Africa Business Development Manager - Fixed term 1 year contract

Who we are

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

Our one firm global strategy is focused on targeted growth led by the needs of our core clients, those who we can best support with the breadth and depth of Clifford Chance expertise, across the sectors and geographies, which matter most to them.

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.

Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

 

This role may be based in any of Clifford Chance’s offices across Europe.

The role

Africa Business Development Manager - Fixed term 1 year contract

We are looking to hire a Business Development Manager to lead our Africa team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the formation and execution of our Africa Group strategy. This role requires a deep understanding of the economic, political, and social factors that influence the Africa market.

Who you will work with

You will work with the the Co-Heads of our Africa Group, the Business Manager for Africa Group and its communities across key product areas and key offices to deliver on the group's strategy, which will include driving client development, opportunity spotting, market analysis, overseeing profile raising activities and evaluating return on investment.

We were the first global firm with a dedicated Africa practice providing clients with holistic advice across the region's highly diverse legal, economic and cultural landscapes. We have been working in Africa for decades and have a long history of acting in the region for all types of clients – corporates, investors, investment banks, commercial lenders, export credit agencies, multilateral and bilateral development agencies and sovereign and sub-sovereign governments.

Our firm is ranked Band 1 and Tier 1 in several practices by Chambers Africa and Legal 500 Africa, respectively, and our lawyers are recognised prominently recognized at all levels. Our expertise and the wealth of our experience across the full range of practices, including capital markets, banking, corporate, project finance, energy & infrastructure, structured finance and litigation and arbitration, enables us to provide cutting-edge, practical and coordinated legal advice covering the needs of our clients throughout the region.

What you will be responsible for

You will be responsible for identifying and leveraging opportunities for growth within the Africa market, enhancing the firm's market position, and ensuring the delivery of integrated, legal solutions to our clients.

• Ensure the Africa group is working in collaboration with the sector, themes and global strategic client teams to develop priority clients and prospects via a systematic and thematic approach.
• Drive and support more disciplined client outreach and client relationship activity across the markets.
• Foster and encourage more cross-product collaboration working closely with our global business units and knowledge, education and thought leadership teams.
• Ensure client relationship building and reputation enhancing opportunities are maximised through flagship marketing and events programmes, working closely with our Marketing team.
• Ensure lawyer teams are well prepared and rehearsed for pivotal business development and relationship meetings with clients and prospects.
• Leverage the Client Insight & Business Intelligence Team and sector teams to provide insight on clients and sectors to inform strategic marketing decisions and support client development.
• Increase the visibility of upcoming and planned client meetings that, ultimately, drives more cross-selling.
• Lead on brand and reputational activities such as directories, awards and events for the Africa region working closely with practice area and sector BD leads.
• Conduct thorough market analysis and research to identify trends, opportunities, and risks in African markets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop strategies that leverage market insights to drive business growth in the African region.
• Stay up to date with the latest developments in African markets and provide timely updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with key market participants, including government officials, industry experts, and business leaders.
• Ensure core marketing and pitch materials are kept updated and accessible on the Firm's pitch database ("Foundation").
• Ensure best practice is being implemented across the legal directory process with the aim of protecting existing Band 1 positions and improving other rankings below Band 1.

What you will do

• Working with the Global Head of Sectors, Markets & Themes, develop and implement comprehensive market strategies that aligns with the firm's overall business objectives.
• Through our markets, drive the development and deepening of the firm's expertise in key sectors and product areas.
• Working with the Client Insights and Business Intelligence Team to identify emerging themes and trends across sectors and geographies, integrating these insights into the firm's services and client solutions.
• Foster strong collaboration across different practice areas to ensure the delivery of integrated themes and go to market campaigns, working closely in conjunction with the marketing team.
• Work closely with the marketing and business development teams to enhance the firm's market positioning, identifying new business opportunities, and strengthening client relationships within chosen themes.
• Position the firm as a leader in Africa through identification and facilitation of insightful thought leadership, speaking engagements at industry events, and participation in relevant forums and panels.
• Being the key point of contact globally for Africa related enquiries, including providing on pitch input and lead on cross practice/cross office opportunities.

 

Your experience

Extensive experience in business development, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment and ideally having worked in a regional focused role.

Proven track record of developing and executing successful business development and marketing strategies and initiatives.

Excellent relationship-building skills.

Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.

Strong technical proficiency and familiarity with tools like CRM and Mergermarket.

Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, law, or related field. An MBA or similar advanced degree is preferred.

How we will support you

From your first day with us, you will have varied opportunities to continuously grow and development your skills and knowledge. From formal training, informal coaching and mentoring through to skills-based and technical training and on the job learning.

 

Equal Opportunities

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society. 

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm.

Find out more about our inclusive culture here