Business Development Manager - International Law Firm

About the role

Gateworth is supporting a leading international law firm hiring an experienced Business Development Manager to lead cross-practice growth strategies within the Middle East. Working closely with Partners and BD colleagues, the role drives client development, oversees strategic pitch and proposal activity and strengthens the firm's market position across key sectors and jurisdictions. The position is based in Dubai.

Key responsibilities

• Design and coordinate partner-led client targeting programmes, with consistent follow-up and opportunity tracking.
• Conduct competitor analysis and market mapping to identify trends, client needs and areas for differentiation.
• Align local business development activities with firmwide strategic priorities through regional and global counterparts.
• Monitor practice area performance metrics and prepare reports and recommendations for revenue growth.
• Oversee tailored pitches and RFP responses, working with partners and the global bids team.
• Champion the use of CRM systems and BD technology to improve opportunity management, client intelligence and reporting accuracy.
• Support legal directory rankings and awards submissions, including information gathering, content drafting and timeline management.
• Plan and execute firm events, handling venue arrangements, logistics and invitations.
• Identify cross-selling and collaboration opportunities by monitoring market developments and client activity.
• Contribute to profile-raising and client development strategies with the wider BD function and Partners.

Required profile

• At least 2-3 years' experience at manager level within an international law firm.
• Proven track record in a business development or marketing role, ideally in the UAE or a market covering the Middle East.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, as the role works closely with cross-functional teams.

Applicants should apply through Gateworth, quoting reference 33798.