Role summary/purpose of job

We are seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to lead our strategic business development efforts for our TMT (Technology, Media and Telecoms) sector. The successful candidate will work closely with our leading TMT partners to identify client issues, map out market trends and create an engaging programme of client development activities to drive revenue from this sector, on a global basis. They will also be responsible for developing a market leading communications strategy that delivers on the TMT brand aspirations.

This is a high-profile role for a key sector within Freshfields, which lies at the very heart of our growth plans for the whole organisation. This growth has recently been underpinned by the addition in 2020 of our latest international office, in Silicon Valley. We have close relationships with several of the world’s leading clients in these sectors, ranging from “Big Tech” companies based on the US’s West Coast to exciting new disrupters evolving into industry household names.

This role will report into the Global Head of Business Development for Sectors & Clients and will work closely with the TMT SGLs (Sector Group Leaders).

Location overview: London

Our London office is at the heart of our global network, in one of the most exciting world cities. London is arguably the world’s greatest financial centre: all of the world’s leading financial institutions have a significant presence here. It’s home to the headquarters of more than 100 of Europe’s largest companies.

Our London team has a reputation that’s second to none. They’re the team the world’s leading businesses turn to for help with their most challenging problems. They work with colleagues around the world on complex, cross-border deals and disputes. Whether you join as a lawyer, a recent graduate or in a business services role, London is a great place to work.

You will have the opportunity to work on challenging, engaging work that will give you the opportunity to make your mark and progress your career. We believe there is no better place to work.

About Marketing and Business Development

A creative group ranging from client managers and communications experts, to designers and data wizards, our Marketing and Business Development (MBD) team is a dynamic and talented global team, operating in a fast-moving environment. Some of us shape the client strategy, create campaigns that travel and lead our digital presence. Others work with journalists, put on high-profile events, tell compelling stories, and tackle complex business issues. Together, we define the client experience and shape the perception of Freshfields to differentiate us globally.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

Drawing on support from across the MBD function and the wider firm, the successful candidate will use their knowledge, skills and experience to:

• Support TMT SGLs on sector client strategy and internal reporting

• Develop an excellent understanding of the TMT market, using this to anticipate revenue generating opportunities, and to adapt the local marketing and business development approach accordingly, such that client outreaches and collateral can be generated quickly;

• Work very closely with the SGLs and other relevant partners to take advantage of these opportunities and help develop opportunities with our priority and target clients, by tailoring and positioning key legal and market developments in ways that are specifically relevant for them;

• Take the lead on working with client teams to develop the relationships they have with priority clients, so that we are a compelling choice for these clients when it comes to the work we want to win. We aim both to drive revenue through increased penetration of existing firm clients (across geographies and practice groups) and by identifying select new clients that fit our longer-term strategy;

• Be a constant source of advice, expertise and coaching for all TMT lawyers and MBD colleagues, such that they see you as the go-to person for business development initiatives and client insight;

• Work with colleagues in MBD to develop a market leading communications strategy that delivers on the TMT brand aspirations;

• Take the MBD lead on all major TMT projects, including product working groups and client targeting initiatives;

• Work closely with our TMT lawyers to support strategically important pitches effectively, including drafting content;

• Coach and manage colleagues, both formally in the case of their direct reports and informally with respect to the rest of the MBD function.

Key Requirements & Competencies

We are looking for a charismatic, dynamic and confident marketing and BD expert, who is highly adaptable and nimble in their approach. The successful candidate will have:

• Deep knowledge and passion with respect to the Tech industry – especially in terms of anticipating market opportunities. They will be an expert in the subject matter, able to act as a trusted professional advisor to the TMT SGLs and other senior stakeholders;

• Proactive, commercial mindset, looking to push the BD agenda without always waiting for senior guidance;

• High level of confidence in their own professional capabilities and judgment;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;

• The ability to lead on key projects - whether strategic or tactical – and to be responsible for their success or failure, learning from the latter;

• The ability to build strong relationships internally and externally, while frequently operating remotely from their colleagues;

• The ability to deal efficiently with complexity, ambiguity and competing demands;

• A good understanding of the partnership environment within a professional services firm;

• A global mindset, while demonstrating sensitivity towards the balance between local business needs and the firm’s global priorities;

• A commercial outlook, with a clear understanding of what is best for both the firm and our clients;

• Resilience and the ability to remain calm and positive under pressure;

• Excellent leadership skills and the ability to inspire confidence;

• Strong emotional intelligence and situational awareness.

Freshfields Overview

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a major international 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. Our culture is a product of the combined mindsets and behaviours of our people which is through the Being Freshfields principles, outlined below:

• we show respect to everyone

• we are there for one another

• we are open with each other

• we are positive role models

We think and work globally - we don’t just say we are one firm; we act like 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.

Freshfields is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds make important and positive contributions to our business and how we service our clients.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.