Business Development Manager

Job Title:  Business Development Manager

Ready to drive growth, build meaningful client relationships and make your mark at one of the UK's most ambitious law firms?

We’re one of the UK’s most forward-thinking law firms, built on a foundation of innovation, collaboration, and ambition. Join us, and let’s shape the future together.

Being refreshingly human starts with how we hire. We believe a diverse mix of perspectives makes us stronger - not just as a business, but in creating a culture where we all feel we truly belong and can thrive. That’s why we’re committed to removing barriers and creating fair opportunities for everyone.

* We are in a period of exclusive direct sourcing for this role and are not currently accepting applications from recruitment agencies.

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The role in 60 seconds

• Role: Business Development Manager
• Sectors: Commercial and Employment, Dispute Resolutions, and International
• Team: Client Development
• Location: Hybrid working from Bristol or Exeter
• Working Pattern: Full-time
• Why this role matters: This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and deliver business development initiatives across some of the firm's most dynamic practice areas. Working closely with Partners, lawyers and sector specialists, you'll help identify opportunities, strengthen client relationships and deliver targeted activities that support growth, raise our profile and create lasting impact.

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What you’ll do

Working closely with lawyers and colleagues across the firm, you'll play a key role in supporting the growth ambitions of our Commercial & Employment and Dispute Resolution practice groups, as well as our international strategy. This is a varied role that combines strategic planning, relationship management and hands-on delivery, giving you the opportunity to influence how we win work, strengthen client relationships and raise our profile in the markets we serve.

In this role, you'll:

• Partner with Practice Group Leaders and lawyers to develop and deliver business development plans that support strategic growth objectives.
• Help identify, prioritise and pursue new business opportunities across our Commercial & Employment and Dispute Resolution practices.
• Support the development of client relationship initiatives, helping to deepen existing relationships and create opportunities for cross-selling and collaboration.
• Lead and coordinate targeted marketing and business development campaigns, events and profile-raising activity.
• Produce compelling pitches, proposals, credentials, presentations and client-facing materials that showcase the firm's expertise and capabilities.
• Use market, client and competitor insight to identify trends, opportunities and areas for growth.
• Work closely with colleagues across Marketing, Communications and Client Development to deliver integrated campaigns and thought leadership activity.
• Support budget management and reporting, tracking activity, outcomes and return on investment.
• Act as a trusted adviser to stakeholders, providing practical business development support and guidance.
• Help drive a culture of collaboration, ensuring clients benefit from the full breadth of expertise available across the firm.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a broad and impactful portfolio, partnering with senior stakeholders across the firm to shape growth initiatives, strengthen client relationships and deliver meaningful results.

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What we’re looking for

We're seeking someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities and turning ideas into action. You'll be a proactive and commercially minded business development professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

You'll bring:

• Experience in a business development, marketing or client relationship role within professional services or a similarly relationship-focused environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to build trusted relationships with colleagues at all levels.
• Experience supporting business development initiatives, campaigns, client programmes, pitches or strategic growth activities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to create engaging client-facing content and presentations.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A commercial mindset and an interest in understanding clients, markets and industry trends.
• The ability to analyse information and translate insight into practical recommendations and actions.
• A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for working across teams to achieve shared goals.
• A proactive, solutions-focused attitude with a willingness to challenge constructively and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience within legal or professional services would be advantageous, but we welcome applications from individuals with transferable experience and a passion for relationship-led business development.
• And you'll share our passion for innovation, collaboration, and achieving great things together.

Experience within the legal sector would be advantageous, although we're equally interested in hearing from candidates with relevant experience from other professional services environments.

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What if I don't tick every box?

We're not box tickers. We appreciate the need for everyone to find a role that challenges them and gives them room for growth.

If you bring transferable skills and a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you. If this role excites you and you have the skills to succeed, we encourage you to apply.

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Join a seriously ambitious firm

At Foot Anstey, we’re committed to making a difference for our people, our clients, and society. Here’s what makes us stand out:

• An ambitious growth strategy that opens up opportunities for our people to make their mark.
• A client base that spans household names, thriving startups, and ambitious enterprises.
• A culture built on our values of being refreshingly human, entrepreneurial, inclusive and collaborative.
• A strong focus on being a responsible business with a commitment to sustainability and giving back to our communities.
• Comprehensive professional development and training – whatever your role and level we have training that will support you to achieve your goals.

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Progressive benefits tailored to you

We believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional growth and personal wellbeing, including:

• Competitive salary and performance-linked bonus.
• Enhanced parental leave policies.
• Private healthcare and wellbeing initiatives.
• An open, flexible working environment.
• Find out more about our benefits and work environment here

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Ready to apply?

• Hit the "Apply Now" button.
  • Send us your CV and a quick note on why this role is perfect for you.
  • Our team will review your application and be in touch, whatever the outcome.
• Invited for interview?
  • With a straightforward process typically involving two interviews, our talent acquisition team will guide you through every step, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to show us what you can do.
  • We want you to be able to showcase your talent and to feel comfortable being yourself throughout the process. If there’s anything we can do to support you or make things more accessible, just let us know – you can tell us at any stage of the process.
  • If you’d like to visit our offices prior to your interview or would like help testing your kit for your virtual interview, just let us know.

Let’s make your next career move the start of something extraordinary.