Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Manager - Global Experts & Markets to join our Marketing team, based in A&O Shearman’s London Office.

Role Purpose
A&O Shearman's Global Experts & Markets (GEM) team oversees the firm's extensive network of relationship law firms across more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. We are looking for a commercially minded Business Development Manager to help deliver the GEM strategy, strengthen international relationships and drive collaboration across our global network.
Working closely with partners, Country Heads, the GEM Board and colleagues across the Business Development and Marketing function, you will play a key role in supporting client development, referral management, strategic initiatives and market profile-raising activities.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working in an international environment and wants exposure to global markets, cross-border business development and senior stakeholder management.

What You Will Do

Strategic Business Development

Support the delivery of GEM's strategic priorities and annual objectives.
Coordinate GEM initiatives, campaigns and projects across offices, sectors and jurisdictions.
Monitor market developments, competitor activity and client trends to identify opportunities.
Prepare reports, presentations and management information to support decision-making.

Relationship Management & Client Development

Support the management of key relationship law firms and priority jurisdictions (with a particular focus on the Nordics).
Work with partners and stakeholders to develop and implement jurisdictional business plans.
Coordinate relationship reviews, briefing materials and market intelligence.
Identify opportunities to increase cross-selling, referrals and collaboration across the GEM network.

Pursuit excellence and referral management

Manage the coordination of multi-jurisdictional local counsel requests and referral opportunities.
Track referral activity through the firm's CRM system and provide reporting and analysis.
Identify trends and opportunities that support business growth and stronger relationships.

Events, Communications & Profile Raising

Manage the delivery of major GEM initiatives, events and conferences.
Coordinate projects, communications, campaigns and content for GEM audiences.
Work closely with Events, Communications and Business Development teams to maximise engagement and impact.

Operations & Continuous Improvement

Maintain reporting frameworks, relationship intelligence and business development materials.
Support governance, compliance and best-practice initiatives across the GEM network.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems and ways of working.
Embrace AI and technology tools to enhance efficiency and team performance.

What you will have

Experience in business development, marketing, relationship management or a similar role within a professional services environment.
Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence working with senior leaders.
A commercial mindset and genuine interest in international markets and relationships.
Experience using CRM systems and working with data, reporting and market intelligence.
Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a proactive approach.
Cultural awareness and the ability to build relationships across different jurisdictions and business environments.
A degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.

What we can offer you
To learn more about the culture and benefits available at A&O Shearman, please visit: Culture and benefits | A&O Shearman careers

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.

Our approach to hybrid working seeks to combine and maximise the benefits of effective remote working with the benefits of being in the office. Our current hybrid working arrangements require office based working for a minimum of 60% of your time (i.e. three days per week for a full time role) in accordance with our hybrid working policy.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE - A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our UK Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing here.

A&O Shearman is a global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in nearly 30 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.

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