Global Business Development Manager – Emerging Technology Group

The Role

We are looking for a Global Business Development Manager – Emerging Technology Group to join our Marketing and Business Development department in London. This role will be a 6-month maternity cover fixed term contract.

The Emerging Technology Group is sector and practice group agnostic, comprising lawyers who are subject matter experts, or aspiring experts, in areas such as AI, tokenisation, Quantum computing, digital assets, and payments, viewed through both a contentious and non-contentious perspective.

The Global Business Development Manager will work closely with fee earners across the Emerging Technology Group, and the AI cross-border group, and members of the Marketing and Business Development (M&BD) team. The Global Business Development Manager will also advise on and drive the execution of M&BD initiatives, taking responsibility for delivering the Emerging Technology Group business plan.

A key aspect of the role is fostering collaboration between the Emerging Technology Group and the wider firm, including sectors, practice groups, and Client Programme.

The successful candidate will operate as an integral part of the M&BD team, contributing to the future planning and strategic direction of the Emerging Technology Group. The role requires a blend of strategic insight and hands‑on delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive impactful business development activity in a fast-moving environment.

The M&BD Team

Uniting the firm’s expertise to meet clients’ global needs…

The Marketing and Business Development (M&BD) team at Simmons & Simmons is a dynamic group of value creators, digital innovators, and relationship builders. We're seeking talented individuals with ambition and passion to join our high-performing team, known for its commitment to learning, growth, and excellence.

The team benefits from the expertise of seasoned professionals from leading firms and industries. We invest in our talent at all levels, offering extensive training like the ‘Future Leaders’ programme to nurture the next generation of leaders.

Our innovative efforts, including the award-winning “supercharge” client program, sector-focused campaigns and cross-border group teams, have significantly contributed to the firm's global reputation and success in attracting top-tier clients.

We prioritise continuous improvement and operational excellence, adopting best practices to maintain our competitive edge and align with our purpose of becoming a next generation law firm.

Our global M&BD team operates as ‘One Team,’ valuing contributions from members worldwide and fostering a culture of connection and fun. Joining us means making a definitive impact in a role that values and leverages your contributions.

What Will You Do

• Knowledge: Become a key source of knowledge within the M&BD team regarding the work of the global Emerging Technology Group. The role-holder will develop a deep understanding of the legal advice and services offered by the group, dedicating significant time to learning about the firm’s capabilities and staying abreast of legal and regulatory developments in the Emerging Technology ecosystem.
• AI Cross‑border group (CBG) M&BD leadership: co‑lead the AI CBG, a M&BD initiative designed to enhance international client support and expand the firm’s global workload. This involves bringing together fee earners with relevant expertise to foster collaboration and identify business growth opportunities.
• Business development and marketing execution: deliver high‑quality, day‑to‑day tactical M&BD support to Emerging Technology fee earners under the supervision of the Head of Clients & Sectors. This includes executing business development and marketing activities aligned with the group’s business plan.
• Budget Management: Manage M&BD budgets, including monthly reporting on marketing spend against budget, analysing investment versus return, and ensuring correct budget sign‑off procedures for unplanned activities.
• Profile raising: Contribute to the development and implementation of the group’s internal and external communications strategies, including digital channels, ensuring best practice is observed. Support the group’s profile raising through targeted communications and content.
• Reputation Management: Assist in strengthening the firm’s reputation across the industry by identifying speaking, advertising and media opportunities (in conjunction with the Marcomms team), and overseeing the project management of directory and award submissions as required.
• PR: Work with PR, digital and event leads to effectively action opportunities to raise the firm’s profile in areas covered by the Emerging Technology Group.
• Pitch Management: Manage the end‑to‑end pitch process, including large‑scale RFPs. This involves conducting bid/no‑bid process, managing logistics, gathering relevant materials, writing formal responses, and producing group‑specific capability statements.
• Group calls coordination: Coordinate Emerging Technology Group calls and client team calls, including taking notes and actions, and circulating these to relevant teams for digestion/ action.
• Reporting: prepare updates for the Emerging Technology Group, M&BD team and other stakeholders on key trends and opportunities. Contribute to brainstorming sessions to develop strategies for capitalising on identified opportunities.
• Financial reporting: Own the end‑to‑end process of reviewing monthly billed fees report and open/closed matters report to identify matters that should be tagged to the Emerging Technology group.
• Website and Intranet Management: Ensure all website and intranet content for the Emerging Technology Group is kept up‑to‑date, briefing tasks into the M&BD Hub as appropriate.
• CRM Management: Utilise CRM systems (InterAction and Introhive) to brief tasks into the Hub and complete tasks efficiently, ensuring accurate client and activity tracking.
• Event Management: organise and project manage events from end to end, including webinars, ensuring effective briefing tasks into the M&BD Hub.
• International collaboration: Regularly interact with and provide support to international practice groups and offices where the group is active or developing. Understand the firm’s expertise and ensure international cooperation and implementation of the Emerging Technology Group business plan.
• Support development of junior BD members: Support BD Executives and Trainees in key BD tasks, including pitches, events and thought leadership, fostering their professional growth and development.

What We Are Looking For

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in industry, marketing or BD experience, with at least 12 months in a law firm or professional services environment is highly desirable.
• A professional marketing qualification is advantageous.
• Experience working within a global team, demonstrating an ability to collaborate across borders and cultures.
• Demonstrates a genuine interest in emerging technologies and an understanding of the legal and commercial needs of clients in this space.
• Consistently thinks from a client’s perspective, considering the value they can bring in everything they do.
• Commercial acumen, with the ability to identify opportunities and deliver value to the business.
• Builds trust among fee earners and the wider stakeholder community; able to provide effective challenge and manage expectations.
• Capable of working autonomously, managing and implementing M&BD tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Strives to exceed expectations in delivering high‑quality service in every task.
• Self‑motivated, with a desire to manage projects to completion and the confidence to proactively put ideas to partners rather than simply follow instructions.
• Possesses a high degree of professionalism in all interactions.
• Adopts a flexible and versatile approach to work, enjoying collaboration with a team with diverse needs, styles, and requirements.

Career Level

The career level assigned to this role is level 4. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non‑hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought‑provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some Key Information

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get‑togethers.
• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long‑standing history in supporting the art community especially up‑and‑coming artists.
• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm’s mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next‑generation law firm.
• Our in‑house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.
• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal Opportunities

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.
• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.
• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.

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