
Business Development Manager, Tax
Baker McKenzie, Chicago, IL, United States
Overview
The Business Development Manager, Tax will develop and drive the North American business development strategy to maximize client retention and growth for the Tax Practice Group. The role-holder will work closely with partners as an integral member of the Practice Group’s Business Development team, focusing on growing existing client relationships and developing tax opportunities with prospects, including Firm clients who are not currently tax clients.
The individual will provide proactive support to partners by helping them prioritize and act on opportunities. They will also oversee the maintenance of business development and marketing materials for the Practice Group; monitor progress against planned priorities; support client teams, client targeting, and relationship management; coordinate client care reviews and directory submissions; enhance the Practice Group’s profile; and develop the strategy for major events.
Responsibilities
Business Development:
Proactively work with the Practice Group partners and other stakeholders to identify new business opportunities and pursue them
Work with North American and global colleagues to develop new work and cross-selling opportunities; assist the Practice Group to develop and implement strategies to capture those opportunities
Firm Positioning and Events:
Set the strategy for events undertaken by the Tax Practice Group and partner with other team members, including the Global Meetings and Events Manager(s), on the execution of events such as client events, Firm meetings, client-sponsored events, and speaking engagements
Develop and implement campaigns to strengthen the Tax Practice Group’s reputation in key markets as identified in the Practice Group business plan; respond to requests for tender and other business development opportunities requiring targeted written responses, driven by relationship partners in the Practice Group
Pitches & Proposals:
Collaborate with Pitch Specialists to manage projects and draft proposals; respond to requests for tender and other business development opportunities requiring targeted written responses, driven by relationship partners in the Practice Group
Business Development and Marketing Collateral:
Develop and maintain marketing collateral for the Tax Practice Group across North America
Update Practice Group information, capability statements, CVs, and other relevant materials, including those appearing on the Firm’s external website
Business Development Planning:
Develop a business development strategy that reflects the strategy for the Tax Practice Group and aligns with the North America and Global strategy
Directories:
Work with partners to set directory submission strategies, select matters, and complete submissions
Develop communications for the Firm’s responses to directories following the strategic direction set by the lead for North America Communications; assist with and oversee relationship-building with key publications and directories such as Chambers and Legal 500
Profiling:
Assess profile-raising activities against the strategic objectives of the Tax Practice Group and a cost/benefit analysis
Manage sponsorships, conference opportunities, memberships, and associations
Oversee the publication of client alerts and newsletters
Brand Management:
Ensure the Firm’s brand and that of the Tax team is maintained, including overseeing and ensuring intranet content is up-to-date and relevant
Budget Management:
Ensure that all business development initiatives are effectively coordinated to maximize return on investment
Develop business cases for budget requests based on business planning and remain aware of the budget available from both North America and Global Business Development sources
Perform other duties as assigned to develop and drive the North America and Global strategy
Qualifications
Skills and experience:
A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in marketing, communications, business, or a related field; an advanced degree is a plus
Strong experience in business development, marketing, or another relevant field, preferably within a legal or professional services environment
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
Able to lead, motivate, and mentor direct reports, including diligently addressing performance concerns and resolving conflict
Able to comprehend business objectives and develop and execute appropriate strategies
Highly disciplined approach to developing and executing programs to achieve Practice Group and Business Development team objectives
Well‑developed organization, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate to and gain the confidence of individuals at all levels and build strong relationships in a collaborative environment
Organized, detail‑oriented individual with strong project management skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks with competing deadlines
High level of discretion and diplomacy, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality
Additional Information
Reason for Hire:
This role will fill an existing vacancy
Reports to:
Director, Business Management, Tax
Travel requirements:
Some travel is required
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The Business Development Manager, Tax will develop and drive the North American business development strategy to maximize client retention and growth for the Tax Practice Group. The role-holder will work closely with partners as an integral member of the Practice Group’s Business Development team, focusing on growing existing client relationships and developing tax opportunities with prospects, including Firm clients who are not currently tax clients.
The individual will provide proactive support to partners by helping them prioritize and act on opportunities. They will also oversee the maintenance of business development and marketing materials for the Practice Group; monitor progress against planned priorities; support client teams, client targeting, and relationship management; coordinate client care reviews and directory submissions; enhance the Practice Group’s profile; and develop the strategy for major events.
Responsibilities
Business Development:
Proactively work with the Practice Group partners and other stakeholders to identify new business opportunities and pursue them
Work with North American and global colleagues to develop new work and cross-selling opportunities; assist the Practice Group to develop and implement strategies to capture those opportunities
Firm Positioning and Events:
Set the strategy for events undertaken by the Tax Practice Group and partner with other team members, including the Global Meetings and Events Manager(s), on the execution of events such as client events, Firm meetings, client-sponsored events, and speaking engagements
Develop and implement campaigns to strengthen the Tax Practice Group’s reputation in key markets as identified in the Practice Group business plan; respond to requests for tender and other business development opportunities requiring targeted written responses, driven by relationship partners in the Practice Group
Pitches & Proposals:
Collaborate with Pitch Specialists to manage projects and draft proposals; respond to requests for tender and other business development opportunities requiring targeted written responses, driven by relationship partners in the Practice Group
Business Development and Marketing Collateral:
Develop and maintain marketing collateral for the Tax Practice Group across North America
Update Practice Group information, capability statements, CVs, and other relevant materials, including those appearing on the Firm’s external website
Business Development Planning:
Develop a business development strategy that reflects the strategy for the Tax Practice Group and aligns with the North America and Global strategy
Directories:
Work with partners to set directory submission strategies, select matters, and complete submissions
Develop communications for the Firm’s responses to directories following the strategic direction set by the lead for North America Communications; assist with and oversee relationship-building with key publications and directories such as Chambers and Legal 500
Profiling:
Assess profile-raising activities against the strategic objectives of the Tax Practice Group and a cost/benefit analysis
Manage sponsorships, conference opportunities, memberships, and associations
Oversee the publication of client alerts and newsletters
Brand Management:
Ensure the Firm’s brand and that of the Tax team is maintained, including overseeing and ensuring intranet content is up-to-date and relevant
Budget Management:
Ensure that all business development initiatives are effectively coordinated to maximize return on investment
Develop business cases for budget requests based on business planning and remain aware of the budget available from both North America and Global Business Development sources
Perform other duties as assigned to develop and drive the North America and Global strategy
Qualifications
Skills and experience:
A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in marketing, communications, business, or a related field; an advanced degree is a plus
Strong experience in business development, marketing, or another relevant field, preferably within a legal or professional services environment
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
Able to lead, motivate, and mentor direct reports, including diligently addressing performance concerns and resolving conflict
Able to comprehend business objectives and develop and execute appropriate strategies
Highly disciplined approach to developing and executing programs to achieve Practice Group and Business Development team objectives
Well‑developed organization, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to relate to and gain the confidence of individuals at all levels and build strong relationships in a collaborative environment
Organized, detail‑oriented individual with strong project management skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks with competing deadlines
High level of discretion and diplomacy, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality
Additional Information
Reason for Hire:
This role will fill an existing vacancy
Reports to:
Director, Business Management, Tax
Travel requirements:
Some travel is required
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