Senior Business Development Manager

FBT Gibbons LLP•Louisville, KY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

FBT Gibbons LLP is a national law firm focused on serving companies operating and investing in the middle market. With nearly 1,500 employees across 26 offices, we support clients ranging from large multinationals to mid-sized businesses and growth-oriented startups across the United States. Our teams collaborate across departments and geographies to deliver excellent service to our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve. At FBT Gibbons, diversity enriches our vibrant culture and empowers our teams to achieve more together. We welcome talented professionals who bring valuable skills, a collaborative mindset, and a shared commitment to helping our firm and clients thrive. Here, you’ll make meaningful contributions, collaborate with exceptional colleagues, and build a career that grows with your skills and ambitions. We are currently seeking a Senior Business Development Manager (SBDM) to serve as a trusted strategic advisor to Practice Groups, Industry Teams, key client programs (Cornerstones), cross-functional departments, and firm leadership, creating and leading business development strategies that accelerate revenue and support long term growth for the Corporate, M&A and Private Equity practices. This includes data analysis, strategic planning, execution of tactics that support strategic initiatives, budget planning, and identifying, tracking and reporting on KPIs. Our ideal candidate is a strategic and commercially minded professional with demonstrated understanding of corporate and transactional law practices who partners with attorneys and firm leadership to drive growth, strengthen client relationships, and enhance the firm's market position. They serve as both a business advisor and an execution leader, balancing long-term planning with hands-on implementation. Experience in a B2B professional services and/or legal environment is required. This position can be based in Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY; Nashville, TN; Newark, NJ; or Washington, D.C.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required; degree in business, finance, marketing, communications or other relevant area preferred.
Minimum of 8 years of experience in a B2B professional services setting developing and executing business development strategies required, including 3 years of management experience.
Sophisticated understanding of corporate and transactional legal services and the ability to translate that knowledge into growth strategies, client opportunities, and market-facing initiatives.
Strong strategic planning and development skills.
Demonstrated ability to use data, financial metrics, market research, and competitive intelligence to identify growth opportunities and inform strategy.
Proficiency with CRM, pipeline tracking, experience databases, marketing technology, and Microsoft Office applications preferred.
Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
Self-motivated professional with sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
Ability to work over 40 hours per week and travel as needed across the firm’s footprint.
Weekend and overnight travel may be required from time to time.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
FBT Gibbons does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Nice To Haves

degree in business, finance, marketing, communications or other relevant area preferred.
Proficiency with CRM, pipeline tracking, experience databases, marketing technology, and Microsoft Office applications preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead business development strategy for the Corporate, M&A, Private Equity, and other transactional practices, partnering with industry teams, key client programs, and firm leadership to drive growth and revenue generation.
Partner with attorneys and firm leadership to identify growth opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and advance strategic priorities across the firm's corporate and transactional practices.
Analyze firm, client, market, and competitive intelligence data to identify growth opportunities, inform business development strategy, and support practice growth.
Develop and execute business development plans, client initiatives, and market-facing programs that drive revenue growth, strengthen client relationships, and elevate market visibility.
Lead key client development efforts, including client growth strategies, cross-selling initiatives, client feedback programs, and relationship expansion opportunities.
Oversee proposals, pitches, presentations, and other business development pursuits from strategy through execution.
Direct business development resources, budgets, and performance metrics to ensure successful execution of strategic initiatives.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on initiatives that support practice growth, client service, and firmwide objectives.
Monitor legal industry, client, and market trends and provide actionable insights and recommendations to firm leadership.
Contribute to departmental leadership, process improvement, and the development of business development best practices.
Foster a positive and inclusive work culture by motivating employees, promoting teamwork, and maintaining high levels of engagement and job satisfaction.
Provide continuous coaching and mentorship to direct reports, offering constructive feedback to support professional growth and skill development.
Ensure adherence to firm policies and legal regulations while managing employee conduct and performance.