Business Development Manager - IP and Tech

Who we are 

Slaughter and May is a leading international law firm, recognised throughout the business community for its exceptional legal service, commercial awareness and commitment to clients. We advise across the spectrum of legal matters including high-profile, ground-breaking and complex transactions, contentious matters and all aspects of risk. We deliver innovative and bespoke solutions to our clients, domestically and internationally. We provide clear legal advice that spans the globe whilst tackling the cultural nuances between jurisdictions. Our lawyers understand how to coordinate and manage matters in the jurisdictions most relevant to our clients.

At Slaughter and May, with over 1,200 partners and staff worldwide, everyone's contribution is valued, and we all enjoy an open, friendly and supportive environment. We have an underlying sense of pride in who we are and what we do, and our inclusive culture gives rise to a unique diversity of thinking, which is critical to our success and helps maintain our position as a true market leader. To support our employees in achieving their professional development objectives, we offer an unrivalled variety of learning and development opportunities to everyone, as well as a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. As a result of Government guidance in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we have successfully and seamlessly adapted to home-working, which is a testament to the resilience and agility of our people. We all look forward to returning to our Headquarters at One Bunhill Row, in the heart of the City of London, when it is safe and appropriate for us to do so, where we enjoy a range of excellent facilities.

Would you like to join one of the world’s most prestigious law firms?

We are looking for an experienced and talented individual to join us as a Business Development Manager for our IP and Tech practice group, within our London-based Global Client Development Team. Applications for this role will be considered on a full time and part time basis.

ROLE OVERVIEW 

Our IP and Tech team support global clients on high profile issues ranging from use of AI to Quantum Computing, from disrupted business models to disruptive business models, from tech collaborations to tech acquisitions.

The team works hand-in-hand with our corporate, competition, tax, disputes, financing and financial regulation practices to support clients on their digital transformation journey and risk mitigation. It also works across our ESG, Silicon Valley and Innovation initiatives. Together the teams thrive on solving complex problems for clients as digitalisation continues to transform every industry sector.

We seek an engaging and ambitious Business Development Manager to lead the Business Development for our IP and Tech practice, bringing together the best of the expertise we have to create compelling business development propositions. Recent examples include our Regulating AI campaign and our Emerging Tech industry partnerships, but we have more we want to do as we seek to push the boundaries of this practice.

This role will involve leading and delivering on the IP and Tech practice’s BD strategy as well as working closely with a Senior BDM who leads on cross-practice Tech Sector BD in order to enhance our BD activities in the high-growth tech industry sector.

We are looking for someone who can work closely with partners and others in practice support, such as Practice Support Lawyers to tease out the key strategic opportunities and turn them into tangible BD activity. You should be able to build relationships across the firm, collaborating to drive excellence in business development. Industry foresight and an understanding of the IP practice area and/or tech sector knowledge are key as we seek someone who can bring their own expertise and insights to bear to support and develop our client relationships, anticipating sector opportunities

The role will sit within the Global Client Development (GCD) team, which is part of the Business Development function. The GCD team helps the firm win work and grow our client relationships on a global basis and brings together regional, practice and sector expertise to maintain, develop and grow client relationships and law firm (referral partner) relationships.

Further details of our IP and tech practice can be found here: link to IP pages] and Tech Group.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The IP and Tech Business Development Manager will work to: agreeing priorities, setting objectives, leading on IP and tech practice initiatives and developing campaigns.

This role may require some working outside our normal working hours of 9:30am to 5:30pm, with a remote working policy entitled to all employees post-probation.

The key responsibilities of this role may include some or all of the following:

• Work with the partners of the IP and Tech Practice Group to develop and deliver the practice BD strategy, covering (as both standalone but also collaborative) areas of IP, IT, as well as Commercial Contracts and Outsourcing.

• Working closely with the Tech Senior BD Manager and the cross-practice partners of the Tech Group to develop and deliver the tech sector BD strategy, which include sector client pursuit efforts, including targeting, pitch response and client relationship management - providing a focus on client acquisition and growth initiatives including the identification of engaging IP and Tech hooks, targets and the appropriate routes to market.

• Bring a campaign approach to the content we produce whilst identifying the most appropriate distribution channel(s) for
  content and to advise on strategies to ensure that the maximum possible R.O.I is achieved.

• Work with partners and other content owners to identify possible content of interest to clients and targets and to ensure production is timely and pitched appropriately for the target audience.

• Bring a digital mind-set to the role through utilising to good effect the channels we currently have, while demonstrating an innovative approach to the way we present ourselves to clients.

• Working with wider country teams and relationship firm network to effectively promote our IP and Tech capabilities to our international client relationships.

• Lead on emerging tech initiatives such as Fast Forward and support the firm’s strategy of providing early support and advice for innovators and entrepreneurs.

• Coordinating relevant sector and practice directory submissions.

• Assist partners in anticipating and responding to any given opportunity. Where appropriate liaising with the central pitch team and providing strategic assistance to them as required.

• Work closely with partners and GCD team to actively promote our international messaging and supporting tool kit.

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• Working with wider country teams and relationship firm network to effectively promote our IP and Tech capabilities to our international client relationships.

• Lead on emerging tech initiatives such as Fast Forward and support the firm’s strategy of providing early support and advice for innovators and entrepreneurs.

• Coordinating relevant sector and practice directory submissions.

• Provide support and knowledge to the wider GCD team, promoting the IP and Tech groups while offering BD insight and guidance.

• Assist with the firm’s Client Relationship Management (CRM) Programme and other client initiatives in identifying opportunities for the Tech sector and IP/IT practice stream, whilst utilising and enhancing the use of relevant client and target data within our client management database.

• Manage the client and target research process to ensure clear objectives are in place for each piece of research and that all research conducted is done so to meet the objectives of the BD strategy.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Candidates for this position must have:

• A background in IP or technology or digital business development (not necessarily in law).

• Degree-educated or equivalent industry experience. 

• Strong BD and Marketing experience, most recently at a manager or senior executive level in legal or professional services, ideally with IP practice or tech sector exposure.

• Ability and willingness to take the initiative and challenge the status quo.

• Proven ability to manage multiple deliverables within a tight timeframe and deliver high quality work.

• Demonstrable confidence to develop strong working relationships with the partners, associates, PSLs and all members of the BD team.

• Ability to manage and analyse large amounts of data, and identify BD opportunities within it.

• Ability to be proactive, entrepreneurial and self-motivated.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, spoken and presentational).

• Excellent attention to detail and good use of grammar. 

• Proactive approach to defining needs and delivering solutions.

• Ability to build strong business relationships with internal and external clients and the resilience to deal with demanding individuals.

• Willingness to foster an inclusive team culture.

• High level of professionalism and integrity; displays the highest standard of professional ethics.