Business Development Manager

The firm

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices the firm advises clients on complex high-value transactions and disputes matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.

The firms success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values We are experts We are united and We care the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.

Role overview

Partnering with our Maritime Sector Head for Europe and the US this role combines leadership of business development activities for the London Maritime group with responsibility for supporting the delivery of the wider sector strategy across Europe and the US.

Acting as a business partner to sector leadership you will help drive business development client development and marketing initiatives across these markets working closely with business development colleagues across our offices to ensure a consistent and focussed approach to sector priorities and growth objectives.

Key activities/responsibilities

• Implementing and delivering the London Maritime sector business development and marketing strategy plan providing strategic advice to ensure the effective implementation of key initiatives and alignment with the sector strategy.
• Managing the London Maritime business development budget ensuring investment is aligned to strategic priorities and delivers measurable return on investment.
• Supporting the Maritime Sectors key account management programme working closely with relationship partners to strengthen strategic client relationships identify cross-selling opportunities and increase client growth across practices and regions.
• Coaching partners and senior lawyers ahead of client and prospect meetings helping them evaluate opportunities and maximise relationship-building opportunities.
• Working alongside partners and the Pitches & Proposals team on strategic opportunities within the maritime sector including opportunity assessment bid strategy preparation of compelling pitch materials coaching teams ahead of presentations and securing client feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Proactively leading and implementing sector-led campaigns to generate new business and grow existing client relationships.
• Developing and executing profile-raising initiatives to strengthen the firms reputation in the maritime sector including digital campaigns thought leadership expert commentary events conferences directories and awards submissions.
• Staying well informed on maritime industry developments market trends client priorities and competitor activity translating intelligence into practical business development opportunities and strategic recommendations.
• Collaborating closely with the global Business Development and Communications teams as well as Finance Innovation Knowledge and other business functions to ensure coordinated delivery of sector and client initiatives across the firm.
• Championing the effective use of CRM client intelligence and business development systems to support data-driven decision-making and relationship management.
• Leading developing and implementing firmwide and sector-specific projects initiatives and systems as appropriate.
• Managing and developing the Transport Senior Business Development Executives providing coaching support and performance management

Skills and…