The role:
This role represents an exciting opportunity to be part of two impressive (award-winning) and innovative Simmons & Simmons teams – the Marketing & Business Development team and the Solutions international practice group.
The Solutions group is the home of non-traditional capabilities that enhance, expand and differentiate the wider Simmons offering. The group is comprised of our technology-driven eDiscovery and investigation services, our Adaptive flexible resourcing business, our next generation suite of digital products (including the award-winning Navigator offering) and our market-leading Simmons Wavelength team (which bridge the gap between lawyers, legal technology, data and design).
The M&BD function is comprised of approx. 90 experienced professionals, who are empowered to improve the firm, think genuinely globally and act with a “One Team” ethic. Whilst formally a member of the global M&BD community, the M&BD Manager will immerse themselves within, and work as a collaborative member of, the Solutions group and its diverse group of professionals. They will advise on and drive the execution of sales, marketing and business development initiatives.
Operating as an integral part of our M&BD function, the successful candidate will have a strong voice in the future planning of the Solutions business, working closely with Partner and Managing Director Ben McGuire (2020 The Lawyer “Hot 100”). The M&BD Manager role will demand both strategic thinking and hands-on delivery and the ability to juggle both is key.
This is the perfect opportunity for a skilled and experienced M&BD specialist who wants to be:
immersed in a practice focused on the cutting edge of legal delivery and execution; and,
valued as a part of a professional, strong and genuinely international M&BD function
Only solutions-orientated team-players need apply.
What will you do:
BD and marketing execution: deliver high-quality day to day tactical marketing and BD support to the Solutions group, and the wider firm. Specific tasks will include:
Work closely with the Solutions partners and Team Leads to develop sales and BD strategy aligned to Simmons’ strategy and global client programme.
Lead the development of service offerings, working with partners and M&BD to define the benefits of Solutions services/offerings and the most effective routes to market (i.e. via sector marketing campaigns and client development activities).
Focus heavily on growing revenue-generation for Solutions in accordance with business plans, identifying key strategic targets and pursuing opportunities for growth. This will include working with the Head of Sales (Andy Robinson) to embed a sales pipeline and related processes/behaviour.
Oversee the ongoing activities of specific initiatives, covering BD and marketing planning and the execution of specific initiatives.
Regularly interact with and provide support to international offices and clients.
Contribute to the BD practice planning and budgeting process, as required, and then work with the relevant fee earners to implement the plan. Ensure correct budget sign-off procedures are followed for unplanned activities.
Profile raising, communications and CRM. Contribute to the formulation of the team´s internal and external communications strategies (including digital) and then implement accordingly, ensuring best practice is observed.
Assist in strengthening the team’s reputation across the firm through the identification and organisation of presentations, webinars, use of internal publications and newsletters.
Assist in strengthening the team’s reputation in the market through the identification of speaking, advertising and media opportunities (in conjunction with the central Comms team), as well as overseeing the project management of directory and award submissions as necessary.
Work with the Solutions team members to develop the content of written communications including factsheets, webpages and intranet pages, including their production and maintenance ensuring best practice is observed.
Assist Solutions teams with practice specific tenders, proposals and pitches, including conducting a bid/no bid process, managing the logistics of the pitch process for any assigned pitches, gathering of relevant material and information and writing formal responses.
Client relationship management: managing and developing Solutions relationships with key client programme targets, working closely with client relationship managers to help the Solutions teams are outward-facing and focused on revenue generation opportunities.
Encourage/educate key stakeholders to share best practice and support all Solutions teams in developing client relationships.
Challenge: work with partners and other stakeholders to grow their businesses.
Reporting: supporting the process of reporting centrally on local activity, key trends and opportunities.
Collaboration: contribute to the broader firmwide approach to client management by ensuring that client relationship management best practices and skills are widely adopted across Solutions.
What we are looking for:
Minimum of four years’ experience in a marketing/sales/business development role.
A strong understanding of the professional services market desired.
Experience of working in “non-traditional” areas of professional practices an advantage.
Well-developed understanding of marketing and BD strategy and implementation.
Has the ability and confidence to provide constructive input to fee earners at all levels.
Strong project management skills.
End to end management of the pitch process.
Familiarity with CRM systems, document management systems, intranets, website etc.
Experience in social media, PR, online services would be an advantage.
Able to develop professional relationships and build business through diverse networks.
Strong client relationship skills and a commercial mindset.
Here at Simmons & Simmons:
Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.
Some key information:
We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
We bring together the best legal advice from our established legal teams with non-traditional capabilities via Simmons & Simmons Solutions that enhance, expand and differentiate the Simmons offering.
We are proud to rank as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our Business Plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.
Equal opportunities:
We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:
Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.
Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.
We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.
We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.
If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team . To apply for the role, click on the link at the bottom of the page or visit our career page for more details.