Job description

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.

Role purpose
Our business development & marketing team is currently recruiting a temporary business development officer, ideally as from mid-September until the end of December 2026.

The role sits within the wider Belgian BD & marketing team consisting of junior, mid-level and senior BD & marketing professionals working harmoniously together with lawyers and business teams to deliver stellar commercial support. The temp BD officer reports to the head of BD & marketing at A&O Shearman Belgium.

You will be helping to support a number of our practice groups. The role is based in our Brussels or Antwerp office. You will be an integral part of a market-leading team consisting of both lawyers and business professionals.

What you will do
As the trusted commercial adviser to your assigned practices, you will:

define and implement strategic BD planning for the Belgian offices in line with global/regional objectives;
advise and lead on winning profitable work by delivering high-quality, innovative commercial proposals (requests for proposals, panel pitches, short turn-around capability statements, etc) including:
- managing the pitch process (from scoping kick-offs and determining the preferred approach to drafting the pitch and obtaining client feedback);
- fielding our relevant global product offering (sector, product, pricing, Advanced Delivery Services etc);
help your lawyers develop and closely monitor client relationships, and be involved in the preparation and follow-up of effective client-relationship meetings, with a specific focus on selected key clients;
be responsible for knowledge management of markets, prospects, and clients (data collection and reporting), and share information with key stakeholders by drafting tailored client briefing notes.

In addition, and with the help of other departments and/or external providers, you will:

support the organisation of events, seminars and webinars;
participate in internal and external communication projects (both national and international);
develop compelling client collateral;
coordinate and contribute to submissions for legal directories and awards.

Who we are looking for
You are an energetic, proactive business development professional with:

a Master’s degree in Law, Economics, Marketing, Management, Business Administration or in another relevant area;
between 1 to 5 years’ experience in a similar role, preferably in a professional services environment (e.g. law firm, consulting firm, financial services);
a commercial mind-set, combining market awareness with a solid understanding of how international businesses operate;
an excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English, a good knowledge of Dutch and/or French would be a plus;
excellent verbal and written communication skills;
strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks at once;
excellent attention to detail and focus on producing high quality work product;
prior experience with pitches and client relationship management preferred;
strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with your stakeholders within the (global) firm, including lawyers, personal assistants, your BD & Marketing colleagues abroad, as well as members of our Business teams;
a strong client-focus and results-driven approach;
the versatility to work both as a team player and autonomously in a highly professional and demanding environment;
strong analytical skills;
experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Powerpoint;
knowledge of utilizing AI tools.

What we can offer you

a competitive salary
full public transport reimbursement and additional commuting allowances
an hybrid working model with homeworking allowance and full IT equipment
meal vouchers of 10€/day
an iPhone with subscription
overtime compensation
a full insurance package
- comprehensive health coverage including hospitalisation for you and your family
- life, pension, accident and disability insurance
- business travel insurance.

In addition, we offer a work environment designed to support both performance and wellbeing:

We provide a modern, purpose-designed office space, with a mix of collaborative areas and quiet working zones.
We offer technology and infrastructure that support flexible and hybrid working.
We have an in-house café with a barista.
We provide access to a gym and optional personal training.
We organise regular social events and team activities, fostering a strong community culture.
We support flexible and hybrid working arrangements, depending on business needs and team requirements.

Application process
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and welcome applications from all eligible candidates.

We invite you to submit your application via the online tool available on our careers website (www.aoshearman.com/careers). Please note that applications submitted by email will not be considered.

To support your application, kindly upload your CV and cover letter (in English). Only complete application files can be taken into consideration.

As part of our recruitment process, and in order to comply with our legal obligations and internal policies, we require successful candidates to undergo a background screening. The screening also involves providing information on your criminal history through a separate private statement. We will only process information that is necessary and relevant to the position you are applying for. Access to this statement will be strictly limited to the local recruitment officer responsible for your application. Your background screening data will be deleted at the latest six months after receipt. Please see our data privacy notice for more details. If you have any questions, feel free to contact HRBelgium@aoshearman.com.

Apply