Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager, Singapore

The Business Development Manager (BDM) role is a permanent role within the Marketing & Business Development (MBD) function and the Europe, Middle East, & Asia-Pacific (EMEAPAC) region at Norton Rose Fulbright.

This role sits within the MBD team in our Singapore office and provides business development and marketing support to our Singapore office. It offers a unique opportunity to help shape and support this dynamic practice. The successful candidate will join at an exciting stage of team development, playing a key role in finding efficient ways of working, contributing ideas, and helping to build strong foundations for future success.

The BDM will have particular focus on our disputes and transport teams, whilst supporting the development of the wider Singapore practices.

The role

This role reports to the Senior Business Development Manager for Singapore, as well as working in close partnership with a Bids Manager in the team. The successful candidate will work in cooperation with our global MBD team and have the support of a BD Assistant as well as marketing support from our team in Newcastle. They will implement strategically aligned, client focused and value-added MBD initiatives, ensuring key global, regional and practice objectives are achieved.

Key responsibilities

Responsibility for all aspects of planning and delivery of business development and marketing activity (all channels)

Working with the Senior BDM, practice/office leadership team and Director of BD to develop and implement annual business plans, budget proposals and campaign plans for Singapore

Planning, implementing and managing BD activity across all channels to ensure regional objectives are met. This includes, but is not limited to, business development, client development, profile raising, marketing and communications, pitching and event management.

Acting as both the lead point of contact and ambassador for the practices with the wider business, MBD and other key stakeholders

Establishing a close and effective relationship with the lawyers and partners

Producing bespoke bids, panel pitches and other client development presentations (formal and informal)

Managing client development plans and activities

Working closely with other MBD teams, including the client relationship team, strategic bids, events, design and digital, and our Newcastle, UK, marketing services team

Oversee and manage relevant directory submissions

Managing practice and sector MBD budgets, including reporting of ROI

Contributing and leading on best practice and being curious about the possible

Person specification

A strong background in business development and marketing is desirable, as is experience of working in a legal/professional services/partnership environment. Previous experience within Disputes and Cybersecurity/Privacy would be advantageous.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, including rigorous attention to detail and ability to adapt communication style as needed

Confident, commercial, persuasive with the ability to use initiative

Highly organised with a professional, confident, collaborative and proactive approach to their role

Strong time management and prioritisation skills as there will be a need to support lawyers at different levels of seniority

Demonstrated equivalent professional experience and/or relevant marketing or communications qualifications

Excellent project management skills - this candidate must be able to demonstrate experience of managing multiple projects and transforming a commercial issue into business development opportunity

Leadership ability - this candidate must be able to build a strong reputation within the business and deliver excellent service

Demonstrable experience in managing and writing bids

Confident dealing with difficult and challenging situations, adapting approach when needed

Occasional flexibility may be required to support business needs across time zones

A continuous improvement approach

Managerial skills and willingness to take on additional responsibility when required

Understands the need and can manage expectations