Manager, Business Development in Toronto

Davies is a top-tier Canadian law firm focused on high-stakes matters. With offices in Toronto, Montréal and New York, we are consistently at the centre of the most challenging deals and cases in Canada and abroad. A position at Davies is more than just a job. When you join the firm, you will be welcomed by a team that places as much emphasis on supporting its people as it does on serving its prestigious clients. As such, we have created a collaborative environment where team members of all backgrounds feel appreciated and are encouraged to share their ideas while working alongside some of the brightest legal and business professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and experience.

About the Position

We are looking to fill a position for a Manager, Business Development, to join the Business Development team in our Toronto office. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Business Development, the successful applicant will embed within practice and industry teams to build trusted relationships, drive strategic growth initiatives, identify and secure new business opportunities and expand the firm’s client base and market presence. The successful applicant will collaborate with lawyers and business professionals across the firm to achieve business development objectives and strengthen Davies’ market position. This is a newly created position.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead business planning, targeting strategies and related execution for various practice, industry and client teams.
• Protect and expand existing client relationships, support cross-servicing across the firm and identify strategic opportunities to win new work.
• Use a practical understanding of firm priorities, revenue drivers and return on investment to help teams focus time and resources on the highest-value opportunities.
• Coach individual lawyers on personal business development plans, strategies and coordinated follow-up.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, potential threats and untapped opportunities.
• Coordinate with lawyers and proposal specialists to develop targeted pitches in advance of formal solicitation processes.
• Work with communications, events and operations teams to raise the external and internal profiles of practices, industries and lawyers.
• Evaluate and leverage sponsorships, events, media opportunities, industry associations and thought leadership to support defined business development objectives.
• Maintain and enhance core business development assets, including off-the-shelf materials, practice descriptions, matter and experience lists, biographies, client-ready materials, contacts and mailing lists.
• Leverage CRM, experience management and internal systems to identify relevant experience, track activity, support reporting and improve data quality.
• Foster and maintain long-term relationships with key clients, partners, management and industry stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in business, marketing, communications or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• At least eight years of experience in business development, sales or strategic partnerships, ideally in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading business development plans, client targeting strategies and profile-raising initiatives.
• Strong understanding of law firm economics, client relationship management, market dynamics and the role of business development in revenue growth.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate market insights into actionable plans.
• Exceptional writing, editing, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and self-direction, with a proven ability to manage competing priorities, complex projects and multiple stakeholders.
• Experience leading, coaching or mentoring team members and building collaborative, high-performing work groups.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM platforms (e.g., 'InterAction'), experience management systems (e.g., 'Foundation') and other legal marketing technologies, along with a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Salary Range

The expected starting salary range for this role is $115,000 - $135,000. The final offer will be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Davies may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) as part of our application screening process, including in reviewing applications to help identify candidates whose skills and experience align with the requirements of the role. Davies is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace for candidates and firm members with disabilities. Please let us know of any accommodations you may require at any time during the recruitment process.