BD Client Development Manager / Senior Manager

Role Overview

BD Client Development Manager / Senior Manager at Clifford Chance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, this role drives client development initiatives, supports key client programmes, identifies growth opportunities, and helps partners win and retain business across priority sectors.

Company Overview

AS&H Clifford Chance provides market-leading legal services to Saudi and international clients in Saudi Arabia's dynamic and fast-growing market. The firm combines highest global standards with local expertise, focusing on capital markets, corporate and M&A, finance and banking, real estate, and litigation and dispute resolution. The firm is at a pivotal stage of growth in Saudi Arabia and is building a more structured, visible and sophisticated Client & Market Development function in Riyadh.

Role Purpose

The role shapes how the firm presents itself in the market, supports partners in winning work, and differentiates itself in an increasingly competitive legal landscape. The successful candidate will move the Client & Market Development function from reactive activity toward proactive market positioning and client engagement, while acting as coach, mentor and role model for a talented team.

Key Responsibilities

Client Development and Relationship Management

• Support the development and implementation of client development plans for priority clients and key growth targets.
• Work with partners to identify client opportunities, cross-selling initiatives and relationship-building activities.
• Maintain and develop client intelligence, including client profiles, relationship maps and opportunity pipelines.
• Coordinate client feedback and client listening initiatives, identifying trends and opportunities to strengthen relationships.
• Support strategic client accounts and key client programmes, helping drive revenue growth and client retention.
• Monitor market developments, client activity and competitor initiatives to identify opportunities for the firm.
• Support the delivery of targeted client events, roundtables and thought leadership initiatives aligned with strategic client objectives.
• Coordinate selected communications and marketing activities that support client development priorities.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness and return on investment of client-facing initiatives.

Pitches, Proposals and Winning Work

• Lead the preparation and coordination of high-quality pitches, proposals, Expressions of Interest (EOIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and panel submissions.
• Work with partners and lawyers to develop compelling, client-focused value propositions and win strategies.
• Draft and tailor credentials, capability statements and matter summaries for use in proposals and business development opportunities.
• Maintain and enhance the firm's Saudi credentials database, ensuring experience is current and easily accessible.
• Track pitch opportunities, outcomes and lessons learned, producing reporting and insights to improve future success rates.
• Coordinate internal approval processes and ensure compliance with firm standards and procedures.

Market Intelligence and Strategic Planning

• Conduct research on clients, markets, sectors and competitors to support business development activities and partner initiatives.
• Produce briefing materials for client meetings, pitches and strategic planning discussions.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory developments and investment activity relevant to the firm's priority sectors.
• Support the identification and tracking of emerging opportunities within Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

Legal Directories and Rankings

• Manage submissions to legal directories including Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IFLR1000 and other relevant rankings.
• Coordinate referee programmes and liaise with partners to maximise participation and client responses.
• Maintain matter records and supporting evidence required for directory submissions.
• Analyse ranking results and competitor performance to identify opportunities for improving market positioning.
• Work closely with practice groups to develop annual directory strategies and submission calendars.

Internal Collaboration and Operational Excellence

• Build strong relationships with partners, lawyers and Business Professional teams across the firm.
• Ensure best practice use of CRM systems and business development tools.
• Maintain accurate BD reporting, opportunity tracking and management information.
• Share knowledge and best practices across the Client & Market Development function.
• Act as a trusted adviser, coach and mentor to junior members of the Client & Market Development team, providing guidance, support and constructive feedback to assist their professional development.
• Champion best practice across business development, client development, pitch management, legal directory submissions and CRM usage, helping to raise standards and drive consistency across the team.
• Support the development of team capabilities through knowledge sharing, training and the introduction of innovative approaches, tools and processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years' experience in business development, marketing or communications, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Significant experience in running client development programmes within a leading law firm or professional services environment.
• A strong track record of managing pitches, proposals and competitive tenders.
• Experience preparing legal directory submissions and working with rankings organisations.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and confidence working with senior partners and clients.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify growth opportunities.
• Excellent written communication, drafting and project management skills.
• Experience using CRM systems and business development technologies.

Skills & Competencies

• Team player that is also proactive, highly organised and results-oriented.

Additional Information

• Hybrid working: This role follows the firm's 'balanced' hybrid working approach and as long as business needs allow, you will be supported to work in a hybrid way in line with the hybrid working policy.
• Professional development: Varied opportunities to continuously grow and develop expertise and knowledge from your first day, including formal training, informal coaching and mentoring, and technical and personal development skills-based training.
• Equal opportunities: Clifford Chance forges an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued. The firm is committed to delivering fair and equal access to all applicants and employees irrespective of background across all aspects of employment. Global network of affinity, faith and support groups are open to all.