Business Development Manager - Private Client

A leading UK law firm is seeking an experienced BD Manager to join its dynamic and fast‑growing Business Development & Marketing function. You’ll become part of a 17‑strong team that has seen significant investment in recent years - more than doubling in size and creating clear pathways for progression and cross‑team development.

This role sits within the Private Client & Tax practice, a newly unified group supporting high‑net‑worth and ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals, families, family offices and entrepreneurs across wealth structuring, family law, private wealth disputes, tax and immigration. The practice also includes a non‑legal family office service, offering a unique platform for BD innovation and differentiation.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a newly combined offering, elevate its market presence and drive client‑focused initiatives with genuine autonomy and influence.

Key Responsibilities

• Unify the practice by encouraging collaboration and a cohesive go‑to‑market approach.
• Develop and deliver BD plans aligned with firm‑wide strategy, working closely with senior partners.
• Manage a BD Executive, supporting workload planning, mentoring and career development.
• Lead the intermediaries programme, including events, intelligence gathering, relationship tracking and referral management.
• Drive cross‑selling and collaboration across the firm.
• Enhance external profile through campaigns, content, PR and events.
• Modernise BD processes and introduce efficiencies.
• Lead directories and awards submissions to secure premium rankings.
• Coordinate pitches and ensure strong credentials management.
• Oversee budgets and report on ROI.
• Support firm‑wide initiatives including key client programmes, CRM improvements and private capital campaigns.
• Lead one or more international desks and contribute to global BD strategy.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will bring:

• 7+ years’ experience in a professional services partnership, ideally with Private Client & Tax exposure.
• Credibility and influence with senior stakeholders.
• Proven line management experience.
• Exceptional organisation, able to juggle shifting priorities.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Confidence and relationship‑building ability across all seniority levels.
• Proactivity, assertiveness and drive to make things happen.
• Strategic and creative thinking, especially when solving challenges.
• Calmness under pressure and reliability in delivery.
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement.
• A collaborative mindset, willing to support colleagues at all levels.
• Technical competence in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CRM systems (e.g., InterAction) and EMS tools (e.g., Vuture).