Senior Business Development Executive - Global Markets

Role Summary

We are seeking a Business Development Senior Executive to join our Global Markets (GM) team with primary responsibility for the Central Eastern Europe, Central Asia & Caucasus group, while also supporting other key GM regions. The role has a dual focus: driving business development and marketing initiatives in priority markets where the firm does not have a permanent on‑the‑ground presence, and maintaining the GM team’s core infrastructure (e.g. SharePoint, Salesforce, marketing materials and data).

You will help shape and implement the BD strategy for CEE, Central Asia and the Caucasus, build and manage relationships with local counsel and intermediaries, support mandate origination, and work closely with colleagues across practices, sectors, brand, marketing, communications and research. The position suits someone with prior experience in a global, professional, client‑focused environment and a strong interest in emerging markets and cross‑border work.

Key responsibilities and deliverables 

• Support the development and execution of a focused marketing and BD strategy for CEE, Central Asia & the Caucasus and other GM regions, strengthening market reputation, deepening strategic relationships and supporting mandate origination.

• Plan and deliver targeted campaigns and flagship regional events (e.g. CEE Finance & Capital Markets workshops, roundtables, dinners, conference‑adjacent activities) and contribute to priority initiatives across other GM regions.

• Coordinate and produce compelling credentials, brochures and presentations for cross‑border opportunities, supporting fast turn‑around bids, panel pitches and other opportunities in collaboration with practice/sector BD and partners.

• Use CRM and marketing technology (e.g. Salesforce) to track relationships and activity, identify opportunities, measure impact and support accurate, insightful reporting and decision‑making.

• Work with digital, social media and communications teams to profile the Global Markets group and its practitioners (e.g. web content, deal messaging, thought leadership, digital campaigns) and manage the group’s internal structure and materials (SharePoint, folders, credentials).

• Act as a key point of contact for the Global Markets group, its network of relationship firms and key internal stakeholders, including coordination of enquiries, group calls/meetings and support on Chambers submissions, while contributing to a “one team” global mindset and continuous improvement in BD practices.

Key requirements

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent

• Experience working in a professional business environment (ideally legal services, professional services, technology, consultancy)

• Ability to work independently on own initiative, but also with strong teamworking skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritise actions and meet strict, often quickly evolving deadlines

• Strong communication skills, with attention to detail in grammar and proofreading

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Suite software

• Natural curiosity and propensity to learn; enthusiasm to grow into a rounded business development practitioner, specialising in Global Markets BD

Desirable

• Existing knowledge of the regional/country markets is not a pre-requisite, but an affinity for or interest in global markets is advantageous

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered on the basis of their merit alone. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK in the role in question and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only if and when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case-by-case basis and take a number of relevant factors into account (e.g. the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.