Business Development Manager - Financial Institutions Group (FIG)
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£55,200
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 3556 (71% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £55,200, and Freshfields is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
We pick the code from the advert's text, so it is our best guess, not the employer's. Each code it could be has its own likelihood:
- Likely 3556 (Sales accounts and business development managers) · 71% match
- Possible 3554 (Advertising and marketing associate professionals) · 9% match
- Likely 2432 (Marketing and commercial managers) · 8% match
Ask Freshfields what the duties are.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3556 Sales accounts and business development managers Most likely code | £38,600 | £55,200 | £55,200 | £55,200 |
3554 Advertising and marketing associate professionals Also possible | £33,400 | £41,700 | £41,700 | £41,700 |
2432 Marketing and commercial managers Also possible | £35,000 | £40,000 | £45,100 | £50,100 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Shape the growth of one of the world's leading financial institutions practices
Freshfields is looking for an experienced and commercially-minded Business Development Manager to join our global Financial Institutions Group (FIG). This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of a thriving international practice, partnering with market-leading lawyers and some of the world's most significant financial institutions.
Sitting at the intersection of strategy, client development and market insight, you will play a key role in driving growth across the US while contributing to the global direction of the FIG sector. Working closely with partners and colleagues across our international network, you will help identify opportunities, strengthen client relationships and elevate the profile of the practice in a highly competitive market.
This role offers a rare combination of local market influence and global reach, making it ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, shaping strategy and delivering tangible business impact.
What you'll be doing
As a trusted adviser to the FIG partners and wider business development team, you will:
- Help shape and execute business development plans that support the continued growth of the FIG practice in the US and globally.
- Lead the development of compelling client pitches, proposals, panel submissions and other strategic pursuits.
- Build and deepen relationships with key financial institution clients, supporting client programmes and identifying opportunities to grow our work.
- Drive thought leadership, events, campaigns and profile-raising initiatives that strengthen Freshfields' position in the market.
- Use client, competitor and market intelligence to generate insights that inform strategy and uncover new opportunities.
- Collaborate with colleagues across practices, sectors and jurisdictions to support cross-border opportunities and integrated client solutions.
About you
We're looking for an ambitious and commercially focused business development professional who thrives in a fast-paced, international environment.
You'll bring:
- Experience within a professional services environment, ideally supporting corporate or financial services-focused practices.
- A track record of working with senior stakeholders and influencing at partner level.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to translate market insights into practical business opportunities.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management capabilities.
- The confidence to work independently, exercise sound judgement and challenge constructively when needed.
- A collaborative approach and genuine enthusiasm for working across international teams.
- A natural curiosity about markets, clients and business development, with a desire to continually learn and grow.
Why Freshfields?
This is an opportunity to join a truly global business development team and contribute to one of the firm's most dynamic growth sectors. You'll work alongside talented colleagues across our international network, gain exposure to some of the world's leading financial institutions and play a meaningful role in shaping the future of the practice.
Inclusion
Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered on the basis of their merit alone. 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 in the role in question 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 if and 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 relevant factors into account (e.g. 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.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Freshfields, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Sales accounts and business development managers (SOC 3556) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~448k in sample- Middle half £40,144–71,448
- Median £53,820
- Going rate £55,200
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £38,600–49,680
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at FreshfieldsAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Freshfields holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 3556 going rate of £55,200. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.