Friedman Williams
U.S. Director of Business Development & Marketing
Job ID: 20079
The firm is looking to recruit a U.S. Director of Business Development & Marketing Director (BD&M Director) to support our growth in the US and Latin America region in line with the firm’s global vision to be renowned for its expertise in complex global litigation and dispute resolution, backed by a full range of claims-related and corporate commercial legal services. As the BD&M Director, you will lead the strategic development and execution of client and practice growth initiatives across the region. Working closely with other U.S. Business Services Directors and the global BD&M team, you will drive brand visibility, client engagement, and profitable revenue growth. Reporting to the global Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer, the successful candidate will work with the U.S. Managing Partner, local office Partners, and business services leads to help shape and drive the strategic agenda for US and Latin America, ensuring coordination and collaboration across the firm’s offices. The firm’s BD team promotes the firm’s services and supports the firm’s global growth ambition and our key clients and markets. The US and Latin America BD team is currently a team of 10 people based in New Jersey, Miami, Philadelphia and Mexico City. The team benefits from the support of a network of business services individuals who support local market activity. They also engage regularly with specialist central teams who are focused on marketing communications, pitching, client account management and marketing technology and data. In addition, the role will involve working and collaborating with colleagues across our other regions in Asia Pacific, UK and EMEA.
GENERAL DUTIES
Strategic Leadership
• Work with the regional leadership team to develop business plans, including analyzing brand position, client portfolio, service lines and setting stretch goals.
• Shape and deliver a regional BD&M strategy aligned with global objectives and local market opportunities.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team across the US and Latin America.
• Provide strategic input into firmwide campaigns, service positioning, and brand development.
• Help identify and integrate lateral hires and teams into the US and LATAM regions.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Client Development
• Drive the development of key client plans in the region and support the global client programme.
• Champion client listening initiatives and relationship mapping across practices.
• Support partners on client pursuits, pricing strategies, and relationship growth.
Business Growth & Campaigns
• Lead cross-border campaigns.
• Coordinate pitch and proposal strategies for major opportunities.
• Analyze market trends to identify BD opportunities and improve competitive positioning.
• Support the pricing team to implement systematic processes that improve profitability.
• Drive practice group plans including client development goals and key marketing activities.
Marketing & Brand
• Increase regional brand awareness through events, PR, digital, and thought leadership.
• Localize global content and campaigns to resonate with Americas audiences.
• Work with legal directories, rankings, and industry associations to enhance profile.
Performance & Reporting
• Set and track KPIs for BD&M activity, campaigns, and client programmes.
• Use data and insight to evaluate effectiveness and improve decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with marketing policies, brand guidelines, and risk protocols.
• Prepare and monitor BD budgets, working closely with the US and LATAM finance teams to ensure efficient and effective use of BD budgets.
Team Management
• Develop a high performing Business Development and Marketing team for the Americas.
• Coach team members and support their development, taking in to account cultural differences across the region.
• Undertake performance reviews and manage resourcing needs for the region.
SKILLS
• Proven ability to lead across diverse jurisdictions and cultures
• Deep understanding of the legal and insurance markets in the Americas
• Strong commercial acumen and a results-driven approach
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Experience managing and developing a high performing team
• Client service orientated and solutions focused
• Pragmatic and measured problem solver
• Strong collaborator and relationship builder
• Self-starter, positive and enthusiastic
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
• Business services leads for US and LATAM
• Regional Managing Partner, local practice group leaders and local office partners
• Specialist BD Heads and regional BD leads across the international network