BD Client Development Manager / Senior Manager

Job description

The Role AS&H Clifford Chance is seeking a Client Development Manager / Senior Manager to support the firm's strategic growth ambitions in Saudi Arabia. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, the role will focus on driving client development initiatives, supporting key client programmes, identifying growth opportunities, and helping partners win and retain business across priority sectors and clients. The successful candidate will work closely with partners and lawyers to develop client relationship strategies, coordinate business development campaigns, lead the preparation of pitches, proposals and credentials, and manage legal directory submissions. The role will also support selected profile-raising activities, including market-facing events, communications and thought leadership initiatives, ensuring the firm's market-leading position is effectively communicated to clients and the wider market. In addition to delivering client development initiatives, the successful candidate will be expected to act as a coach, mentor and role model for a talented and ambitious team. The role requires a commitment to developing colleagues, sharing expertise, embedding best practice and helping to build a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement across the Client & Market Development function. Key Responsibilities Client Development and Relationship Management Support the development and implementation of client development plans for priority clients and key growth targets. Work with partners to identify client opportunities, cross-selling initiatives and relationship-building activities. Maintain and develop client intelligence, including client profiles, relationship maps and opportunity pipelines. Coordinate client feedback and client listening initiatives, identifying trends and opportunities to strengthen relationships. Support strategic client accounts and key client programmes, helping drive revenue growth and client retention. Monitor market developments, client activity and competitor initiatives to identify opportunities for the firm. Support the delivery of targeted client events, roundtables and thought leadership initiatives aligned with strategic client objectives. Coordinate selected communications and marketing activities that support client development priorities. Measure and report on the effectiveness and return on investment of client-facing initiatives. Pitches, Proposals & Winning Work Lead the preparation and coordination of high-quality pitches, proposals, Expressions of Interest (EOIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and panel submissions. Work with partners and lawyers to develop compelling, client-focused value propositions and win strategies. Draft and tailor credentials, capability statements and matter summaries for use in proposals and business development opportunities. Maintain and enhance the firm's Saudi credentials database, ensuring experience is current and easily accessible. Track pitch opportunities, outcomes and lessons learned, producing reporting and insights to improve future success rates. Coordinate internal approval processes and ensure compliance with firm standards and procedures. Market Intelligence & Strategic Planning Conduct research on clients, markets, sectors and competitors to support business development activities and partner initiatives. Produce briefing materials for client meetings, pitches and strategic planning discussions. Monitor market trends, regulatory developments and investment activity relevant to the firm's priority sectors. Support the identification and tracking of emerging opportunities within Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Legal Directories & Rankings Manage submissions to legal directories including Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IFLR1000 and other relevant rankings. Coordinate referee programmes and liaise with partners to maximise participation and client responses. Maintain matter records and supporting evidence required for directory submissions. Analyse ranking results and competitor performance to identify opportunities for improving market positioning. Work closely with practice groups to develop annual directory strategies and submission calendars. Internal Collaboration & Operational Excellence Build strong relationships with partners, lawyers and Business Professional teams across the firm. Ensure best practice use of CRM systems and business development tools. Maintain accurate BD reporting, opportunity tracking and management information. Share knowledge and best practices across the Client & Market Development function. Act as a trusted adviser, coach and mentor to junior members of the Client & Market Development team, providing guidance, support and constructive feedback to assist their professional development. Champion best practice across business development, client development, pitch management, legal directory submissions and CRM usage, helping to raise standards and drive consistency across the team. Support the development of team capabilities through knowledge sharing, training and the introduction of innovative approaches, tools and processes. Your experience 7+ years’ experience in business development, marketing or communications, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment. Significant experience in running client development programmes within a leading law firm or professional services environment. A strong track record of managing pitches, proposals and competitive tenders. Experience preparing legal directory submissions and working with rankings organisations. Excellent stakeholder management skills and confidence working with senior partners and clients. Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify growth opportunities. Excellent written communication, drafting and project management skills. Experience using CRM systems and business development technologies. A team player that is also proactive, highly organised and has a results-oriented approach. 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. Equal opportunities 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 . Who we are AS&H Clifford Chance provides a market-leading legal offering for Saudi and international clients in the exceptionally dynamic and fast-growing market in Saudi Arabia. AS&H Clifford Chance helps clients achieve their goals by combining the highest global standards with local expertise. Focusing on the core areas of commercial activity: capital markets; corporate and M&A; finance and banking; real estate; litigation and dispute resolution. This is an exciting opportunity to join AS&H Clifford Chance at a pivotal stage of its growth in Saudi Arabia, supporting a market-leading practice in one of the firm’s most strategic jurisdictions. The role sits at the heart of the firm’s ambition to build a more structured, visible and sophisticated Client & Market Development function in Riyadh, moving from reactive activity toward proactive market positioning and client engagement. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping how the firm presents itself in the market, supports partners in winning work, and differentiates itself in an increasingly competitive legal landscape.