UK Job Description
Description
We are seeking a commercially astute and highly experienced Senior Business Development Manager to be the BD Lead for the Financial Industry Group’s (FIG) business development function. This strategically significant role is responsible for shaping and executing the group’s growth agenda, enhancing market presence, and driving revenue generation through innovative business development and marketing initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in the financial services sector, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a proven record of delivering results in a professional services environment.
This role is central to the group’s success, providing strategic direction and oversight to a high-performing, commercially focused business development team based in the UK and US. The Senior Business Development Manager will act as a trusted advisor to practice group leadership, leveraging market intelligence and firm strengths to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities.
Success in this position requires a blend of strategic vision, commercial acumen, and operational excellence, as well as the ability to build strong relationships with attorneys and stakeholders across the firm. The role is integral to the global marketing and business development team, contributing to the firm’s overall growth and reputation
The Firm
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm, renowned for its deep industry knowledge, market-leading client service, and commitment to innovation. With a team of 3,000 professionals—including more than 1,700 lawyers—across 31 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, we operate as one global partnership dedicated to driving progress for our clients, our people, and our communities.
Our Financial Industry Group (FIG) is the largest of our five industry groups and stands at the forefront of advising clients in the financial services sector. We provide strategic, commercial, and regulatory guidance to a diverse client base that includes domestic and global banks, investment banks, funds, investment management companies, advisors, and multinational corporations.
FIG’s experience spans the entire financial services sector, with core areas of excellence including restructuring and insolvency, financial regulation, financial services litigation, fund finance, private credit, real estate finance, corporate trust, and structured finance.
Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Execution
- Partner with industry leaders to develop, implement, and monitor the FIG business plan, ensuring alignment with firmwide objectives and timely execution of strategic priorities.
- Lead the design and delivery of business development strategies that drive growth, market share, and client engagement.
- Provide ongoing strategic counsel to attorneys and industry group members, ensuring business development initiatives are fully aligned with group and firm goals.
- Continuously assess and refine business development activities, making data-driven recommendations for improvement.
Market Positioning and Profile Enhancement
- Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and regulatory changes to inform strategic decision-making and identify new business opportunities.
- Elevate the group’s market profile through targeted campaigns, thought leadership, events, sponsorships, and media engagement.
- Collaborate with the PR team and external agencies to implement a comprehensive media and communications plan, raising the external profile of the group and its lawyers.
- Oversee the group’s approach to legal directory submissions and ensure effective participation in industry conferences and client seminars.
Client Development and Revenue Growth
- Identify and prioritize key clients and prospects, developing tailored strategies to deepen relationships and expand business opportunities.
- Lead the preparation of high-quality pitches, proposals, and RFP responses, ensuring compelling, client-focused messaging and seamless collaboration with partners and the central pitch team.
- Drive cross-selling initiatives by working with other practice and industry groups, maximizing opportunities for multi-disciplinary client solutions.
- Collaborate with the Client Value Team to develop and implement effective pricing strategies, and with Finance and Client Intelligence teams to produce insightful client reports.
Team Leadership and Development
- Set clear objectives and performance metrics for the FIG BD team, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
- Directly manage and develop two BD managers, providing mentorship and guidance to junior team members and promoting a collaborative, high-performance environment.
- Work closely with BD leads from other groups to share best practices and contribute to firmwide business development initiatives.
Operational Excellence
- Oversee the FIG BD budget, ensuring resources are allocated to initiatives that deliver maximum strategic value.
- Support the onboarding and integration of lateral hires, ensuring seamless assimilation into the group’s business development activities.
- Monitor and report on the return on investment of all business development and marketing initiatives.
Key Skills, Attributes and Experience
- Degree qualified; MBA or further education is advantageous.
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in business development, marketing, or client relationship management within the legal, financial services, or professional services sector.
- In-depth knowledge of the financial industry, including key market players, trends, and regulatory environment.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing business development strategies that drive revenue growth.
- Strong team leader and adept at managing close-knit teams
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong project management and organizational abilities, with a keen attention to detail and the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency with CRM systems, business intelligence tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strategic, proactive, and results-oriented mindset.
- Collaborative leader with the ability to influence and build consensus across diverse teams.
- Highly organized, adaptable, and resilient in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Strong customer service orientation, with cultural sensitivity and professionalism.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, exercise sound judgment, adapt to changing situations, and communicate confidently at all levels
- High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
Direct line management of two BD managers and overall responsibility for the FIG BD team of seven, with additional mentorship for BD professionals in other global offices as required.
Hybrid working model with three days in-office attendance expected; flexibility to work additional hours as needed.
At Reed Smith, we welcome direct applications either in response to one of our advertised vacancies or on a speculative basis. Please click on the “Apply Now” button to submit your details and we will be in touch.
No search firms/agencies please.
Reed Smith's success depends heavily on the effective utilization of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran's status, or any characteristic protected by law. As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.
We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you have a disability or a long-term health condition and require adjustments to be made for you within the recruitment process, please contact a member of the Recruitment team. For more information on our approach to diversity and inclusion please visit our website . 
