The Manager, Client Development, operates with initiative and sound judgment, contributing to pitches, client intelligence, coordination of projects, and supports implementation efforts of strategic plans to ensure successful growth and consistency regarding the Firm's key business initiatives, and cross-practice coordination in a fast-paced, demanding environment. The role reports to the Associate Director, CDE, located in the Chicago office.
Client Development Growth Initiatives- Develop pitches, proposals, and responses to RFPs for Private Equity and related practices, exercising strong judgment on positioning, messaging, and prioritization
- Partner with attorneys, the CDE team, and select client teams to develop tailored client strategies, opportunity pipelines, and client-facing materials
- Maintain and ensure the integrity of the Firm's engagement database, experience lists, attorney biographies, and other core Client Development information across all channels.
- Anticipate and proactively address the business development and client engagement needs of practice leaders and senior partners.
- Prepare or oversee preparation and management of directory submissions and survey responses for various legal and business directories and publications.
Market Intelligence & Insight- Provide research and analysis on clients, prospects, competitors, markets, and industry trends relevant to the Private Equity practice and Chicago market
- Translate market and competitive developments into actionable insights for partners and Client Development leadership
- Stay current on private equity industry trends, transactions, and key players to anticipate partner and client needs proactively
Cross-Practice Coordination & Execution- Work with the Client Development & Engagement team to ensure consistent communication of key initiatives and cross-practice opportunities
- Maintain website content, practice group descriptions, and other Client Development materials across relevant channels
- Collaborate with communications, events, and other CDE team members to deliver cohesive, high-impact initiatives
- Support Client Development projects and other Firm initiatives as needed
- Team Management
- Direct management of junior BD team members; participate in onboarding and training of junior BD team members; project management and review various workstreams; mentor and help to set goals and professional milestones
- Model senior-level judgment, accountability, and partnership with attorneys and internal stakeholders.
QualificationsRequired
Preferred
- Prior experience in a law firm, professional services, or financial services environment
- Familiarity with private equity industry
Skills & ExperienceRequired
- Minimum 10 years of relevant business development experience
- Must actively leverage AI tools and technologies to drive efficiency, insight generation, and innovation in the role
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent research and analytical abilities
- Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly competitive and demanding environment
- Strong attention to detail and self-motivated to produce accurate, timely, and complete work product
- Ability to build professional relationships and engage partners and senior clients with discretion and diplomacy
- Demonstrated business development skillset with strong learning aptitude
Preferred
- Familiarity with Content Pilot, Foundation, or another experience database
- Demonstrated experience using a CRM system
- Proficiency in MS Office programs including Outlook, Word, and Excel
Salary InformationIL Only: The estimated base salary range for this position is $170,000 to $210,000 at the time of posting.
The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.
Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.#LI-Hybrid
