Dechert LLP
Client Development Manager
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Manager, Client Development
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Manager, Client Development, to join our global Client Development team, based in London. The role spans two main areas. The first is a focus on the litigation practice where the Manager will lead day-to-day business development activities, branding and marketing efforts, and drive and implement business development strategy and initiatives. The second is supporting a global key account management program which includes the development and implementation of the program framework and associated assets and managing a small number of key client relationships, while working closely with other members of the Client Development team. This is a broad, substantive role, offering the opportunity to work within a high-performing, collaborative team, with scope for growth.
Essential Job Functions
Practice Group BD, Marketing and Proposals (approx. 50%)
- Build and sustain trusted client development relationships with group leads and key stakeholders.
- Drive an effective strategy and submission process for awards and directories (Chambers, Legal 500, etc.) for practice recognition that reflects the group’s capabilities and successes on behalf of clients.
- Identify, manage and execute sponsorship opportunities in alignment with client development goals, with successful follow-through and positive ROI.
- Conduct research and analysis to help drive change for the group and new ideas for business opportunities.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to develop client-facing pitch strategies and provide all necessary research and preparation.
- Draft compelling pitches, RFP responses, and presentations tailored to specific client needs, often working with the proposals team on larger RFPs.
- Track pitch and proposal activity, capturing outcomes and sharing best practices across the team.
- Develop and manage client-centric, data-driven, integrated marketing and business development campaigns that deliver results against strategic priorities.
- Develop and maintain practice-specific marketing collateral such as practice descriptions, experience lists, rankings submissions, and lawyer biographies; ensure materials are up to date by supporting knowledge management efforts.
- Evaluate, plan, organize and host relevant practice-related events, in collaboration with the events team. Responsibilities include concept, budget, invite and agenda development, targeting lists, with a focus on ROI, supporting partner engagement pre, during, and post-event.
- Bring new ideas to elevate the brand.
- Drive adoption of BD tools; maintain accurate and current records in the CRM system and relevant databases, capturing client profiles, experience, and pitch activity.
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Client Team Program (approx. 50%)
- Support the development, launch and management of a new key account management pilot, including the establishment of an objective-setting framework and governance materials.
- Support and drive the creation/updating and maintenance of a practical suite of client team tools including templates, agendas, reporting frameworks, and account plan formats, helping to identify gaps and develop new materials as needed.
- Collaborate with partners and CD colleagues on client team priorities, action plans, and day-to-day execution.
- Manage and develop client team reporting content and materials, ensuring they evolve with the program.
- Analyze financial and trend data to support client team planning and performance evaluation and to identify opportunities.
- Manage training requests and events for key accounts.
- Identify and make recommendations for process efficiencies as the program evolves, working with internal teams including finance, business intelligence, research, and alumni.
- Regularly review and update the key account management framework and toolkit as the program evolves, working with stakeholders across BD, finance, knowledge management, research, business intelligence and beyond to ensure materials remain fit for purpose.
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Other
- Contribute to department-wide initiatives to improve the overall marketing function.
- Mentor and serve as a resource for colleagues with less experience.
- Operate AI workflows, including daily use of AI tools (Legora, Copilot, and emerging platforms) to deliver tasks and actively experiment to identify efficiency gains.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Litigation experience strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field.
- 6+ years of experience in client development or marketing, preferably within the legal or professional services sector.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
- Self-starter with strong follow-through, able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Proven ability to think critically about ROI, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance or change strategy.
- Demonstrated interest in or experience of building client development frameworks, tools, or client programs.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, working closely with partners, global marketing/CD colleagues, and other firm departments.
- Professional manner with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Must demonstrate characteristics aligned with the firm’s key values: excellence, stewardship, diversity and inclusion, collaboration and innovation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM tools and AI platforms; familiarity with digital marketing platforms preferred.
This job description is intended to provide an overview of the role, and is not an exhaustive list of tasks and responsibilities.
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