Business Development Manager, International Markets (Africa wide) Full time NEW

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.

As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.

At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition

The Opportunity

Key responsibilities

Planning & strategy

·      This role has a strong focus on working with the Africa leadership team to prepare the Africa BD plan, and ensure it is implemented throughout the year

·      Work with all Africa practice group (transactional and disputes) lead partners to implement and update the business plans Africa, including holding regular steering group meetings, monitoring client opportunities and facilitating internal collaboration

·      Prepare material for key strategy meetings for Africa – eg presentations to the global Clients and Markets Board, and the bi-annual meeting of all Africa practice group leads (10 partners in total)

Winning new business

·      Work with partners to identify opportunities, facilitate pursuits and track opportunities

·      Work with BD colleagues on client targeting projects (the wider Africa BD team and the global BD team) – including cross selling the Africa practices to strategic network clients

·      Preparation of select Africa pitches, including providing best practice materials and credentials to BD colleagues

Local counsel

·      Identify opportunities to connect with local counsel across Africa – from sharing best practice, to introducing HSF Kramer partners to discuss local market opportunities

Event organisation

·      Organise and manage the annual Africa local counsel event (working closely with other members of the team)

·      Other Africa wide ad hoc events/webinars as required

Brand and profile

·      Take the lead on preparing select directory submissions (Legal500 emerging markets and Chambers

·      Work with partners, in conjunction with the marketing and communications team, in developing relationships with local press to raise external profile in the Africa region

·      Keep up to date with current issues impacting the region and identify opportunities to raise the firm’s profile

·      Take the lead on Africa pro bono initiatives, working closely with the Pro bono & citizenship team

Internal collaboration

·      Identify opportunities to promote the Africa practice internally at various different forums, from personally presenting to identifying opportunities for the Africa leadership team to present/ connect

Research and Information management

·      Market research to support client targeting projects

·      Maintain the Africa opportunity pipeline documents and support partners/ BD colleagues in driving forward these initiatives

·      Use the firm’s financial systems to support ad-hoc queries and requests to prepare monthly financial reports for the India practice

Qualifications, skills and experience

·      Degree educated or similar level

·      At least five years’ manager marketing/business development experience

·      Experience or a demonstrated interest in the Africa and familiarity with the legal industry would be highly favoured

·      An international outlook and a desire to think outside the box while working with dedicated and enthusiastic partners

·      While this is not a pitch focused role, project management of some strategic pitches and procurement led tenders maybe necessary

·      A background or experience of working in a partnership is strongly preferable

·      Proficient systems skills (experience in Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Outlook, InterAction an advantage)

·      Ability to connect with BD team members around the network

Work based Competencies

Experience of Role

• Must be able to demonstrate success in a similar role. Candidate must demonstrate ability to deliver outstanding service in a high-pressure environment working in a medium to large organisation.

• Experience, working knowledge or interest in the relevant jurisdictions are strongly preferred.

Industry knowledge

• Experience of a law firm, or of working in a professional services environment (e.g. consulting or accounting) would be a distinct advantage, although not essential.

Team

Business Development

Full time

Location

Johannesburg

Contract type

Fixed Term Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.