Business Development Manager (m/w/x) M&A - #2141054

FRESHFIELDS OVERVIEW

Freshfields is a global law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it most matters, wherever in the world that may be. The Firm has over 2,400 lawyers in 28 offices around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments.

Our people make our firm - we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams.

We think and work globally - we don’t just say we are one firm; we act as one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isn’t just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.

We aim to add value in everything we do - we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate.

About Marketing & Business Development (MBD)

MBD is a dynamic global team which includes business development specialists, research analysts, brand, marketing and communications experts. By working collaboratively, our team shapes the firm’s client strategy, completes analysis of complex business issues, targets opportunities, develops compelling proposals and creates content and marketing campaigns that lead our digital presence. Together, we define the client experience and shape the perception of Freshfields around the globe.

ROLE SUMMARY

This is a unique and varied role requiring excellent teamworking and communication skills as well as the ability to build strong and trusted relationships with senior internal stakeholders in the region and across the firm. The role requires an experienced professional that can work collaboratively with BD colleagues across the firm’s global network and work effectively with brand, marketing, communications, events and research specialists where required.

The Business Development Manager will have experience of working for a law firm in a fast-paced, professional, and client-focused environment. They will have a good understanding of the German legal market. Experience of working in an M&A or related practice BD role will be an advantage. Alternatively, they may have operated in a generalist role providing support to multiple practice groups, for example, or as a specialist in a particular practice area or sector. It is likely that they will have specialized previously in one or more aspects of business development, such as pitching, client targeting, campaigns, content or credentials creation, directory submissions, or key account client relationship management, and it is intended that any existing specialization or expertise continues to be leveraged significantly within this role. However, they will have a propensity to learn and an interest in working with colleagues in other offices/regions to broaden their experience and skillset.

The Business Development Manager will be working closely with especially Germany- and Austria-based M&A and real estate partners with a focus on delivering high quality BD support and guidance and capitalizing on BD opportunities in this region with key clients.

With this context, the role holder will be responsible for working collaboratively as part of the Global Business Development team for M&A/Corporate to:

• Understand the specific challenges and opportunities for the M&A/Corporate group, support the Senior Manager to develop and execute the tasks that will help the team to deliver the strategy
• Work collaboratively with lawyers within the practice to compose and manage compelling credentials, proposals including pitches, RFP responses, and other opportunities to win work for the regional practice group, often with a fast turnaround; record and track on Salesforce
• Produce and manage practice group content, campaigns or events and relevant directory and award submissions to increase engagement with key clients and enhance the personal brands of leading practitioners and the firm’s global reputation (eg developing marketing activities to support the growth ambitions of our client strategy)
• Support on webinars, events and relevant initiatives to enhance the profile of our Group’s offer and strengthen our relationships with key stakeholders
• Have strong technical skills and the ability to leverage technology eg Salesforce and tools to analyse trends, to compile background information on clients as well as to anticipate and identify opportunities to develop existing clients and services.
• Build trusted relationships with a specific group of senior internal stakeholders and MBD colleagues to achieve a ‘one team’ global mindset
• Contribute to continuous improvement in the firm’s approach to business development, including coaching of colleagues and proactive sharing of knowledge, content and data to centralised tools such as Foundation

KEY RESPONSBILITIES

Essential:

• Educated to degree level; with considerable experience in professional, preferably legal, service organisations
• Excellent written, presentation and oral communications skills, with demonstrated excellence in grammar and proofreading . Strong in German and English – highly proficient in business writing in both languages
• Strong multi-tasking and project management skills and demonstrated capabilities to manage multiple deadlines and changing project criteria, and resilience under pressure
• Ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and high expectations
• Excellent teamworking and collaboration skills, with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally
• Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Suite software
• Working knowledge of CRM systems, with knowledge of Salesforce a plus
• Natural curiosity and propensity to learn; enthusiasm to grow into a rounded business development practitioner, specialising in M&A/Corporate

Freshfields is a global law firm with a long-standing track record of successfully supporting the world’s leading national and multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments on ground-breaking and business critical mandates.

At Freshfields we seek to create a better future for our clients, our people and the communities in which we work. Our global teams bring together individuals with different experiences, skills and strengths in a culture where we support all to belong, engage and excel.