Business Development Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Manager to join our Marketing & Business Development team, based in our Dubai office. An integral member of the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) Marketing and Business Development team, the Business Development Manager will provide strategic and hands-on support to the Corporate/M&A, Disputes, Real Estate, Digital, Data, Innovation and Technology (DDIT), Financial Services and Regulatory groups in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Working closely with partners, lawyers and regional and global BD colleagues, the role will help progress business planning, client development, pitches, campaigns, cross-selling and profile-raising activity across the practice portfolio.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of high-profile practice areas in a dynamic and growing market. The successful candidate will gain significant exposure to senior stakeholders, major regional and cross-border opportunities and A&O Shearman’s global network, while playing a visible role in shaping practice growth and client strategy. This could also be a fantastic career pathway for someone at BD Executive level, seeking to progress to manager.

Department purpose

Our global Marketing and Business Development team supports A&O Shearman’s strategic and commercial objectives by strengthening client relationships, winning new business, raising the firm’s profile and helping partners and lawyers become trusted advisers to clients. The function works collaboratively across offices, practices, sectors, clients and specialist teams.

What you will do

Business planning and advice – work with partners and the wider BD team to develop and deliver focused business development priorities across the supported practice groups. Provide commercially focused advice, identify market opportunities and track progress against agreed plans.

• Client and market development – support priority client and target relationships, coordinate client plans and follow-up activity, and identify opportunities to broaden relationships across practices and jurisdictions. Maintain a strong understanding of regional markets, clients, competitors, intermediaries and trends.
• Proposals – lead and project-manage strategic pitches, proposals, panel appointments, capability statements and credentials. Develop compelling client-focused propositions, coordinate rehearsals and capture outcomes and feedback to improve future submissions.
• Campaigns and profile raising – develop targeted campaigns, events, thought leadership, directory and award submissions and other client-facing initiatives aligned with practice and regional priorities, working closely with Communications and Marketing colleagues.
• Client listening – support participation in the firm’s client listening programme and work with partners and BD colleagues to ensure feedback is recorded and appropriate follow-up actions are progressed.
• Cross-selling and collaboration – connect the supported practices with relevant sectors, clients and markets across A&O Shearman, sharing intelligence and progressing regional and cross-border opportunities.
• Systems, data and AI – promote effective use of business development and CRM systems, maintain accurate materials, and use data and appropriate AI tools responsibly to improve accuracy, ways of working and processes, in line with firm policies and professional obligations.
• People and team contribution – provide direction, support and development to junior team members, where applicable, and contribute flexibly to other teams and priorities within the META Marketing and Business Development function from time to time.

What you will have

Graduate or equivalent professional experience.

• Significant business development or marketing experience within an international law firm or comparable professional services environment.
• Significant and demonstrable experience leading complex pitches, proposals, panel submissions, campaigns and client development activity.
• Experience supporting Corporate/M&A, transactional or other relevant legal practice groups, with the ability to work effectively across a broad portfolio.
• Strong commercial judgement and experience developing practice, client or sector business development plans.
• Credible and confident when working with partners, senior lawyers and other high-profile stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, writing, presentation, project-management and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail.
• A collaborative, proactive and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Knowledge of, or a strong interest in, the legal and commercial markets in the UAE and the wider META region.
• Strong digital capability, including confidence using business development systems, data and AI tools appropriately and responsibly.
• Experience of developing junior team members would be advantageous.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

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