Senior Business Development Manager - IP & Disputes (14 month FTC)

About us

Taylor Wessing is a global law firm that serves the world's most innovative people and businesses. Deeply embedded within our sectors, we work closely together with our clients to crack complex problems, enabling ideas and aspirations to thrive. Together we challenge expectation and create extraordinary results. By shaping the conversation in our sectors, we enable our clients to unlock growth, protect innovation and accelerate ambition. 

With 1250+ lawyers, 350+ partners, 26 offices and 16 jurisdictions we are looking to expand our Business Development  team, with the addition of a Senior Business Development Manager - IP & Disputes (14 month FTC).

Position summary

This is an exciting opportunity to take a lead role within the firms Intellectual Property, Regulatory and Disputes business group, at a pivotal moment as the firm transitions to Winston Taylor. If you thrive in fast‑moving, high‑profile environments and enjoy working closely with senior stakeholders, this role puts you right at the centre of the action.

Offered as a maternity cover, this position is ideal for an experienced Manager or Senior Manager looking to deepen their impact across IP, Regulatory and Disputes. You’ll partner closely with senior lawyers to drive revenue, shape proactive business development and origination activity, and deliver meaningful client development with structure, pace and purpose.

Position responsibilities

• Lead business development and marketing activity for the Business Group, driving origination, revenue growth and client retention.
• Partner with senior leaders to shape group strategy, priorities and business plans, translating them into clear BD and client actions.
• Drive client targeting, pursuit and relationship development, using market insight and analysis to identify new opportunities.
• Oversee major bids, proposals and pricing strategy, shaping compelling narratives and improving commercial outcomes.
• Lead thought leadership, profile‑raising and marketing activity in collaboration with Marketing and Communications.
• Support international strategy, enabling cross‑border collaboration and client initiatives.
• Coach and develop partners, senior lawyers and BD professionals to strengthen commercial capability and BD effectiveness.
• Lead and manage a high‑performing BD team of four, working closely with colleagues across the wider firm.
• Monitor performance and impact, providing clear reporting and insight to group and practice leadership teams.

Experience, skills, and qualifications

This role is a busy and demanding position, but it is also hugely satisfying and rewarding to work as part of a dynamic and ambitious team. You should be able to demonstrate:

• A high level of personal credibility, impact and influence with proven ability to work effectively and persuasively at all levels of the business.
• An ability to provide commercial and proactive advice on business development, marketing and communications issues – based on knowledge of legal services in the Intellectual Property and/or Regulatory space.
• Previous BD experience at manager or senior manager level with practical experience of a variety of BD roles including pitches, account management, thought leadership and team management.
• A can-do attitude with a bias for action. The ability to take the initiative and ownership for projects, and the drive to get things done.
• Excellent team management and communication skills. Able to display empathy and emotional intelligence.
• A proactive, tenacious and creative approach and an ability to make tough decisions and follow through with them. 
• A flexible mindset and an ability to work to deadlines, juggle multiple projects, work with ambiguity, and deliver under pressure.
• Strong organisational skills and an excellent attention to detail.
• A knowledge of CRM systems and a familiarity with generating meaningful data and reporting for business intelligence and targeting purposes.
• Ambition, drive, likeability and a strong work ethic.