This is a key strategic hire for our Dublin office. The candidate will be required to lead the Marketing & Business Development (MBD) function to the next level with a particular focus on Business Development and Client Relationship Management (CRM). The candidate is an ambitious, hands-on and commercially focused MBD leader who proactively leads the local BD and Marketing function, working with local partners, fee earners, support staff and the central MBD functions as well as our Global Services Centre (GSC) in Warsaw.
This role includes, but is not limited to, developing strategic marketing and business development plans and activities aligned with international and local strategic priorities, utilizing the full marketing and business development mix. This involves shaping evolving market proposition and driving and being responsible for delivering marketing campaigns that create strategic business development opportunities. As part of the full client cycle, the candidate will oversee pitching, client development, targeting programs and ensuring the successful delivery of the events and communications strategy.
Main duties and responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Alignment
- Partner with the European Head of Marketing & Business Development, the Country Managing Partner (CMP) and the local leadership team and partner group in order to develop and implement the Irish MBD strategic priorities.
- Set the Marketing, BD, Communications and Events priorities to meet strategic needs in order to deliver the business strategy in Ireland.
- Build and develop relationships with the International Marketing & BD team to actively collaborate on firm-wide strategies and initiatives, sharing best practices and lessons learned across the firm.
Business Development, Client and Sector Strategy
- Lead the development of an integrated BD and client strategy that will support groups and sectors to focus on key client development and drive profitable revenue growth.
- Lead and in time oversee activities that include market intelligence and targeting, campaigns and thought leadership, internal collaboration and training, cross border and international initiatives, measuring and reporting.
- Ensure the delivery of Marketing, BD, Communications and Events activities are delivered to support:
- The local business whilst being aligned to the firm's strategy
- The global client and sector strategy: supporting most significant client relationships, aligning to global sectors and following the client focused growth approach
Team Leadership and Business Development Culture
- Lead, coach and develop a collaborative, high performing MBD team
- Coach Partners and Lawyers on client related and BD activities, actively supporting embedding a BD culture.
Stakeholder Engagement & Operational Support
- Act as trusted business advisor to the Country Managing Partner and the leadership team, as well as the Dublin partners
- Be accountable for the delivery of a responsive, efficient, and business-aligned Marketing, BD, Communications and Events service, ensuring that central and local colleagues work effectively together
- Engage with and manage multiple stakeholders to progress and deliver local priorities
- Driving and leading on Business Development meetings, following up on actions and activities for the Irish office
- Assist the CMP and leadership team in other related operational/support activities for the Irish office.
About you
- Degree/CIM Chartered Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing/MBA (desirable); 10 years+ of working including team lead experience, preferably in a law firm or consultancy environment
- Knowledge of Marketing/BD processes and data analytics - a sound understanding of new business processes, CRM as a concept and the emerging technologies needed to help us win and retain clients
- Proven track record in implementing and delivering business development strategies
- Excellent understanding of sector and client marketing with a commercial mindset
- A professional approach in terms of commitment and internal client care
- Excellent proven people management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Excellent communication and project management skills. Expected to have strong probing, consultative listening skills coupled with the ability to negotiate and persuade legal and client personnel
- Excellent sales techniques and coaching skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy
- A proven ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information
- Ability to exhibit a high degree of initiative and critical-thinking skills in exercising independent judgment and making decisions in managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment.
- Ability to effectively manage resources and see delegated tasks through to completion at a high standard
- Ability to stay calm and composed in fast paced environment
- Display a consistently positive attitude and adopt a 'can do' approach.
- Proven experience taking responsibility and working on own initiative, ensuring projects are delivered within expected timelines