Business Development Manager

Location:

Chicago, IL or St. Louis, MO

Travel:
Approximately 10–15%

We are partnering with a well-established national law firm seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to support key practice and industry groups. This is a highly visible role working closely with attorneys, practice leaders, executive leadership, and cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic business development initiatives.

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience within a law firm or professional services environment and have a track record of building relationships with senior stakeholders, developing growth strategies, managing client initiatives, and leading complex business development efforts.

• Serve as the primary business development partner for assigned practice and industry groups.
• Advise practice leaders and firm leadership on business development strategy, growth opportunities, and market positioning.
• Develop and execute strategic business development plans designed to increase revenue, strengthen client relationships, and identify new opportunities.
• Partner with attorneys and client relationship leaders to develop and manage key client initiatives and account strategies.
• Monitor practice group performance, attorney business development activity, market trends, and competitive developments.
• Establish business development campaigns, timelines, KPIs, and accountability measures to track execution and results.
• Lead the strategy and preparation of complex RFPs, proposals, and new business pitches.
• Collaborate with pricing and finance teams to help evaluate opportunities and support profitable growth.
• Develop market, client, industry, and competitive intelligence to identify trends and potential business opportunities.
• Lead or support practice group meetings, presentations, strategic planning sessions, and business development programs.
• Partner across marketing, finance, technology, pricing, project management, professional development, and other internal teams on firmwide initiatives.
• Support process improvement, practice management, client development, and profitability initiatives.
• May supervise, mentor, and develop Business Development Coordinators or other team members.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development support to direct reports as applicable.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team environment.

• Bachelor’s degree required; business, marketing, communications, or a related field preferred.
• 8+ years of business development, marketing, client development, or related experience within a B2B professional services environment.
• Previous law firm experience strongly preferred, particularly within a large or Am Law 200 firm.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with attorneys, executives, or other senior-level stakeholders.
• Strong strategic planning, critical thinking, and problem- solving abilities.
• Proven ability to develop and execute business development strategies and initiatives.
• Experience managing sophisticated RFPs, proposals, pitches, and client development efforts.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence others without direct authority.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Self-motivated, intellectually curious, and comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced professional environment.
• Ability to work additional hours when business needs require.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10–15%, including occasional overnight or weekend travel.