Business Development Manager

• Conduct ongoing market and client research and analysis to identify needs, emerging trends and competitive landscapes to inform potential growth opportunities within targeted sectors.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of client needs, legal practice areas, market dynamics, and competitor activities.
• Leverage existing financial systems, CRM and data sources to extract data, generate reports and dashboards that inform business development and growth strategies.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to practice groups and leadership based on analysis.

• Proactively identify and recommend new business opportunities through market insights and analysis, go-to-market initiatives, and cross-firm collaboration, mobilizing resources to drive action once aligned.
• Collaborate with partners to develop targeted outreach strategies and cultivate and deepen relationships with clients, prospects and key decision-makers.
• Build client programs and sales initiatives that align with the Firm’s profitability drivers and strategic plan to grow the existing base, enable effective cross-sell and collaboration, and drive new revenue through must-win client opportunities and innovative pursuits.
• Monitor and track industry developments and regulatory changes that may create new business opportunities and swiftly seize them when they arise.
• Develop, manage and execute annual business and go-to-market plans for practice groups, ensuring there is an aligned action/initiative roadmap that delivers on desired growth goals.
• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of business development strategies and initiatives with a focus on creating impact, adjusting as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Engage in networking activities, industry events, conferences, and seminars; develop strategic partnerships to promote the firm’s services, expand relationships, and deliver leads.

• Build and execute strategic account plans for designated key clients, focusing on deepening relationships and expanding purchased services.
• Conduct regular client reviews to assess satisfaction, identify needs, and explore opportunities for cross-selling and up-selling.
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to partners, bringing insights, foresight, solutions, and measurable value to their growth efforts so they can focus on servicing client needs.
• Develop a strong understanding of clients, sectors and practices to facilitate collaboration between internal groups and stakeholders and bring the best of the full Firm to our clients.

• Lead and support the development of strategic pursuit plans for high-value opportunities.
• Collaborate with partners and associates to create innovative and compelling proposals, pitches and presentations that effectively communicate Gowling WLG's capabilities, value and differentiation - pursuits are sharper, more compelling, and more client-relevant because of your involvement.
• Manage the pursuit process with active involvement and accountability, ensuring timely and effective execution of all activities.
• Track and report on the success of strategic pursuits, analyzing wins and losses to identify areas for improvement.

• Support practice groups with initiatives that strengthen client-focused go-to-market execution, offer cross-sector collaboration, and deliver measurable ROI through events, conferences, and strategic recognition opportunities.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among practice groups and business development professionals.
• Support the implementation and adoption of CRM, reporting systems, sales training programs, and other tools and technologies.
• Bring a commercial lens, balancing ambition with pragmatism to create impact.

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in business development, sales, or marketing within a professional services environment; sector/industry experience considers.
• Proven track record of success in identifying and closing new business opportunities, including interpreting financial information to create actionable sales strategies.
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and curiosity to understand clients, markets and opportunities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills – a skilled storyteller with the ability to persuade senior audiences.
• Highly accountable and proactive self-starter focused on delivering results.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Superior analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of market research and analysis techniques.
• Skilled collaborator with the ability to connect and bring people and groups together, while also efficiently working independently.
• Deep understanding of marketing and go-to-market strategies and channels.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and other business development tools.

• Strategic Thinking
• Client Focus
• Business Acumen
• Sales Methodologies
• Relationship Management
• Communication & Influence
• Analytical Skills
• Results Orientation
• Project Management

Gowling WLG