Business Development Manager – Germany Corporate (m/w/d)

Latham & Watkins is a global law firm consistently ranked among the top firms in the world. The success of our firm is largely determined by our commitment to hire and develop the very best and brightest, creating a team that provides our clients with the highest quality of work and service. We are driven by our core values: respect, innovation, and collaboration.  

As a Business Development (BD) Manager – Germany Corporate, you will be responsible for supporting the market’s growth strategy and commitment to client service, specifically working with our with our Private Equity and M&A Practices as well as industry groups (e.g. Healthcare & Life Sciences). The successful candidate will demonstrate a knowledge of the market and competitive landscape and utilize their business development and marketing expertise, along with knowledge of professional services, to deploy the full range of services required to support the market’s business development and marketing goals. While the role will be based in Frankfurt, you will work closely with teams across all four German offices as well as the global platform. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence.

Other key responsibilities include:

• Practice, Market and Client Development
  • Developing a comprehensive understanding of the lawyers and clients in Germany and globally in order to drive strategic priorities, including client engagement and relationship building
  • Providing research, analysis, and reporting to support the identification and development of new clients and the enhancement of existing client relationships in close collaboration with the internal research team
  • Playing an active role in the integration of lateral partners and the development of junior partners
  • Working with the New Business Team who leads the production of pitch books, presentations, and responses to RFI’s and RFP’s to produce compelling materials that help us win new business and drive practice growth

• Strategic Planning
  • Working with partners and other industry and practice leads to support the evaluation, planning, and execution of BD and marketing initiatives and business strategies to grow the practice
  • Aiding in the execution of cross-selling strategies, including collaborating with relevant BD teams

• Marketing Communications and Client Programs
  • Collaborating with lawyers, BD, and Brand & Communications teams on seminars and sponsorships, webinars, speaking opportunities, and other visibility initiatives
  • Assisting with the creation and maintenance of written marketing pieces, client-facing presentations, and other marketing material
  • Project managing and drafting submissions for legal directories and related industry guides

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Demonstrate excellent leadership and project management skills (i.e., organising, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making) necessary for effective management, and a genuine commitment to clients, understanding their needs and decision-making processes
• Exhibit well-developed and professional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with people at all organizational levels of the firm
• Demonstrate initiative and curiosity, along with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to drive and implement multiple simultaneous projects
• Are self-sufficient, proactive, and have the ability to build effective commercial partnerships with colleagues across the firm

And have:

• A bachelor's degree in a related field
• Relevant business development and marketing experience in a legal or professional services environment
• Experience with taking either a professional services or law firm to market and possess extensive knowledge of core marketing principles, including client development, market analysis, competitive intelligence, and pitching
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in German and English

Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment, but will also be provided with a generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Pension plan
• Travel and meals allowance
• Disability insurance, personal accident insurance & life assurance
• Professional development programs
• Wellness programs (e.g. membership to HeadSpace, access to mental health services, well-being events, etc.)
• Sport courses and training
• And more!

Additionally, we have a range of programming including Global Affinity Groups, which are open to all. These groups provide a firmwide platform to share experiences and advice as well as an opportunity to participate in a supportive network with common interests to help make life at the firm even better.

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status (including veterans of the Vietnam era), gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.