete assignments within set timelines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment to recommend and effectuate decisions.
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion and adapt to changing work situations.
• 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. 

Typical Physical Demands: Manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment.

Typical Mental Demands: Able to work effectively in a fast paced environment.  Make judgment decisions and adapt to changing work situations.  Grasp and apply new ideas.  Communicate with various personalities at all levels.

Working Conditions: You will be required to work in the office at minimum 3 days per week. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

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. Reed Smith's success depends heavily on the effective utilization of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran's status, or any characteristic protected by law. As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.

Reed Smith provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only.  No search firms.