Business Development Manager

Rayleen Lentz

rayleen@joblinkplacement.co.za

(Hybrid position)

We are looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Business Development Manager to join our high-performing team at one of South Africa’s leading law firms. This is a pivotal role for a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment. You will lead the development and execution of impactful, sector-driven growth initiatives including high-profile multi region legal colloquiums, thought leadership platforms, and strategic client engagement campaigns. Working alongside our Partners, Practice Group Leaders, and Sector Leads, you will play a key role in elevating the firm’s market presence, deepening client relationships, and driving growth across our most critical industries.

Key Responsibilities:

Sector Development:

• Develop and execute sector-based business development plans in collaboration with Practice Group Leaders.
• Identify high-potential growth areas and support cross-practice collaboration.
• Build internal sector knowledge frameworks, including competitor benchmarking, target client mapping, and market intelligence.
• Lead or support RFPs and proposals aligned to strategic sectors.

Colloquiums & Thought Leadership:

• Design, coordinate, and manage large-scale multi-region colloquiums, client seminars, and strategic roundtables that position the firm as a thought leader.
• Own the planning lifecycle: from concept development, speaker and panel coordination, delegate lists, venue management, logistics, and post-event reporting.
• Collaborate with lawyers to translate legal developments into relevant client-facing content.
• Develop Firms Business Development Strategy
• Develop and maintain an annual events calendar aligned with the firm’s business development strategy.
• Conceptualise, plan, and manage colloquiums, conferences, and sector-specific client roundtables.
• Partner with legal teams to deliver impactful content aligned with sector goals.
• Drive post-event engagement strategies and reporting for business impact tracking.

Client Development:

• Support relationship mapping, client targeting, and growth strategies for strategic accounts.
• Collaborate with fee earners to craft tailored pitch materials and client presentations.
• Track and analyse client feedback to refine service offerings and improve engagement.
• Support fee earners in identifying cross-selling opportunities within existing client relationships.
• Assist in the preparation of capability statements, credentials, and legal directories.

Marketing & Communications Alignment:

• Align business development initiatives with the firm’s broader marketing strategy.
• Manage the Business Development & Marketing team to ensure sector campaigns, publications, and social media communications align with BD goals
• Collaborate on the production of newsletters, legal updates, and digital campaigns with sector relevance.
• Ensure consistent messaging across campaigns, events, digital platforms, and communications.
• Create and maintain compelling firm-wide collateral, brochures, pitch decks, and directories.
• Monitor ROI of BD initiatives and provide regular reporting to senior stakeholders.

Internal Collaboration:

• Work closely with the Chairman and Practice/Sector Group Leaders to ensure alignment on priorities.
• Deliver regular reports and insights to senior leadership on pipeline, engagement success, and market feedback.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices across regions and practice groups.
• Support partners and associates with training and tools to elevate their BD capabilities.
• Establish metrics to measure BD success across events, initiatives, and client growth

Requirements:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Marketing, Business, Law, or Communications.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a business development or client-facing role, preferably in financial services, commercial services or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated experience in managing events, thought leadership campaigns, or sector-based initiatives.
• Strong understanding of the South African and African business landscape.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive and commercial mindset.
• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders with credibility.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite