Our client is a reputable legal firm delivering outstanding legal services to a broad range of companies, private clients, and governments. They are looking to hire a Head of Business Development in Lagos.
1. OVERVIEW
The Head of Business Development will be a strategic leader responsible for driving firm-wide growth initiatives, deepening client relationships, strengthening brand visibility, and enhancing market positioning. This role is central to the firm’s expansion and client service strategy, requiring a high-performing professional with deep industry experience and the ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders.
The ideal candidate must have a strong track record in leading business development functions in top-tier law firms and demonstrate extensive experience in strategy formulation, execution, and cross-functional leadership.
KEY EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS (MUST HAVE)
• Years of Experience: Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Business Development, with at least:
o 5 years in a law firm or legal services environment.
o 2 years in a leadership role, overseeing a team or driving business development initiatives independently
• Relevant Sector Exposure: Proven track record in a senior Business Development capacity within top-tier law firms. Strong experience supporting Senior executives in strategic BD engagements and firmwide initiatives.
• Leadership & Strategic Experience: Experience leading business development teams, with demonstrated ability to guide, coach, and performance-manage team members. Track record of initiating and executing firmwide business development strategies and cross-functional projects
3. KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
The candidate must demonstrate expansive, hands-on expertise in the following areas:
• Business Development Strategy: Development and implementation of short- and long-term BD strategies. Market intelligence gathering and opportunity identification. Strategic client targeting and practice growth initiatives
• Branding & Market Visibility: Oversight of firm branding strategies across digital, print, and event platforms. Alignment of brand messaging with client value proposition and market expectations
• Legal Directories & Rankings: Coordinating submissions to Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IFLR, and other rankings. Managing internal stakeholder inputs and ensuring strong directory performance through strategic positioning
• PR, Media Relations & Thought Leadership: Building media relationships and managing the firm’s presence in high-value publications. Developing and executing PR strategies, thought leadership campaigns, and client alerts. Content development in alignment with firm priorities and industry trends
• Client Development & Key Account Management: Supporting Partners in managing key client relationships. Developing client listening and feedback programs. Driving cross-selling and client retention strategies
• Pitching & Proposals: Leading firm responses to RFPs and customized client proposals. Creating high-quality pitch materials that reflect business and legal strategy
• Event Planning & Sponsorship: Overseeing firm events, webinars, sponsorships, and client engagements. Ensuring return on investment and alignment with business goals
4. INDUSTRY & ORGANIZATIONAL FIT
• Industry Background: Mandatory experience in top-tier law firms or legal services consultancies. Experience from Big Four firms, multinational professional services firms, or commercial banks may be considered.
• Organizational Scale: Should have operated within firms with complex structures, global reach, or high-profile clientele
• Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior leadership, Partners, and external clients
• Global Business Exposure (Highly Preferred): Experience coordinating BD efforts across multiple jurisdictions and time zones. Understanding of global client service models and law firm operations
5. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in law, Business, Marketing, Communications, or related fields
• Preferred Qualification: Master’s Degree (MBA, MSc Business Administration, LLM, etc.)
• Additional Certifications: Relevant professional certifications such as CIM, PMP, Digital Marketing, Marketing Communications, or Legal Marketing credentials (e.g., LMA, PM Forum) are an added advantage
6. CORE SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
• Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen: Ability to align BD initiatives with firm strategy and client needs. Sound judgment in evaluating opportunities and client targets.
• Leadership & Influence: Strong capability to lead teams, mentor junior professionals, and drive change across departments. Ability to advise on market opportunities and relationship management
• Superior Communication Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills for high-level documents, proposals, reports, and client communications
• Project Management: Proficient in managing multiple high-value initiatives under tight deadlines. Skilled in using project management and digital collaboration tools
• Confidentiality & Professional Integrity: Ability to handle sensitive client information and strategic documents discreetly
• Adaptability: Flexible and resilient in fast-paced, high-performance environments. Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset
• Tech Fluency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and BD/CRM tools (e.g., InterAction, Salesforce, HubSpot). Familiarity with legal tech platforms and digital marketing analytics tools.
7. CULTURAL FIT
The candidate must be a collaborative leader, committed to excellence, and aligned with the firm's values of professionalism, innovation, client service, and integrity. They must be able to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics and thrive in a diverse, high-performing, and relationship-driven environment.
ONLY SHORLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED
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