Our client is a reputable legal firm delivering outstanding legal services to a broad range of companies private clients and governments. They are looking to hire a Head of Business Development in Lagos.
1. OVERVIEW
The Head of Business Development will be a strategic leader responsible for driving firm-wide growth initiatives deepening client relationships strengthening brand visibility and enhancing market positioning. This role is central to the firm s expansion and client service strategy requiring a high-performing professional with deep industry experience and the ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders.
The ideal candidate must have a strong track record in leading business development functions in top-tier law firms and demonstrate extensive experience in strategy formulation execution and cross-functional leadership.
KEY EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS (MUST HAVE)
Years of Experience: Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Business Development with at least:
o 5 years in a law firm or legal services environment.
o 2 years in a leadership role overseeing a team or driving business development initiatives independently
Relevant Sector Exposure: Proven track record in a senior Business Development capacity within top-tier law firms. Strong experience supporting Senior executives in strategic BD engagements and firmwide initiatives.
Leadership & Strategic Experience: Experience leading business development teams with demonstrated ability to guide coach and performance-manage team members. Track record of initiating and executing firmwide business development strategies and cross-functional projects
3. KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
The candidate must demonstrate expansive hands-on expertise in the following areas:
Business Development Strategy: Development and implementation of short- and long-term BD strategies. Market intelligence gathering and opportunity identification. Strategic client targeting and practice growth initiatives
Branding & Market Visibility: Oversight of firm branding strategies across digital print and event platforms. Alignment of brand messaging with client value proposition and market expectations
Legal Directories & Rankings: Coordinating submissions to Chambers & Partners Legal 500 IFLR and other rankings. Managing internal stakeholder inputs and ensuring strong directory performance through strategic positioning
PR Media Relations & Thought Leadership: Building media relationships and managing the firm s presence in high-value publications. Developing and executing PR strategies thought leadership campaigns and client alerts. Content development in alignment with firm priorities and industry trends
Client Development & Key Account Management: Supporting Partners in managing key client relationships. Developing client listening and feedback programs. Driving cross-selling and client retention strategies
Pitching & Proposals: Leading firm responses to RFPs and customized client proposals. Creating high-quality pitch materials that reflect business and legal strategy
Event Planning & Sponsorship: Overseeing firm events webinars sponsorships and client engagements. Ensuring return on investment and alignment with business goals
4. INDUSTRY & ORGANIZATIONAL FIT
Industry Background: Mandatory experience in top-tier law firms or legal services consultancies. Experience from Big Four firms multinational professional services firms or commercial banks may be considered.
Organizational Scale: Should have operated within firms with complex structures global reach or high-profile clientele
Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior leadership Partners and external clients
Global Business Exposure (Highly Preferred): Experience coordinating BD efforts across multiple jurisdictions and time zones. Understanding of global client service models and law firm operations
5. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
Minimum Requirement: Bachelor s degree in law Business Marketing Communications or related fields
Preferred Qualification: Master s Degree (MBA MSc Business Administration LLM etc.)
Additional Certifications: Relevant professional certifications such as CIM PMP Digital Marketing Marketing Communications or Legal Marketing credentials (e.g. LMA PM Forum) are an added advantage
6. CORE SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen: Ability to align BD initiatives with firm strategy and client needs. Sound judgment in evaluating opportunities and client targets.
Leadership & Influence: Strong capability to lead teams mentor junior professionals and drive change across departments. Ability to advise on market opportunities and relationship management
Superior Communication Skills: Excellent written verbal and presentation skills for high-level documents proposals reports and client communications
Project Management: Proficient in managing multiple high-value initiatives under tight deadlines. Skilled in using project management and digital collaboration tools
Confidentiality & Professional Integrity: Ability to handle sensitive client information and strategic documents discreetly
Adaptability: Flexible and resilient in fast-paced high-performance environments. Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset
Tech Fluency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and BD/CRM tools (e.g. InterAction Salesforce HubSpot). Familiarity with legal tech platforms and digital marketing analytics tools.
7. CULTURAL FIT
The candidate must be a collaborative leader committed to excellence and aligned with the firms values of professionalism innovation client service and integrity. They must be able to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics and thrive in a diverse high-performing and relationship-driven environment.
ONLY SHORLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED