Manager, Business Development, Corporate - M&A

White & Case LLP•Houston, TX

About The Position

Our Business Development & Marketing team plays a critical role in enhancing the Firm’s reputation, expanding its client base and driving revenue growth. This team develops and implements strategic marketing plans to promote the Firm’s legal services, leveraging digital and traditional marketing channels to reach target audiences. They conduct market research to identify industry trends and client needs, positioning the Firm competitively within the legal marketplace. The team also manages client relationships, orchestrates business development initiatives, and seeks opportunities for partnerships and networking. Through compelling content creation, event planning and public relations efforts, they ensure that the Firm maintains a strong market presence and continues to attract and retain clients. Position Summary The Manager, Business Development is a business development process expert and operational leader responsible for the effective execution of core BD activities within the practice group. The role ensures high-quality delivery of business development work, manages key BD systems and processes, and supports partners, client teams, and BD leadership in driving growth, client engagement, and market positioning. The Manager applies strong technical expertise across BD disciplines—such as pitching, client planning, CRM usage, and market analysis—to support client relationship management and new business generation. Working closely with Senior Managers and Associate Directors, the role contributes to the execution of agreed BD strategies and ensures alignment with firm standards, priorities, and ways of working. The Manager leads day-to-day BD operations within their area, manages coordinators and specialists, drives process improvement, and ensures BD activity is delivered efficiently, consistently, and in compliance with firm policies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; relevant professional qualifications an advantage.
Demonstrated experience delivering a wide range of operational and tactical business development activities within a professional services environment.
Strong technical expertise in business development methodologies, processes, systems, and best practices (e.g., pitching, client planning, CRM, market analysis), with the ability to resolve complex operational issues within scope.
Experience managing coordinators and/or specialists, including workflow allocation, quality control, coaching, and day-to-day supervision.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data and insights to optimize processes and improve BD delivery.
Good commercial awareness and understanding of market and client dynamics, applied pragmatically to support BD initiatives.
Clear and effective communication skills, enabling collaboration with partners, BD colleagues, and other business services teams.
This role has formal management responsibility for business development coordinators and/or specialists, including day-to-day supervision, work allocation, coaching, performance feedback, and support for professional development.

Responsibilities

Support the execution of client and business development strategies by managing research, client mapping, and market analysis to identify and qualify new business opportunities.
Collaborate with partners, RSHs, and BD teams to develop and implement client plans, track engagement, and support client relationship management initiatives.
Provide practical insights and recommendations to improve client targeting, segmentation, and outreach effectiveness.
Lead the preparation and coordination of client proposals, pitches, and capability statements, ensuring content is tailored, accurate, and aligned with client needs and firm strategy.
Manage the collection and organization of deal lists, credentials, and supporting materials for pitches.
Coordinate input from stakeholders and ensures timely delivery of high-quality proposals.
Support the delivery of thought leadership, market positioning, and external engagement activities for the practice group.
Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to develop content, track rankings, and organize events that raise the profile of the practice and its partners.
Work closely with BD leadership, partners, and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and consistency in BD activities.
Facilitate information sharing and collaboration across practice groups, industry teams, and business services functions.
Act as a key point of contact for the coordination of BD projects and initiatives.
Manage workflow and resource allocation for junior team members (coordinators, specialists), providing guidance, feedback, and support to ensure high standards of delivery.
Act as a role model for professional conduct, operational excellence, and collaborative teamwork.
Provide technical and process expertise to support the development of the BD team.
Monitor and report on BD activity, tracking key metrics and analyzing results to inform continuous improvement.
Implement process improvements and best practices to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of BD operations.
Ensure compliance with firm policies, procedures, and data quality standards in all BD activities.