Business Development Specialist at Centurion Law Group

Strategic Planning:

• Provide strategic direction and assistance with regard to all marketing, business development and communications activities.
• Develop, define and disseminate clear positioning and messaging for the company and its on ground practitioners worldwide.
• Develop the marketing and Business Development components of the plan, with specific reference to National & International Companies based in Africa & Germany.
• Develop Business Development plans to ensure alignment with the Global plan.

The Business Developer will assist in leading and developing business development initiatives in the European Union as well as Africa, including:

• Develop and maintain action-oriented business development plans for coverage partners and practice groups, as well as geographies and industry groups, as required, and develop measurable tactics, and regularly track and report on progress.
• Regularly meet with and engage in proactive business development discussions with covered partners and organize regular practice group meetings in coordination with practice group leadership.
• Oversee and prepare all business development and marketing deliverables, including pitch books, RFPs, deal lists, brochures and other bespoke marketing materials, as well as drafting original content as needed.
• Participate in business development initiatives as they arise across the firm.
• Manage the matter collection process for covered groups, as well as oversee updates to matter and practice descriptions, website content and biographies.
• Connect the partners with clients and prospects through events, sponsorships, speaking engagements, thought leadership, online and new media platforms, etc.
• Coordinate development and distribution of marketing collateral with marketing and communications team, including client memos, books, articles, and other thought leadership pieces.
• Obtain client, prospect, and market research, working with the research team, as needed, and analyze research, and identify key takeaways and opportunities.
• Designing and preparing bilingual pitch documents that are innovative and market-leading;

Profile-Raising:

• Team of global lawyers and Centurion Plus Consultants, based in the European Union & Africa to market the services and expertise of the Company through the development and deployment of thought leadership content and other profile-raising activities.
• Team with the Firm's Communications team to draft press releases, pitch story ideas and provide spokespeople to reporters as appropriate, track published articles and consider social media strategy around key projects.
• Work with Knowledge Management to develop client and market facing knowledge based marketing tools and materials - handbooks, Apps and tools, market know how, technical updates, training programs and seminars etc.

Client Development:

• Collaborate and assist in leading the team, to develop more legal related & business advising work (including Corporate, Commercial, Oil, Gas, Energy, Mining, Local Regulatory Compliance, Contract & Negotiation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Labour, Banking & Finance expertise) for the Firm, with specific reference to the European (German) & African markets/jurisdictions.
• Work with partners and business development staff to conduct and promote post transaction reviews in order to obtain client feedback and assist in improving client service.
• In conjunction with other transactional practice groups and industry groups, further develop our relationship within the legal sector.
• Support the preparation of responses to client's request for proposals and in preparing attorneys for business development meetings with clients and prospects.

Analysis and Research:

• Actively assist in developing and maintaining a deep understanding of the Legal Industry and the competitive position through extensive internal and external research.
• Monitor, analyse and communicate market, industry and competitive trends.

Marketing/Communications:

• Assist in Leading the review and continuous improvement of the practice group's suite of marketing materials, including capabilities statements, pitch templates, deals lists, website content (internal and external) and press releases, with specific reference to the European & African jurisdictions and markets. (German & English)
• Drive internal communications, to assist in building a cohesive and well informed practice.
• Ensure the group's deals and work experience are collected on a regular and timely basis, submitted to Firm systems and reported to league table organizations.

Job Holder Requirements

Essential Criteria:

• Degree in marketing, communications (journalism, public relations) – or equivalent work experience; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of five years experience in a marketing or business development role working in a professional services environment, preferably in the legal industry.
• Experience working with partners/senior executives in a professional services firm. .

Technical & Personal Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills (German & English)
• Excellent writing skills and ability to prepare specialized written materials.(writing, editing, coaching and presentation skills)
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities.
• Strong judgment and ability to make well-reasoned independent decisions.
• Advanced understanding of strategic marketing and communications.
• Self-motivated and independent, able to work with a minimum of supervision.
• Comfortable working across multiple cultures and time zones in a matrix organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including pleasant nature and ability to influence others.
• High degree of attention to detail.
• Exhibits leadership qualities and is able to inspire confidence, respect and trust across the department
• Understanding of the pressures of working in a corporate environment and demonstrate potential for working well with attorneys who have a wide range of business development goals and marketing skills
• Ability to work in an environment with shifting priorities to meet time-sensitive deadlines, as well as manage multiple projects simultaneously, including confidential matters
• Focused on execution and achieving measurable results through superior project and team management skills
• Well organized with a meticulous attention to detail
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent inter-personal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work confidently and collaboratively with individuals at all levels of the organization