Herbert Smith Freehills

Business Development Manager

Perth Full time

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Business Development professional to join our industry-leading team in Perth.

Please note this opportunity is a parental leave cover until April 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, build strong client relationships, and lead initiatives that enhance our market presence. If you thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment and have a proven track record in strategic selling, pursuits management, and client engagement, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll do

  • Provide strategic and tactical advice to the Office Managing Partner to support the development and execution of the office’s business development strategy.

  • Drive engagement with the firm’s Client Listening Programme and identify opportunities to enhance the client experience.

  • Collaborate with partners to create and implement business and action plans for individuals and practice areas.

  • Research market trends and analyse financial data to deliver informed recommendations.

  • Champion firm-wide business development initiatives and adapt them to the local market for inclusion in the office’s business plan.

  • Support directory submissions in consultation with the Business Development Lead and relevant partners.

  • Lead and contribute to the preparation of pitch and bid documents for Perth matters or firm-wide opportunities.

  • Manage the global credentials database (Foundation) and fulfill responsibilities as the “Profile Manager.”

  • Generate ideas and lead the organization of business development events for the Perth office in collaboration with the Events team.

  • Partner with Brand, Marketing, and Communications teams to develop marketing and profile-raising initiatives.

  • Build strong relationships with key industry associations to deliver strategic outcomes.

  • Act as a trusted point of contact for a priority client, working closely with Client Relationship Partners to strengthen relationships with key decision-makers.

  • Collaborate with BD colleagues across the firm to achieve positive outcomes for the office and the wider business.

What you’ll bring

  • 5+ years’ experience in a business development role with a focus on strategic selling, pursuits management, and account management, ideally within a professional services environment.

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across partnership and business services teams.

  • Demonstrated success in developing strategic business relationships and identifying/pursuing new opportunities.

  • Proven ability to plan and deliver against medium-term business development goals.

  • Experience navigating complex matrix organizations effectively.

  • High level of resilience and drive, with a track record of overcoming short-term challenges and delivering solutions.

  • Project management experience in major tenders and bids.

  • Relevant undergraduate degree: postgraduate qualifications are highly regarded.

What you can expect from us

  • We’re a world leading international law firm with a global team of over 6,000 professionals across 26 offices. As the market leader in Australia, we are committed to high performance, collaboration, diversity and digital innovation. We are client-centred, commercially driven, and renowned for our solution-focused expertise. We will align your growth with our ambitions.

  • We make your personal and professional growth our business. And as part of the team, our ambition is yours too. Wherever you are in your career: grow and help the firm grow with you.

  • We will provide opportunities to learn on the job as well as a mix of learning opportunities tailored to you. Daily experiences, supportive challenges, team collaboration, mentors, and structured learning opportunities help you to expand your knowledge and reach your goals.

  • We value your wellbeing, both at home and work and we place a strong emphasis on mental health. If you need support, you’ll have it and we’ll empower you to harness your personal strengths, navigate uncertainty, embrace opportunities, and effectively manage things within your control.

  • For more benefits on offer such as our holistic wellbeing fund or home office allowance please click here.

  • Join us to be part of a human, bold and outstanding team at Australia’s market leading law firm.

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.

Team

Business Development

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

Perth

Contract type

Maximum Term Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.