Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a CRM & Events Manager (12-month FTC) to join our BD, Marketing & Communications team, based in A&O Shearman’s Dubai Office.

BD, Marketing & Communications team – Dubai

We are hiring for an experienced CRM & Events Manager to join our dynamic Business Development, Marketing and Communications team in Dubai. This team plays a pivotal role in driving the firm’s growth strategy across the region, delivering high-impact campaigns, client engagement initiatives and market-leading events that strengthen our brand and deepen client relationships.

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract, offering the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders across the Middle East, supporting the planning and delivery of CRM-led events and initiatives that align with our broader BD and marketing objectives. The role will be primarily based in Dubai, with regular travel to our Abu Dhabi and Riyadh offices to collaborate with local teams and support regional activity.

What you will do

Clients are at the heart of everything we do and we must therefore proactively develop long term client relationships, keeping in touch with contacts off deal, in order to develop new ways of collaborating with them. This client-centric role has two core responsibilities including client relationship management for strategic clients and leading on the client events programme for the Middle East region.
Although the role covers Middle East, Turkey and Africa, it is predominantly focused on the UAE and KSA.

Key deliverables;

Instil a client relationship-driven culture and a collaborative approach to client development.
Tailor and maintain A&O Shearman’s global client relationship programme in collaboration with relationship partners and BD colleagues.
Client development for strategic key client accounts in the Middle East region.
Develop and share global best practice in client relationship management including client development plans, client listening, secondments, training and events.
Own the client training and events calendar and lead the execution of A&O Shearman’s Middle East signature client events and ensure they reflect the firm’s strategic priorities, brand and core values.
Strengthen our understanding of our client base by obtaining feedback on our events to ensure we are creating an experience which resonates with our clients, is inclusive, culturally suitable and differentiates A&O Shearman from our competitors.
Work closely with the Senior CRM Manager and BD colleagues to deliver the client events programme.
Utilise global campaigns with targeted client communications and tailored event marketing.
Work closely with the Senior CRM Manager on regional campaigns, communications and client initiatives.
Provide guidance and practical support to Turkey and Africa with client relationship management and events and lead on the delivery of strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities;

Client Relationship Management

Help to tailor and implement the global A&O Shearman client relationship programme for the UAE and KSA.
Build effective working relationships with partners and associates in order to effectively implement client development initiatives to strengthen the relationship between A&O Shearman and the client.
Support partners in their role as client relationship partner.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the organisational structure, operations and strategic direction of key clients and sectors of the Middle East practice.
Provide support to develop strategic client plans, including client strategy, business analysis, structure charts, revenue and profitability, relationship mapping, market share, competitor activity and developments in the client's markets.
Organise internal key client focus meetings with partners and associates, involving BD colleagues where appropriate.
Help the senior manager and Head of BD to identify opportunities to facilitate introductions, increase revenues, share of wallet and profitability for key clients.
Prepare materials, briefings and reports ahead of client relationship meetings and follow up on outcomes and actions.
Support the drive the formal client listening programme and assist partners and associates to follow up on actions arising.
Manage relationships with secondees by providing a client briefing, setting objectives, having regular touchpoints throughout the secondment to obtain insights and feedback, conducting a post secondment debrief and sharing the information and actions with the relationship partners and key stakeholders.
Ensure client and competitor intelligence is captured and shared for key clients and used to develop value propositions to differentiate A&O Shearman on priority accounts and in key sectors.
Support and coach the Middle East BD colleagues on client relationship management.

Client Events Management

Work closely with partner sponsors for client training and events to create, manage and lead on the execution of A&O Shearman’s Middle East signature client events.
End-to-end event management solutions to support the business’s client relationship programme and reflect the firm’s strategic priorities, brand and core values.
Work closely with the Senior CRM Manager on regional campaigns, communications and client events.
Own the event marketing budget and calendar of events for the Middle East offices.
Strengthen our understanding of our client base by obtaining feedback on our events to ensure we are creating an experience which resonates with our clients, is inclusive, culturally appropriate and differentiates A&O Shearman from our competitors.
Develop best-practice processes, guidelines and measurement frameworks to ensure a high level of consistency, cost management and stakeholder satisfaction.
Create a culture of continuous improvement, creativity, innovation and problem solving.
Define clear event marketing objectives, communication plans and key deliverables with guidance from the senior team members.
Build and manage project teams, including partner sponsors, associates, business teams and external providers, to ensure that events are delivered on time, to a high standard and within budget.
Identify client needs and deliver events in the most relevant and engaging format.
Manage and oversee the delivery of events, working closely with BD colleagues and wider business teams.
Work closely with HR, training events and global PSLs to develop our client training offering.
Support global campaigns with targeted client communications and tailored event marketing.
Manage and coach BD colleagues on client training and events.
Support Turkey and Africa with guidance, best practice and practical support with strategic initiatives.

What you will need

Strong client-centric focus.
Collaborative, flexible and able to work with different teams across the global marketing function.
Strong project management skills and a systematic approach.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills.
Experience in managing priority accounts within professional services.
Data-driven and analytical.
Self-motivated and able to prioritise whilst working under pressure.
Excellent attention to detail and high expectations on standards of service.
A strong work ethic and willingness to travel.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and experience using digital marketing technology.
Graduate (or equivalent) in Marketing, Business, Economics, Law and/or such.