Manager, Business Development – Disputes in Winnipeg

Reporting into the Director, Business Development – Disputes, the Manager Business Development – Disputes provides strategic advice and practical support to execute the objectives of the national Disputes practice plans, and the day-to-day marketing and business development needs of associated legal professionals. This role is replacing a current vacancy.

An experienced and highly visible member of the national Clients & Markets team, the Manager Business Development – Disputes works closely with legal professionals, and coordinates with Business Services members Clients & Markets colleagues, to:

• Support practice revenue growth by identifying opportunities for new business and client relationship development, as well as contributing insights to proposals and pitches with respect to legal professional expertise and representative experience.
• Activate and deepen client touchpoints in support of Client Service Teams and through the development of client seminars and events, as well as updating and maintaining key contacts in CRM.
• Increasing brand profile and creating eminence for Disputes internally and externally through the coordination of thought leadership, impactful brand positioning, recognition in leading legal directories and awards publications, and developing relationships with industry associations.

Key Responsibilities

The core responsibilities of this role include:

Practice Strategy, Operation and Execution

• Develop, implement and execute the national Disputes practice plans.
• Attend, participate and report on developments at national and regional practice group meetings.
• Build profile with practice group members by learning about their practice expertise, individual business plan objectives and providing practical coaching and support.
• Capture and draft experience narratives for inclusion in proposals and directory submissions using the experience database (Foundation).
• Plan, lead and manage practice group programs and client events.
• Organize regular focus group meetings and manage action items.
• Monitor and analyze market and competitor activity.
• Work closely with the Pursuits Team in support of new business opportunities.
• Actively manage, track and report on BD expenses.

Client Relationship Development

• Direct strategies to grow revenue and support clients.
• Support lawyers with key client relationships and account management.
• Facilitate Client Service Team meetings and reporting for key clients, track outcomes, milestones and follow up.
• Proactively seek out business development opportunities with existing and potential clients.
• Manage client lists in the CRM.

Market Profile Development

• Raising the Firm’s profile through directories, ranking submissions and awards.
• Coach legal professionals in personal profile building.
• Manage website content related to Disputes.
• Manage sponsorships, memberships and industry associations.
• Increase BLG’s profile in the marketplace through web, social media, publications, newsletters, etc.

General Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other Clients & Markets functions (Pursuits, Pricing, Rankings, Business Intelligence, Events, Marketing, Communications, CRM, Digital, etc.) to deliver seamless and consistent service.
• Oversee and manage the day-to-day practice business development activities.

Key Competencies

• Undergraduate degree in Business/Marketing/Communications
• 8+ years of experience and a minimum of 5 years in a professional or legal services environment
• In-depth understanding of legal and business environments, and comfortable operating in a matrix organization
• Motivated and action-oriented with the ability to synthesize information, consider broad perspectives, develop an action plan and execute to completion, in a timely fashion
• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills
• Strong strategic and analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to innovate
• Able to work well with conflicting points of view; equally effective as a team player and autonomous
• Strong professional presence and conduct, able to work with Senior Management of the Firm
• Effective time management skills and ability to manage a variety of concurrent projects
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting concepts, budgeting and quantitative analysis methods
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment; with strong attention to detail
• Established knowledge of Microsoft Office suite software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM
• Familiarity with RFPs, alternative fee structures and pricing strategies for professional services would be an asset
• Bilingual candidates (English and French) are strongly preferred.

The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 - $110,000, depending on level of experience, region/location, and other factors.

BLG is committed to building a diverse workplace reflective of the communities we serve and to fostering an inclusive culture where Firm members feel valued, respected and inspired to thrive as their authentic selves. We value diversity of thought and the unique skills, perspectives and experience each individual brings to BLG. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage applicants from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented, including but not limited to First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, people who identify as women and/or LGBTQ2S+.

We also strive to provide an accessible candidate experience. Please let us know if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process.