Marketing and Business Development Advisor – Middle East

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About the Job
The Marketing and Business Development (M&BD) Advisor in Dubai will work closely with the M&BD Manager in Riyadh and the Senior M&BD Manager - Middle East, as well as with the local lawyers in Dubai. They will also support the wider Middle East Practice Group (MEPG). This role encompasses the full range of business development and marketing activities including pitching, credentials and other marketing collateral; client targeting and cross-selling; client/sector and competitor analysis; and profile raising and marketing campaigns.

Key Responsibilities
Pitches and Credentials

• Manage responses to RFPs, proposals for specific opportunities, and credentials whilst applying best practice pitch approaches.
• Research relevant market, industry, competitive, and business information for successful pitch preparation.
• Collaborate with administrative functions including finance, pricing, compliance, and general counsel’s office for alignment and information gathering.
• Write and produce bespoke materials, including client presentations.
• Collate and maintain information on firm-wide pitch system, monitor success rates, and make recommendations for improvements.
• Undertake and maintain post-pitch feedback where appropriate.

Client Targeting and Development

• Support Dubai practice teams on client relationship management initiatives.
• Champion client listening/feedback, identify opportunities, and conduct interviews, ensuring best practices are embedded and feedback is acted on.

Infrastructure and Marketing Systems

• Collate information and maintain pitches/proposals, credentials, intranet/web content, etc.
• Maintain and regularly analyse key M&BD information systems and library of materials including pitch log, intranet, and credentials.
• Encourage effective use of the firm’s CRM database (InterAction) and other marketing systems.
• Provide input and support on the firm’s experience management system, Foundation.

Profile Raising and Marketing Campaigns

• Coordinate, shape, and deliver local client events/seminars including mailing list creation, event promotion, logistics management, and development of client communications.
• Lead local practice area entries in directories, award submissions, and legal supplements.
• Write, edit, and produce marketing communications such as newsletters, thought leadership, and web copy.
• Collaborate with other M&BD teams and PR to promote capabilities and credentials and raise the profile of individual partners.
• Support M&BD team in marketing programs, thought leadership campaigns, and social media efforts to enhance practice visibility in Dubai.

Wider BD Initiatives

• Contribute to wider Middle East projects as required.
• Handle ad hoc inquiries about the Dubai practice or its clients from other parts of the firm.
• Participate in the Responsible Business program and any other tasks that may be reasonably required.

Person Specification
Skills & Experience
Essential

• Previous experience in a business development/marketing environment, ideally in Dubai/the Middle East.
• Solid understanding of commercial world drivers and marketing/business development processes.
• Strong initiative and interest in self-development.
• Proactive team player with a 'can do attitude'.
• Ability to create a positive impact with colleagues, peers, partners, and clients; demonstrating diplomacy, listening, and influencing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, keen eye for detail, and compelling writing ability.
• Effective project management skills including planning ahead and prioritizing conflicting demands to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Understanding of the firm's business and marketplace.
• Comfortable in a partnership or equivalent professional services environment.

Desired

• Prior experience in a law firm role advantageous.
• General understanding of the legal market to aid familiarity with terminology and value in discussions with partners.

Qualifications & Training
Essential

• Educated to graduate level, holding a good degree or equivalent from a reputable institution.
• Four to five years of relevant experience.

Desired

• Relevant marketing or sales qualification, such as the CIM or equivalent.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement
It is the policy to provide equal opportunities for all employees in recruitment, training, and promotion, with decisions made only by reference to job requirements without any consideration of race, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.