Business Development Manager (m/f/d) Financial Institutions Group

About Marketing and Business Development (MBD)

A creative group ranging from client managers and communications experts to designers and data wizards, our MBD team is a dynamic and talented global team, operating in a fast-moving environment. Some of us shape the client strategy, create campaigns that travel and lead our digital presence. Others work with journalists, put on high-profile events, tell compelling stories, and tackle complex business issues. Together, we define the client experience and shape the perception of Freshfields to differentiate us globally.

The Role

We are seeking a sector business development manager to lead our strategic business development efforts for our Financial Institution Group (FIG).

This is a high-profile role for a key sector within Freshfields, which lies at the very heart of our growth plans for the whole organisation. You can expect to be working very closely with FIG sector leaders – who are senior partners of the firm based in London, Frankfurt and New York – to identify client issues, map out market trends and create an engaging programme of client development activities to drive revenue from this sector, on a global basis. They will also be responsible for developing a market leading communications strategy that delivers on the FIG brand aspirations. 

It is consistently one of the top two largest sectors within the firm as well as being the broadest in scope, taking in a wide variety of sub-sectors, including banks, insurers, asset managers, market infrastructure, payments and fintechs. It is also at the cutting edge of client efforts to adapt their business models to the digital age as well as operate on a more sustainable basis.

This role will report into the head of the FIG sectors team.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

Drawing on support from across the MBD function and the wider firm, the successful candidate will use their knowledge, skills and experience to:

• Support FIG SGLs on sector client strategy and internal reporting
• Develop an excellent understanding of the FIG market, using this to anticipate revenue generating opportunities, and to adapt the local marketing and business development approach accordingly, such that client outreaches and collateral can be generated quickly;
• Drive cross selling activities together with other BD colleagues.
• Provide direction and support to the Frankfurt based SGL to further develop the FIG group in Continental Europe.
• Work very closely with the SGLs and other relevant partners to take advantage of these opportunities and help develop opportunities with our priority and target clients, by tailoring and positioning key legal and market developments in ways that are specifically relevant for them;
• Take the lead on working with client teams to develop the relationships they have with priority clients, so that we are a compelling choice for these clients when it comes to the work we want to win. We aim both to drive revenue through increased penetration of existing firm clients (across geographies and practice groups) and by identifying select new clients that fit our longer-term strategy;
• Be a constant source of advice, expertise and coaching for all FIG lawyers and MBD colleagues, such that they see you as the go-to person for business development initiatives and client insight;
• Work with colleagues in MBD to develop a market leading communications strategy that delivers on the FIG brand aspirations;
• Take the MBD lead on all major FIG projects, including product working groups and client targeting initiatives;
• Work closely with FIG lawyers to support strategically important pitches effectively, including drafting content;
• Be responsible for certain global priority client accounts, providing CRM support.

Competencies

We are looking for a charismatic, dynamic and confident marketing and BD expert, who is highly adaptable and nimble in their approach. The successful candidate will have:

• Excellent knowledge and understanding, or the ability to learn quickly about the FIG market – both with respect to anticipating market opportunities and understanding the competition. They will become an expert in the subject matter, able to act as a trusted advisor to the FIG SGLs and other senior stakeholders;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both German & English.
• The ability to lead on key projects - whether strategic or tactical – and to be responsible for their success or failure, learning from the latter;
• The ability to build strong relationships internally and externally;
• The ability to deal proactively with complexity, ambiguity and competing demands;
• A good understanding of the partnership environment within a professional services firm;
• A global mindset, with an understanding of the balance between local business need and being a global firm;
• A business-focused outlook, with a clear understanding of what is best for both the firm and our clients;
• Resilience and the ability to remain calm and positive under pressure;
• Excellent leadership skills and the ability to inspire confidence;
• Strong emotional intelligence and situational awareness.

If this sounds like you, we can promise:

• A challenging, fast-paced environment which recognises and rewards success;
• A friendly and diverse group of colleagues who work together as a high performance team;
• The reward associated with seeing your outputs make an impact on our client relationships;
• The opportunity to learn and develop your skills and capabilities for further career advancement;
• The ability to make the role your own;
• A highly professional but down-to-earth culture.