Head Of Business Development

Location: Vanderbijlpark

Our firm invites applications for the position of Head of Business Development, a senior strategic role responsible for driving sustainable revenue growth, expanding market presence, and strengthening client relationships across the firm’s Intellectual Property (IP) practices.
Working closely with firm partners and legal teams, the successful candidate will develop and execute integrated growth strategies across patents, trademarks, commercial, and advisory related services. The role requires strong commercial acumen, market insight, and the ability to translate strategy into measurable outcomes.
This position represents an excellent opportunity for a senior business development professional to advance their career within a dynamic, demanding, and highly professional legal environment.
Key responsibilities of the Head of Business Development will include, but not limited to:
Strategy and Growth

Identify and target new business opportunities and prospective clients in relevant industries (e.g., tech, life sciences, energy).
Conduct in depth market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging industry trends, monitor competitor activity, and position the firm for growth.
Develop and implement the firm's overall business development plans, aligning them with the firm's IP practice areas (patents, trademarks, commercial and advisory).

Client and Partner Engagement

Build and maintain strong, long term relationships with existing and potential clients, understanding their needs and ensuring client satisfaction.
Lead client facing activities, including pitches, proposals, and responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
Provide guidance and one on one coaching to partners senior and associates on their individual business development plans and best practices.

Conference, Travel and Networking

Research conference delegates and attendees to identify strategic networking and business development opportunities.
Oversee planning and coordination of business development travel and international conferences, including:

Travel itineraries, flights, accommodation, and local transport
Liaison with travel agents
Foreign exchange orders
Conference registrations and deadline management
Scheduling and coordination of meetings with clients and prospects

Compare conference delegate lists with client data to identify potential targets and opportunities.
Prepare initial post trip reports for partners following BD trips and conferences.

Brand, Visibility and Cross Functional Collaboration

Enhance the visibility of the firm's IP practice and attorneys through thought leadership opportunities, such as publications, speaking engagements, and industry events.
Manage and coordinate submissions for legal directories and awards (e.g., Legal 500) to raise the firm's profile.
Work across departments (marketing, finance) to ensure cohesive go to market strategies and cross selling opportunities.

Systems, Reporting and Support

Maintain and develop the firm’s Business Development database.
Obtain IP filing data on a regular basis and analyse data to inform business development decisions and strategies.
Support the preparation of presentation decks and materials for client engagements.
Assist with client feedback surveys and reporting.
Oversee professional subscription and membership renewals.
Provide support for tender administration when required.
Advise on and implement a new CRM system.

Minimum requirements

A related Bachelor's degree.
5-10 years’ PQE in business development of which at least 2-3 years was in an IP law firm.

Skills and personal attributes of individual in this role

Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Strong leadership, project management, and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Fully computer literate on MS Office (Knowledge of Patricia and Elite 3E will be advantageous).
Fluent in English.
Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic.
Strong team player mentality with excellent interpersonal skills.
Commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
Client focused.
Ability to maintain an organised and orderly working environment.
Punctual, reliable and dependable.

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