Marketing & Business Development Manager – FI Sector

The role:

We are looking for a Marketing & Business Development Manager to join our M&BD department in London.

The Marketing & Business Development (M&BD) Manager – Financial Institutions sector plays a pivotal role in driving the growth and profile of Simmons & Simmons’ global FI sector. Working closely with the FI Sector Lead, sector leadership team, partners and client teams across the international network, the role combines sector-focused business development with strategic client relationship support.

The role has two core objectives:

1. Sector marketing and business development support: supporting the delivery of the FI sector strategy and business plan through the execution of targeted marketing and business development initiatives that enhance the firm’s reputation, deepen client relationships and drive revenue growth.

2. Supporting the development of key client relationships within the FI sector: including business development activities for global client programme clients, as well as strategic FI clients, helping to identify opportunities to broaden relationships, increase cross-selling and win new business.

You will collaborate closely with other M&BD teams, including the key client programme team, practice groups and the M&BD Hub in London and internationally, promoting a joined‑up, sector‑led approach to our client and market strategy.

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:

Business planning, strategy and reporting

• Drive the delivery of key initiatives within the FI sector business plan, ensuring activity aligns with the sector's strategic priorities and growth objectives.

• Monitor and report on sector marketing investment and budget performance, analysing spend against outcomes and ensuring appropriate approval processes are followed for non-budgeted activities.

• Produce regular management information and sector performance reports, identifying trends, opportunities and areas requiring action.

• Support the FI Sector Lead in preparing updates, presentations and briefing materials for senior stakeholders across the firm.

• Analyse financial and matter data to assess sector performance, identify opportunities for improved reporting accuracy and coordinate any agreed reclassification of matters with Finance and relevant stakeholders.

• Work closely with M&BD colleagues across jurisdictions, practice groups and sectors to identify cross-selling opportunities and promote collaboration across the firm.

Pitches and pursuits

• Lead the development and delivery of strategically important pitches, panel tenders, capability statements and client credentials for sector, client and firmwide opportunities.

• Act as a trusted adviser to partners throughout the pursuit process, coordinating pitch teams, facilitating rehearsal sessions and supporting post-pitch debriefs.

• Develop and maintain best-practice processes, tools and content to ensure an efficient and consistent approach to pitch management.

• Create compelling sector positioning and value propositions for use across marketing and business development materials.

• Monitor and report on the sector's pipeline of opportunities, supporting the identification and progression of key pursuits.

Campaigns and market insight

• Lead the implementation of sector-focused and firmwide client campaigns that support market positioning, client engagement and revenue growth.

• Conduct market, competitor and client research to identify trends, opportunities and emerging issues affecting the FI sector.

• Bring a market-led perspective to business planning discussions, helping shape initiatives that respond to client needs and market developments.

What we are looking for:

• We’re seeking a highly motivated, commercially minded and proactive business development professional who is passionate about helping clients, sectors and partners achieve their growth ambitions.

• You will be a self-starter, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality work, taking ownership of projects and continually investing in your own professional development.

• You will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and responding effectively to changing demands and tight deadlines.

• Strong project management, organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex initiatives from planning through to execution.

• Excellent judgement and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, balancing strategic thinking with a focus on delivery.

• The ability to prioritise competing demands and remain calm and effective under pressure.

• A collaborative, positive and flexible mindset, with a willingness to support wider M&BD initiatives and contribute to team success.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including excellent drafting, editing, proofing and presentation capabilities, together with strong attention to detail.

• The ability to build relationships across all levels of the firm and international network.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly PowerPoint, Excel and Word.

• Previous experience in a business development or, client development role within a professional services environment.

• Experience within the FI sector or a sector-focused business development role would be advantageous.

• Experience of collaborating with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams to deliver business development and client growth initiatives.

• Experience of working in an international or multi-jurisdictional environment would be beneficial.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 3. 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:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to: 

• 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.