Business Development Proposals Manager

Clifford Chance•Houston, TX

12d

About The Position

The Business Development Proposals Manager supports proposal strategy for Clifford Chance’s Corporate Transactions & Advisory (CT&A) Global Product Group, helping maximise the Firm’s success on strategic opportunities. The position sits within Global Proposals and works closely with CT&A partners, lawyers and Business Development colleagues to manage complex proposals and convert priority opportunities. It has a global remit, with a primary focus on proposals in the European market, and collaborates with colleagues across regions on cross-border CT&A opportunities. The role leads strategic, complex and multi-jurisdictional proposals from end to end, providing advice, direction, coaching and support throughout the proposal lifecycle. It develops tailored, client-centric materials, supports effective use of marketing technologies and proposal processes, and contributes to training, win/loss reviews and the sharing of best practice. The manager also builds relationships across the Firm and helps equip Business Development teams with tools and capabilities for effective proposal development.

Requirements

Extensive experience working on competitive proposals and pitches, ideally in the professional services market.
Extensive experience working across functions in international, regional and local contexts.
Experience working at a senior level in a partnership.
Proven ability to build strong working relationships with senior management.
Proven ability to lead staff at all levels and delegate effectively.
Proven ability to maintain professionalism and act discreetly when required.
Ability to build relationships quickly with senior stakeholders.
Excellent listening, oral and written communication skills.
High self-awareness and ability to adapt working style to different situations.
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
Highly developed analytical skills and a passion for problem solving.
Strong IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and exposure to web portals used to manage RFP processes.

Responsibilities

Lead proposal activity aligned to CT&A, supporting the Global Product Group Business Development team, partners and lawyers on strategic, complex and multi-jurisdictional proposals.
Manage the end-to-end proposal process and serve as the central point of contact for strategic CT&A opportunities.
Provide advice, challenge, direction, coaching and support to stakeholders throughout the proposal lifecycle.
Coach, oversee and support junior colleagues through pitch processes.
Draft, review and edit pitch documents to create compelling, client-centric propositions tailored to the practice offering.
Manage proposal submissions through online portals and advise on best practice for online reverse auctions.
Develop creative ways to communicate with clients during pitch processes and create compelling written content.
Promote effective use of the Firm’s marketing technologies and ensure relevant processes are followed, including for standard pitch content, pipeline reporting and capability statements.
Deliver proposal training sessions to lawyers and Business Development teams.
Conduct win/loss debriefs for global proposals and pitches.
Work with partners and Business Development management to build momentum in winning new business.
Build relationships with CT&A partners, lawyers and Business Development colleagues, and develop an understanding of the group’s strategic priorities, clients and market propositions.
Collaborate with Business Professionals, including Commercial Pricing and Document Production, to drive the pitch process.
Work with teams to develop strong propositions throughout all stages of the RFP process.
Support the development and sharing of proposal best practice and delivery, and help equip the Firm and Business Development colleagues with tools, techniques and infrastructure for excellence and efficiency.
Support the design of proposal training courses.
Act as the key CT&A liaison with Global Proposals on global panel pitches, proposal pipeline tracking, reporting and RFP outcome analysis.