The role
This is a key leadership role within a re-shaped and forward-thinking business development and marketing team which supports the delivery of the commercial objectives of the firm.
As the Head of Strategic Bids you will work closely with the partnership to develop strategies for creating competitive win themes that improve our chances of success. You will constructively challenge and advise on ways to constantly improve the way in which we engage in the bid process.
The team
You will need to be comfortable in working in an advisory capacity, being a valued sounding board for partners to support them in the pursuit of new opportunities. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management and development of direct reports and work seamlessly in conjunction with your colleagues across Division, Sector and Client teams to support and drive the growth, client acquisition and revenue generation initiatives.
Shoosmiths' Business Development and Marketing Directorate is at the forefront of our strategic growth, driven by a commitment to dynamic, tech-savvy, and operationally efficient practices. We understand that in today's rapidly evolving business landscape, adaptability is key. Our ambition for the team is to harness cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights to shape innovative marketing strategies, foster client relationships, and identify new opportunities that enable us to excel in our chosen markets.
The firm
Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. Shoosmiths is also on a pathway to net zero across the value chain by 2040.
We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.
To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package.
Main responsibilities
Strategic Planning
- Undertake initial bid qualification process and make justified recommendations whether to pursue or not in relation to firm strategy, current commercial parameters and targeted return on investment.
- Manage compliance with internal risk management protocols.
- Lead on strategic/high value opportunities, advising on approach, team selection and wider solutions to strengthen our proposition.
- Demonstrate a deep focus to work closely with partners to create winning strategies and utilise this process to develop tailored, client-centric propositions.
- Leading client scoping meetings for large bids to ensure key messages are captured and reflected in the final bid document.
- Provide advisory support and partner coaching to prepare presentation teams to give high levels of performance.
- On existing client re-tenders, work closely with the client relationship team and manage the process to ensure the bid reflects our latest offerings, is tailored, innovative and creative and differentiates us from our competitors.
- Work with services areas to manage the development of templates to support self-service when required.
- Work alongside our Client Relationship team to successfully manage panel appointments.
- Act as an ambassador for the Strategic Bids team, instilling best practice across the firm, to help promote a client-centric focus for growth.
- Build your network within the firm to understand the pipeline and identify the right opportunities to support.
Operational Excellence
- Conduct win/loss reviews for major proposals, identify the themes for winning and losing and create regular reports to improve firm-wide performance. Work with the Senior Client Listening Manager on this.
- Contribute towards ensuring the bid team’s process and procedures are efficient as possible to make optimal use of our resources.
- Review, draft and maintain standard content and templates to ensure consistency and best practice. Ensure that the team updates the proposal library so that it is continually updated with relevant content.
- Link with training and development teams to ensure that current best practice in winning business and pitching is shared through our internal training programmes.
- Use the right internal channels to share success stories and best practice across Shoosmiths.
- Build relationships with procurement professionals and other external experts and bodies to keep on top of industry best practice.
Financial Performance
- Work closely with the Client Pricing Manager to create innovative pricing strategies for our clients.
Skills And Qualifications
- Experience of working within a senior leadership role in professional services (preferably legal sector) for a minimum of 10 years.
- A track record of success in managing and delivering effective and winning sales opportunities / bids
- An understanding of managing international bids in the legal sector is advantageous.
- Exceptional writing skills and attention to detail.
- A collaborator, who creates confidence amongst colleagues and builds co-operative and inclusive working arrangements.
- Personal credibility and confidence to be able to convince partners of the best course of action.
- Ability to persuade and influence across all levels on the business and challenge constructively.
- A solutions-focused individual who is proactive in their approach.
- An excellent communicator who is able to lead and direct team meetings and influence others.
- The ability to meet deadlines, prioritise workloads and manage multiple projects.
- Strong project management experience
- Excellent IT knowledge and comfort using Teams, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint in particular.
Equal opportunities
Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.
This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
Should you require further information about this role, please contact Chelsea Simmons at
[email protected].
