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We are seeking a senior Business Development Manager (Head of Business Development) for a leading law firm. The role involves driving the firm’s growth agenda, leading cross‑border BD and client engagement, and overseeing all tenders, bids, and RFPs to ensure high‑quality, commercially‑driven submissions.
Define and execute a firm‑wide business development strategy aligned with international best practice.
Act as the firm’s central authority on bids, tenders, and RFP processes, ensuring discipline, quality, and compliance.
Strategic Mandate
Develop and implement a firm‑wide BD strategy across priority sectors and jurisdictions.
Position the firm competitively and drive revenue growth through structured pipeline management.
Embed a high‑performance culture around client development and cross‑border opportunities.
Conduct market intelligence to identify new growth areas and strategic client segments.
Tenders, Bids & RFP Leadership
Lead the end‑to‑end management of all tenders, bids, and RFPs.
Establish bid governance, approval thresholds, and quality standards.
Evaluate and prioritize opportunities based on strategic fit and commercial value.
Oversee preparation of proposals, capability statements, and pitch materials.
Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and risk requirements.
Track bid performance metrics (win rates, conversion, revenue).
Maintain a centralised knowledge base of proposals and credentials.
Client & Relationship Management
Build and maintain senior‑level client relationships.
Collaborate with Partners to shape client engagement and positioning strategies.
Lead cross‑functional teams in delivering high‑quality proposals and submissions.
Mentor and develop internal BD and marketing capabilities.
Governance & Decision Authority
Approve high‑value proposals, bids, and client submissions.
Recommend go/no‑go decisions on strategic opportunities.
Approve resource allocation for major pursuits.
Ensure alignment with firm policies, financial objectives, and risk appetite.
Performance Metrics
Revenue growth from new and existing clients.
Proposal win rate and pipeline conversion.
Expansion into priority markets and sectors.
Client retention and relationship depth.
Timeliness and quality of bid and proposal submissions.
Proven leadership experience in business development within a law firm or professional services environment.
Strong track record in managing tenders, bids, and international RFPs.
Deep commercial acumen and strategic thinking capability.
Excellent stakeholder management and executive presence.
Experience operating in complex, multi‑jurisdictional environments.
Ability to handle additional duties aligned with the role and organisational objectives.
Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 8 years’ business development experience within law firms, with proven international exposure and cross‑border client growth.
Demonstrated expertise in relationship management, negotiation, and strategic client engagement.
Strong commercial acumen with experience in market analysis, opportunity identification, and business strategy.
Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office; ability to leverage technology for BD initiatives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with executive‑level impact.
Solid project and account management experience, capable of leading complex initiatives end‑to‑end.
Remuneration: A gross monthly salary of Ksh 200,000 – 250,000.
Leadership Scope: A senior role with decision-making authority over the firm’s strategic growth.
Global Reach: Opportunity to manage high-level, international legal pursuits.
If you are up to the challenge and meet the requirements, send your CV with the subject line “Business Development Manager – Legal”.
Applications must be received before 20th April 2026.
Key Skills
Head of Business Development Legal BD Manager Law Firm Jobs Nairobi Bids and Tenders RFP Management Professional Services Sales International Business Development.This tool helps you see how closely your CV matches a job description. It also gives you simple suggestions on what to improve so you have a better chance of getting shortlisted.