Manager, Client Development - Energy & Infrastructure

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP•Washington, DC

3d•$180,000 - $220,000

About The Position

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is seeking an experienced Manager, Client Development & Engagement to support the strategic growth of its Energy and Infrastructure Practice. Working closely with the Senior Manager and Associate Director, the role supports a global team of more than 75 partners across the Firm’s transactional practices. The manager will help pursue growth opportunities, deepen client relationships, and strengthen the Firm’s market position across areas including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, power generation and transmission, and traditional energy. The position leads and coordinates strategic client development initiatives from planning through execution, develops tailored client-facing materials, and works across Partners, practices, offices, and Client Development & Engagement functions. It also coordinates business development programs, research, submissions, events, thought leadership, and client pursuits, while maintaining accurate practice and market information. The manager also leads and develops junior team members by providing guidance, coaching, feedback, work allocation, and quality review. Success requires exceptional project management, writing and communication skills, attention to detail, analytical ability, and effective relationships with senior stakeholders. The role operates in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and may require additional hours as needed. This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime pay.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum five years of relevant experience in a high-performance environment, preferably in client service, consulting, legal operations, project management, marketing, or financial services.
Demonstrated success working in a highly technical industry.
Ability to manage competing workstreams, including pitches and RFPs, strategic research projects, event planning, conference support, lateral integration, and junior staff training and development.
Exceptional project management skills, including the ability to manage high-priority projects, drive complex initiatives, and deliver under tight deadlines.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft materials and interact effectively with stakeholders.
Strong analytical skills and high proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience with CRM systems, market research tools, and project management software.
Structured and analytical problem-solving approach and ability to navigate complex challenges.
Ability to communicate confidently and professionally with senior client stakeholders and peers.
Ability to succeed in a remote environment across time zones and deliver small- and large-scale projects on time.
Executive presence and high emotional intelligence.
Flexibility and willingness to work additional hours as needed, and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a competitive, demanding environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, English, Communications, Advertising, or a related field.
JD, MBA, or relevant advanced degree.
Prior business development, client development, or market intelligence experience in energy and infrastructure, particularly at a law firm, investment firm, financial institution, energy or infrastructure company, or professional services organization.
Familiarity with energy and infrastructure markets, including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, power generation and transmission, traditional energy, infrastructure investment, and project finance.
Experience developing highly tailored pitches, credentials, client presentations, awards submissions, or other strategic business development materials.
Familiarity with CRM, experience management, and market intelligence platforms.
Experience managing or developing junior team members in professional services or a similar corporate environment.

Responsibilities

Execute business development strategies and initiatives supporting the growth of the Energy and Infrastructure Practice, including priority sectors, clients, and new business opportunities.
Lead development and coordination of tailored pitches, proposals, RFPs, credentials presentations, and other client-facing materials.
Maintain and enhance sector-specific credentials, practice materials, matter descriptions, and other business development resources, ensuring they are current, accurate, and well positioned.
Manage directory, awards, and other external submissions, coordinating Partner and stakeholder input and ensuring high-quality work product.
Support strategic research projects, including market analysis, competitive intelligence, and client research, and apply insights to business development initiatives.
Maintain working knowledge of energy and infrastructure sectors and related topics, including digital infrastructure, renewable energy and clean technology, power generation and transmission, traditional energy, infrastructure private equity, project development and finance, capital deployment, and emerging technologies.
Work with the Associate Director, Senior Manager, and broader team to develop and execute initiatives that strengthen market presence and advance strategic growth priorities.
Partner with stakeholders and CDE colleagues to support go-to-market strategy and develop narratives that differentiate the Firm’s capabilities.
Coordinate Partners, practices, offices, and CDE functions to support integrated work on priority clients and opportunities.
Coordinate with events, communications, design, strategic intelligence, knowledge management, and client teams to execute client programs, thought leadership, content campaigns, and signature events.
Manage and support regular business development meetings with Energy and Infrastructure Partners and priority client and pursuit teams, including agendas, materials, opportunity tracking, and follow-up.
Maintain accurate, current information on client relationships, transactions and matters, attorney experience, priority pursuits, industry landscape maps, and market insights.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Senior Manager, Associate Director, or Director.
Manage and develop junior members of the Energy and Infrastructure CDE team through day-to-day guidance, coaching, feedback, and support.
Lead pitches and other business development projects, allocate work across junior team members, and ensure projects are delivered accurately and on time.
Review junior team members’ pitches, credentials, research, and client-facing materials, providing constructive feedback to improve quality, judgment, and consistency.
Create resources that improve team efficiency, capture institutional knowledge, and incorporate Partner feedback into future work.
Foster a collaborative, responsive, high-performing team environment and support junior members in taking greater ownership as their skills develop.