Travers Smith is an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork. This role is with Travers Smith, a leading full-service law firm with international expertise in Asset Management, M&A and Dispute Resolution & Investigations. The firm works with asset managers, listed and private companies, financial institutions and other clients on UK and cross-border matters. Our purpose is to provide the highest quality of service while enabling our people to achieve professional fulfilment in a supportive, inclusive and enjoyable working environment.

Department

The Business Development, Clients, Marketing, Events and Communications team consists of 33 people focused on increasing the firm’s profile and brand through various channels to create leads and opportunities that generate revenue. The team is at the forefront of key firmwide initiatives and aims to be collaborative, inclusive and rewarding.

The Role

Reporting to a Senior Business Development Manager, the role is central to developing and executing the firm’s business development strategies and plans across the Pensions Practice Group and nominated initiatives. The BD Manager will collaborate across distinct practice areas, proactively lead and challenge topics such as BD strategy and execution. The role has high visibility and daily interaction with partners and key stakeholders; it is both strategic and operational, focused on delivering first-class service and executing each group’s business plan. This role is suitable for a Senior Executive stepping up into their first Manager position.

The Pensions Practice Group

The Pensions Practice Group consists of five partners and a team of senior counsel, associates, trainees and paralegals. The BD Manager will work with Partners, the Senior Legal Operations Manager and Knowledge Lawyer function to develop and deliver the group’s business plan across all service offerings. The Pensions Department is a market leader, supporting trustees, employers and pension funds through sector changes, combining technical excellence with commercial acumen across liability management, governance, tax, investments, dispute resolution and de-risking. Our teams work with many of the UK’s largest pension funds and employers, helping them manage risk, capitalise on opportunities, and navigate complex regulation. We are recognised with top-tier rankings and numerous awards for client service and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Business and Client Planning

• Develop close working relationships with partners and the lawyer team; support the development, implementation and refinement of business plans; identify market and client trends and growth opportunities from existing and potential clients.
• Create targeted BD and marketing activity plans aligned to business plans; monitor, analyse and report on activity against objectives and assess ROI of plans and activities.
• Collaborate with the Head of Client Relationships to ensure client action plans for significant clients are created, monitored, supported and actioned; coordinate with firm-wide client initiatives.
• Coordinate with the wider Business Development team to align activities across practice groups and firm-wide initiatives for a cohesive, "one firm" approach.
• Develop an understanding of key client relationships, practice areas, competitor and market trends to inform recommendations for revenue growth, cross-selling, and client service improvements.

Business Development and Marketing Activities

• Create an annual BD and marketing plan for the Pensions Practice Group and selected cross-firm initiatives, covering all elements of the marketing mix (materials, pitches, thought leadership, social media, website content, events, and hospitality).
• Provide market and practice insights to support the Communications team in developing a media and PR plan; determine how PR can complement business development objectives.
• Coordinate with Events teams to plan and deliver client-facing and referral events to the highest standards; assess value of sponsorships and hospitality opportunities for best client value.
• Plan and deliver targeted thought leadership with KLs and Communications to raise the Pensions Practice’s profile through direct client communications, digital content and channels.
• Lead the pitch process for opportunities in the Pensions Practice Group and support the Pitch team in firm-wide pursuits, providing practice, partner, client and market insights.
• Oversee the practice’s directory and awards submissions; ensure high-quality content that delivers results.
• Act as InterAction champion for the practice groups and horizontal initiatives, coordinating with Digital Marketing, PAs and lawyers to keep BD activities up to date.
• Manage BD budgets for the groups and initiatives; participate in firm-wide client initiatives and marketing programs, including client listening, post-pitch reviews and TS Change programs.

Other Responsibilities

• Contribute to the BD team’s development through participation in meetings, sharing best practices and conducting research.
• Assist in planning and managing annual BD budgets with the Chief Marketing Officer and department heads.

Personal Specification - Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• 5+ years in a Business Development role in a professional services environment, preferably within a law firm.
• Commercially astute with a track record of growing existing and new business.
• High proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and InterAction.
• Ability to interpret macro-economic issues and translate them into BD plans.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; confident in influencing senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Experience in managing, mentoring and motivating team members.
• Ability to provide recommendations with confidence, even in ambiguity; capable of quickly gaining trust and driving behavioural change.
• Inspiring leadership with a hands-on approach and ability to delegate effectively.
• Strong teamwork, coaching and mentoring ability.
• Strategic and analytical thinker; able to set and measure programme success across BD initiatives.
• Proactive in generating high-quality strategic ideas to foster firm growth; able to build strong client relationships.
• Excellent work management skills; ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.

We are moving from our London headquarters in Snow Hill to a new building in the City (Stonecutter Court), with move expected in early 2026.

Diversity & Inclusion

We value diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and are committed to an inclusive workplace that reflects our clients and communities. We partner with organisations that champion equality and fairness to ensure our policies uphold these values.

Accessibility and Recruitment Adjustments

If you have accessibility issues, please notify a member of the Travers Smith HR team to provide the document in an alternative format. If we can adjust the recruitment process to improve accessibility, please let us know. For further information please visit our website: Recruitment - Support and adjustments for candidates.