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About the role

Role Title

Business Development Manager / Assistant Manager

Business Services Function

Business Development, Marketing and Communications (BDMC)

Role Type

Full-time, Permanent

Location

Singapore

Role purpose

Working closely with lead partners to develop and execute business development and marketing initiatives for the transactional groups in Singapore and the Southeast Asia region. Where required, the individual will work closely with BDMC colleagues managing the advisory groups to ensure the delivery of day-to-day services.

The individual will also be part of a regional team to work collaboratively with BDMC colleagues in other offices - particularly those in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Seoul and Tokyo.

This role is instrumental in developing a strategic, market-leading BDMC business-partnering capability that enables the practice groups to win, retain and grow business through consistently high standards, tailored pitches, as well as strong key client relationships, and account management.

Main responsibilities

• Help develop and oversee delivery of BDMC plans across the Practice Groups, to be aligned with the regional and global strategy but fine-tuned for AP market needs and dynamics; set and execute the strategic market-focused direction for the Groups with fee earners
• Develop, define and disseminate clear positioning and messaging for the Groups in line with the global groups and aligned with the Firm branding and communications plans with the goal of achieving high rankings in each AP market and strong brand recognition 
• Ensure Singapore and cross-border pitches and proposals for the Groups are delivered at a high level of quality and strategic input
• Team with lawyers and BDMC staff around the world to market the services and expertise of the Groups in AP, through the development and deployment of thought leadership content, market leading events, sponsorships and other profile-raising activities
• Monitor and spot forward-looking Group issues and trends and translate their legal impact to clients and lawyers in a commercial way for impacting strategy, business plans and their execution
• Manage and co-ordinate initiatives with BDMC teams, setting high standards and values, and embedding shared values of collaboration, market-leading intelligence and client service across the team
• Work and co-ordinate with Industry Key Client (IKC) and Regional Client Managers in the Expert BDMC function to drive key account management and client relationships with strategic accounts
• Partner closely with other Expert functions (Key Client management, Marketing & Campaigns and Communications, Pitch Excellence & Pursuits, Pricing Excellence etc.) to ensure the Group's media engagement, proposal preparation and pitch training for attorneys, pricing options and alternative fee arrangements strategies align with the requirements of the business as well as global best practice
• Work with our BDMC End-to-End Services teams and Expert functions (Marketing Services; Directories, Awards and League Tables; Event Management; others) around production needs including proposal and communications templates; marketing material, campaigns and channels; roll-out of branding communications and advertising; managing submissions for awards, league tables and directories; and event requirements
• Lead on the development and execution of 1-2 key cross-border and cross-practice regional initiatives, in line with the JAO and AP Business Plan or strategic priorities

Travel requirements

Travel in this role will not be frequent. Some travel to AP locations for regional meetings, training, strategy meetings may be required.

About the team

Function

The BDMC function works closely with our Partners and leadership teams to:

• Increase our revenue, profitability and share across markets, industries and clients
• Enable us to win, retain and grow business through powerful pitches, engaging thought leadership and strong relationship management
• Lead market & client intelligence efforts to create new service line opportunities in industry and practice groups
• Channel the Baker McKenzie brand, identity and culture through a single communications voice

You will report to

Head of BDMC, Singapore

Your direct reports, if any

In-Market Business Development Executive / Senior Executive

Key relationships

• In-market (Singapore) Business Development and Marketing team
• Singapore partners, lawyers and transactional practice group leaders
• BDMC Leadership
• BDMC colleagues in specialist and end-to-end functions
• Other Professional & Business Services (PBS) Colleagues

About the candidate

Technical skills, qualifications and experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification / experience focusing on Marketing, Communications, Sales or related commercial subjects
• Experience of team leadership in a marketing and/or business development role, preferably in a professional services environment
• Experience working with and influencing senior stakeholders for strategic business outcomes
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities
• Strong judgment and ability to make well-reasoned independent decisions
• Advanced understanding of business development, marketing and communications
• Self-motivated and independent, able to work with a minimum of supervision
• Comfortable working across multiple cultures and time zones in a matrix organization
• Strong interpersonal skills, positive attitude and team spirit
• High degree of attention to detail and excellent project management skills

Personal qualities

These personal qualities represent the shared characteristics of high performers across Baker McKenzie, regardless of job level and location.

Know how, e.g.,

• Keeps across key developments in all relevant areas and demonstrates  the ability to develop substantive authority in relation to the Firm's specialist fields
• Demonstrates the ability to identify the real issue, and to anticipate requirements and potential consequences; distils a range of possibilities by thinking in a considered, prudent manner
• Able to move through a variety of tasks requiring different approaches, knowledge, and expertise, with agility of mind and capacity for analysis and synthesis

Dedication, e.g., 

• Driven by a strong personal sense of integrity and upholds exemplary quality standards
• Prepares thoroughly, takes responsibility, uses initiative and is self reliant to ensure work progresses to the fullest extent possible
• Hardworking and diligent with a keen understanding of client demands
• Demonstrates composure when dealing with difficult situations

Personal Impact, e.g., 

• Creates a positive impression at all times; develops relationships through collaboration and reciprocity
• Negotiates to achieve outcomes that are mutually satisfactory; shows good judgement on when to stand strong and when to compromise
• Invests in, nurtures and builds a network of productive relationships

Humanity

• Respectful to others, regardless of their position, and earns the respect of others by being transparent
• Has care and concern for others and a genuine interest in others as people
• Treats delicate or confidential issues with grace and discretion.