Head of Business Development and Marketing - Real Estate

The role

Clifford Chance has an ambitious global strategy which puts clients at the very heart of everything the firm does.  The Business Development ("BD") function is pivotal in making the firm's strategy a reality.  BD teams collaborate strategically with partners, lawyers and other business professional functions to drive sustainable growth.  The BD function supports conversion of key client and market opportunities through the development and delivery of targeted business development and marketing plans.

This role is part of a global BD product team that will lead BD & Marketing support for the Real Estate Group, working closely with the Real Estate Sector. 

Clifford Chance's Real Estate Group advises on the full range of real estate-related transactions across all asset classes, including operational real estate. Our clients span sovereign wealth funds, global asset managers, private equity houses, institutional developers, lenders, and corporates - from first-time market entrants to the world's most active real estate platforms. Forward-thinking and commercial in our approach, we combine global reach with local depth to deliver the most complex transactions. Our market-leading real estate team, which includes construction, environmental and regulatory specialists, works seamlessly alongside the firm's tax, finance, funds, and capital market practices to provide fully integrated advice at every stage of a transaction.

As Head of Business Development & Marketing, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the continued growth and market leadership of this globally recognised product group – shaping and driving the business development and marketing strategy; supporting the development of a high-value client portfolio; championing strategic client development through targeted growth initiatives, client listening and cross-selling; helping partners identify and pursue opportunities to broaden client relationships; delivering impactful campaigns and profile-raising initiatives; and leading and developing the business development team serving the Real Estate Product Group.
 

Purpose of role

You will work directly to support key stakeholders on their client and market business development initiatives and support the implementation of BD strategy.

This role collaborates closely with the fee-earning population in region and globally to support identification, pursuit and winning of revenue generating opportunities.  It connects partners and lawyers to the full spectrum of BD services and expertise available across the global function.

This role works alongside counterparts in region, and in other product groups, as well as being a key member of the BD community globally.
 

Key responsibilities

Strategy and implementation

• Establish and oversee the implementation of BD development and marketing plans, ensuring alignment with firmwide strategy.
• Track progress against plans and refine approach to achieve over-arching goals, focusing on ROI on a periodic basis.
• Commission research initiatives on regional product and market trends, clients, prospects, and competitors to inform strategic marketing decisions.
• Oversee and manage the quality of output, ensuring partner expectations are being met.

Revenue generation

• Act as the primary contact for information about the product offering in region, and related BD and marketing activities and campaigns.
• Support the relevant product group in implementing its BD plan.
• Work with relevant stakeholders to develop/shape BD product offerings and initiatives.
• Facilitate the flow of information to drive collaboration and cross-selling of client relationships and products in region and globally.
• Position and promote BD offerings and initiatives within the product group and the firm more widely.
• Proactively spot market trends and opportunities for the product group across the region and globally.
• Support cross-product panel RFPs with significant regional emphasis, working with our Global Proposals team.
• Provide tailored input into significant product pitches and updating and maintaining capability statements.

Reputation management and marketing communications (working with Brand, Communications and Public Affairs (BC&PA) and Knowledge & Training (K&T))

• Assist in identifying opportunities to position and raise the profile of the product group and its individual lawyers.
• Lead in the organisation of relevant BD client events, seminars and conferences, sponsorships, PR, etc.
• Oversee multiple marketing communications projects, including the delivery of relevant directory/awards submissions.
• Support in the creation and distribution of thought leadership material.

Client and market development

• Oversee and help with client targeting exercises and maintain oversight of priority clients and prospects in line with the firm's strategic priorities.
• Embed a strong culture around client listening.
• Ensure relevant regional marketing materials (standard pitch content, master capability statements, etc) are up to date and fit for purpose.
• Apply depth of product knowledge to support firmwide client and sector programmes.
• Conduct competitor, client and marketplace analysis to identify new and emerging client and sector opportunities.

Business Development function

• Work closely with relevant key stakeholder(s) to execute on strategically important BD function projects.
• Support the implementation of the BD Operating Model by assisting with the alignment of activity to teams (within and outside of BD), in line with technology roadmaps and transition plans.
   

Your experience

• Previous experience in professional services business development (preferably in a law firm).
• A strong interest in and understanding of the products relevant to this role.
• Sound commercial awareness of legal market development, particularly in relation to products relevant to this role.
• The ability to develop advisory relationships with partners.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and with lawyers of all seniority levels.
• Commitment to quality and attention to detail.
   

Who we are

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

Our one firm global strategy is focused on targeted growth led by the needs of our core clients, those who we can best support with the breadth and depth of Clifford Chance expertise, across the sectors and geographies, which matter most to them.

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.

Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.
 

How we will support you

From your first day with us, you will have varied opportunities to continuously grow and develop your expertise and knowledge.  From formal training, informal coaching and mentoring through to technical and personal development skills-based training.
 

Hybrid working

This role follows our 'balanced' hybrid working approach and as long as business needs allow, you will be supported to work in a hybrid way in line with the hybrid working policy.
 

What we offer including our broad range of benefits and working environment

When you join Clifford Chance, you will have access to a broad range of benefits to support you across many aspects of your personal and professional life including financial, wellbeing, lifestyle, and family friendly benefits. For more information on what we offer specifically in the UK, please visit our What We Offer page on our career site. 
 

Equal opportunities

From your first day with us, you will have varied opportunities to continuously grow and develop your expertise and knowledge.  From formal training, informal coaching and mentoring through to technical and personal development skills-based training.

At Clifford Chance, we forge an inclusive culture, where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued.  It’s a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunities to thrive and succeed. We are guided by our values-based Code, which sets high standards of conduct and has a principle focused on being inclusive.

We comply with the law and regulations in every location where we operate and we are committed to delivering fair and equal access to all applicants and employees irrespective of background.  This applies across all aspects of employment from recruitment and selection to development, progression, and day-to-day working life.

Our global network of affinity, faith and support groups are open to all.  These communities help to create an environment where everyone at the firm can feel they belong and can reach their full potential.

Find out more about our inclusive culture here.