Contract Business Development Manager

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Consultant to provide strategic and hands-on support across designated sectors, service lines and client groups.

This is a business-facing role, working closely with partners and key stakeholders to develop growth plans, strengthen client relationships and convert new business opportunities.

The role is offered on an initial 6-month contract, with the potential for extension, and will be paid on a competitive day rate via an Umbrella company.

The role can be based in Bristol, with hybrid working and travel to other TLT offices and client locations where required.

About the Role

Working within TLT’s Marketing and Business Development function, you will provide additional business development capacity to support the firm’s growth ambitions.

You will work collaboratively with partners, lawyers and colleagues across business development, bids, client engagement, marketing, communications and events.

The assignment combines strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will be expected to understand priorities quickly, build effective stakeholder relationships and deliver agreed outcomes within the contract period.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Enablement

• Lead the development of compelling proposals, bids and pitch presentations.
• Identify, develop and support the conversion of new business opportunities.
• Develop and manage pipelines of target clients, prospects and opportunities.
• Use CRM data to manage opportunities and support targeted activity.
• Support the development and promotion of new products and services.
• Build relationships with client contacts, prospective clients and intermediaries.

Business Planning and Client Relationships

• Develop and deliver business development plans aligned with sector and service-line strategies.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear and measurable activity.
• Support partners in developing priority client relationships.
• Contribute to client account plans, panels and frameworks.
• Analyse client and market information to identify commercial opportunities.
• Monitor progress, budgets and return on investment.

Campaigns and Profile Raising

• Develop targeted campaigns that generate leads and support the conversion of opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to raise TLT’s profile through events, webinars, media and thought leadership.
• Produce compelling marketing materials and stakeholder presentations.
• Support legal directory submissions and award entries.
• Provide clear updates on business development activity, opportunities and outcomes.

Stakeholder Working

• Build credibility quickly and develop trusted relationships with partners and key stakeholders.
• Provide commercially focused advice and constructive challenge.
• Work collaboratively across TLT’s UK offices and with international alliance firms where required.
• Maintain oversight of priorities, risks, dependencies and delivery dates.
• Progress agreed projects independently and within the required timescales.

Consultant Deliverables

• During the assignment, the successful consultant will be expected to:
• Take ownership of clearly defined workstreams and deliverables.
• Agree priorities, milestones and outcomes with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates on progress, risks and recommended next steps.
• Deliver high-quality outputs with limited supervision.
• Document key plans, contacts and outstanding actions to support an effective handover.
• Adapt to changing commercial and stakeholder priorities.
• Comply with TLT’s confidentiality, information security and working practices.

Your Skills and Experience

• Significant business development experience within a law firm or professional services environment.
• A strong track record of developing and delivering business development plans.
• Experience working with and influencing partners and key stakeholders.
• Excellent proposal, bid and pitch-writing skills.
• Experience supporting client relationships and account plans.
• Strong understanding of pipeline management and lead generation.
• Excellent commercial awareness and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• The ability to operate independently and deliver within a defined assignment.
• Experience using CRM systems and relevant marketing technologies.
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a consultant, contractor or interim business development professional.
• Experience providing additional capacity during periods of change or increased demand.
• Experience within a UK or international law firm.
• Knowledge of relevant legal sectors or service lines.
• Experience supporting key client programmes, panels or frameworks.
• A relevant professional or marketing qualification, such as CIM.

About TLT

Fast paced, fast growing and forward thinking, TLT is the law firm that helps clients stay one step ahead, and we do the same for our people. With local, national and international reach, we have over 1,800 people in offices across the UK and a network of partner firms across Europe, India and the US. Over the last few years, TLT’s successful growth, delivery of high-quality work and support for colleagues has been consistently recognised by The Times and at the Legal Business, The Lawyer and British Legal Awards. Our ambition is to create opportunities for what comes next for our clients, recognised as their first-tier adviser and valued for our values. We do this in our unique way by creating social value and a dynamic environment where our people are curious, creative and ambitious for their success. In our open and collaborative culture, we encourage everyone to be their whole self, have a voice and contribute to the success of TLT.