Business Development Manager

Shoosmiths - UK Law Firm of the Year Winner at the Legal Week British Legal Awards 2015.

A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and the first top 100 law firm to achieve “Gold Standard” Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance and pomposity makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.

The Business Development & Marketing team takes much care of the firm’s external reputation, employing a number of tools to optimise our profile in the market.  Growing profitable income from clients and targets is the key aim of the national Business Development team, and they do this in two main ways, by:

• supporting Relationships (with existing Clients, Targets and Intermediaries)
• developing a strong brand, profile and Reputation for Shoosmiths in the UK market and overseas.

A key role driving strategic and operational business development for the firm. The role will focus on developing and delivering a business development programme with measurable objectives and activities which directly relate to Access Legal and Private Client services generally at Shoosmiths LLP: 

• To work closely with the Director of Business Development ;
• This role will take the lead in providing strategic, practical business development support, market research and advice to the firm with the aim of building new business opportunities, as well as maximising cross-selling opportunities;
• This role will work closely with partners and other business development professionals within the firm to develop best practice processes;
• To assist the Firm in its overall objectives.

• Work closely with the partnership to develop plans, marketing and business development strategies as well as identifying new markets and innovative development initiatives;
• Deliver meaningful market, client and competitive intelligence, research, and analysis to support business development and marketing initiatives;
• To advise partners, sharing best practice and providing hands on support to create content for their particular practice areas;
• Ownership of content (up-dating and refreshing) the website(s) with relevant material;
• Making sure branding is consistent and in line with messaging throughout marketing materials and digital platforms;
• Create marketing collateral to be distributed in print and digital form;
• Manage marketing campaigns, ensuring objectives are met ;
• Regularly attending and contributing at all relevant management and team meetings and visiting all relevant offices;
• Co-operation with other business development and marketing staff to maximise PR opportunities and marketing communications activities;
• Line management of digital content manager;
• Other ad-hoc projects/initiatives as required.

You will have a proven track of marketing and business development in a professional services firm with experience of the B2C market place. You will demonstrate confidence and a pragmatic commercial approach with the ability to influence at all levels. You will have experience of working independently. You should be organised and results focused with a demonstrable track record of adding value and proactivity;

• Ability to establish rapport with staff at all levels as well as external contacts;
• Meticulous attention to detail;
• Problem solving;
• Ability to produce clear, concise and fluent written work using appropriate style, language and grammar;
• Ability to fit in with the team and develop effective and supportive relationships with colleagues;
• Strong knowledge of digital including social media techniques and approaches;
• Team player, able to influence others;
• Ability to develop account and targeting plans/ ideas and then implement;
• Self-starter who takes initiative and follows through, creates confidence amongst partners and forges cooperative working arrangements with colleagues;
• Meet deadlines and manage multiple projects in a fast paced and demanding environment;
• Positive attitude with strength of character and determination to succeed.

Preferred Experience & Qualifications:

• Understanding and experience of a marketing and BD programme within a professional services firm;
• Proven track record of running marketing campaigns including the writing and production of content and the management of digital platforms ;
• Educated to degree level or equivalent;
• Line management experience.

Shoosmiths is a committed Equal Opportunities employer promoting equality of opportunity. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.