Business Development Manager

Location: Chicago, IL or St. Louis, MO

Travel: Approximately 10-15%

We are partnering with a well-established national law firm seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to support key practice and industry groups. This is a highly visible role working closely with attorneys, practice leaders, executive leadership, and cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic business development initiatives.

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience within a law firm or professional services environment and have a track record of building relationships with senior stakeholders, developing growth strategies, managing client initiatives, and leading complex business development efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary business development partner for assigned practice and industry groups.
• Advise practice leaders and firm leadership on business development strategy, growth opportunities, and market positioning.
• Develop and execute strategic business development plans designed to increase revenue, strengthen client relationships, and identify new opportunities.
• Partner with attorneys and client relationship leaders to develop and manage key client initiatives and account strategies.
• Monitor practice group performance, attorney business development activity, market trends, and competitive developments.
• Establish business development campaigns, timelines, KPIs, and accountability measures to track execution and results.
• Lead the strategy and preparation of complex RFPs, proposals, and new business pitches.
• Collaborate with pricing and finance teams to help evaluate opportunities and support profitable growth.
• Develop market, client, industry, and competitive intelligence to identify trends and potential business opportunities.
• Lead or support practice group meetings, presentations, strategic planning sessions, and business development programs.
• Partner across marketing, finance, technology, pricing, project management, professional development, and other internal teams on firmwide initiatives.
• Support process improvement, practice management, client development, and profitability initiatives.
• May supervise, mentor, and develop Business Development Coordinators or other team members.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development support to direct reports as applicable.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; business, marketing, communications, or a related field preferred.
• 8+ years of business development, marketing, client development, or related experience within a B2B professional services environment.
• Previous law firm experience strongly preferred, particularly within a large or Am Law 200 firm.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with attorneys, executives, or other senior-level stakeholders.
• Strong strategic planning, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to develop and execute business development strategies and initiatives.
• Experience managing sophisticated RFPs, proposals, pitches, and client development efforts.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence others without direct authority.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Self-motivated, intellectually curious, and comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced professional environment.
• Ability to work additional hours when business needs require.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10-15%, including occasional overnight or weekend travel.

Hunter Hamilton is a high-performance professional search firm specializing connecting finance, HR, operations, and legal talent with leading employers.

Hunter Hamilton is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Hunter Hamilton offers reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities; contact your local branch for inquiries. Hunter Hamilton is an E-Verify employer. See our Privacy Notice for Candidates and Employees/Contractors at https://smgroupna.com/privacy-notice-for-candidates-and-employees-contractors. By applying, you consent to receive AI-generated and non-AI-generated calls, texts, or emails from Staffmark Group, its affiliates, and partners. Frequency varies and message/data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for help.