Business Development Manager
Our client is looking for a Business Development Manager to support the growth of patent and intellectual property services across the UK and internationally. Working closely with partners, group heads and business services teams, the role will drive strategic business development initiatives that attract new clients, deepen existing relationships and strengthen the firm's reputation in key innovation sectors.
In line with the firm's three year vision, the role will help the Marketing and Business Development function transition into a high performing, sector focused and data driven team. The Business Development Manager will play a pivotal role in increasing operational capacity, enabling data led execution, and supporting international growth across regions including Europe, the USA and Japan.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning and Firm Alignment
. Develop and deliver business development plans aligned with sector strategies and geographical focus.
. Collaborate with senior stakeholders to identify opportunities in priority growth areas, both domestic and international.
. Support internal strategic initiatives and ensure business development activities reflect firm wide objectives.
. Contribute to the delivery of integrated sector campaigns in areas such as cell and gene therapy, clean technology and plant science.
. Align initiatives with global growth strategy across the UK, Europe, the USA and Japan.
New Business Acquisition
. Work with marketing teams on campaigns to attract innovators, start ups, SMEs, universities and spinouts.
. Prepare tailored pitch materials, proposals and RFP responses.
. Support participation in accelerators, incubators and innovation programmes.
. Use sector insights and CRM data to identify prospects and pursue strategic growth opportunities.
Client Development and Key Accounts
. Support senior stakeholders in building strong relationships with priority clients and prospects.
. Drive cross selling across practices and offices.
. Support client listening, feedback programmes and client review meetings.
. Develop proposals for key and emerging accounts.
. Use data insights to improve targeting, follow up, and stakeholder engagement.
Campaigns, Events and Visibility
. Develop business development led events such as roundtables, webinars and sector seminars.
. Coordinate and support directory and award submissions.
. Support speaking engagements, sponsorships, and participation in industry networks.
. Research delegates, identify contacts, and plan targeted follow up around key European and international events.
. Use LinkedIn, CRM insights and partnering platforms to increase outreach efficiency.
Infrastructure, Reporting and ROI
. Use CRM systems to track pipelines, leads and client engagement activity.
. Report on performance, revenue growth and market trends to senior stakeholders.
. Monitor return on investment for campaigns, referrals and business development initiatives.
. Support the development of data driven practices and reporting using analytics and Business Intelligence tools.
Essential
. Proven business development experience in professional services.
. Strong stakeholder management skills with credibility at senior level.
. Demonstrable track record in bids, client development and campaign delivery.
. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
. Commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
. Growth in new client instructions and sector penetration.
. Increased revenue from key and cross serviced clients.
. Pipeline conversion and pitch win rates.
. Referrals from overseas associates and innovation networks.
. Improvements in directory rankings and brand visibility.
. Senior stakeholder engagement and adoption of initiatives.
. Contribution to international growth across target regions.
. Use of CRM insights and reporting to improve strategic decision making.
. Degree or equivalent professional experience.
. Professional business development or marketing qualifications are beneficial but not essential.
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates