Simmons & Simmons are recruiting for a Client Manager to join our Marketing & Business Development team in London. This client facing role focusses on identifying and creating client value, spotting and converting opportunities and playing an active role in contributing to the development of a best in class strategic client programme.

Key components of role include:

• Relationship leadership: work collaboratively with Client Partner and core client team to sustainably grow revenue across practice groups and deepen relationships internationally for three or more Strategic and Priority client relationships as part of the firm's Client Programme.
• Revenue and profitability growth: lead a client team in delivery of a bespoke set of revenue and profitability growth targets set in discussion with the Client Partner, in line with the firmwide business plan. Progressively increase the client revenue streams and share of wallet and profitability, by delivering outstanding value to the client. Responsible for maintaining and improving the financial health of clients.
• Institutionalise and internationalise the client relationship: identify opportunities and develop and execute strategies to initiate and grow relationships across practice groups, Simmons products and services (solutions). Support in acceleration of relationship development resulting in converted profitable work opportunities. Tailor approach based on maturity stage of relationship which will be nuanced by service lines, geographies and individuals.
• Client centricity: understand the client's business and what the client values so we can anticipate and respond to the client's needs. Be the client's eyes and ears at Simmons & Simmons and across the market, bringing things of interest to the client's attention that we are seeing across other relationships and sectors. Act as the client's advocate internally, ensuring the Simmons team is making good on our promises, being true to our commitment to the client working collaboratively, efficiently and bringing the best of the firm to the client in the process
• Client Programme infrastructure: Contribute to the development of a best in class programme and support the required cultural change agenda but leading on significant projects aligned with the programme's strategic objectives.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Set client relationship strategy: Develop client insights through financial analysis to drive strategic action
• Strategic analysis: build an understanding of how and where the firm can best position itself in relation to the account in view of client strategy, client structures, revenue and profitability (including gap analysis), relationship mapping, market share, competitor activity, developments in the client's markets and client needs analysis.
• Direct engagement: engage in regular discussions with the client about their strategy and business issues.
• Intelligence gathering: develop a comprehensive understanding of the structure, operations and strategic direction of the client and consistently disseminate business intelligence internally.
• Feedback: proactively seek feedback at all levels from the client to spot opportunities and threats. Share insights with internal account stakeholders and Client Listening team.
• Communication: manage the approach to communication and information flow between key client relationship team members globally and client contacts. Develop impactful relationship reports, internal client updates and contribute to client programme reports
• Report: provide comprehensive reports based on client requirements and working closely with finance to facilitate these reports
• Challenge: work with partners and other stakeholders to grow and extend their businesses.
• Coach: supervise and coach associates in delivery of business development objectives as regards the account.
• Secondments: oversee secondment strategy for target clients and work closely with secondees on placement with the client (before, during and after) including Simmons Adaptive.
• Consistent quality: work with fee-earners to ensure we consistently get the basics right and follow client guidelines.
• Pitching / panel submissions: Lead on strategically aligned pitching opportunities
• Collaboration: identify transferable wins from within your specific client accounts. Engage with fellow client managers and the wider firm to encourage reuse of successful initiatives across the client programme.

Person specification

• Adopts an outside in, client first mindset and act as a client advocate at all times. Additionally, applies an international mindset thinking across borders at all times.
• Able to build strong networks relevant to the development of the firm's profile and business. Successful track record in client development
• Track record in developing and implementing processes and procedures that have demonstrably enhanced the quality and efficiency of service delivery to clients
• Has experience working with people of different cultures and in an international role.

Education/Experience/Qualifications

• Previous experience working at a senior level within marketing and business development in a professional services environment.
• Educated to at least degree level, preferably with an appropriate post-graduate qualification.

Technical/Work-based Skills/Knowledge

• A sound understanding of global business development
• Proven ability in leading key accounts, preferably across a range of sectors
• Sound understanding of CRM systems, experience working with InterAction is beneficial
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to interpret data to drive strategy
• Project management
• Stakeholder management
• Change management