Business Development Executive - Real Estate

Penningtons Manches Cooper, is a leading UK and international law firm that puts our clients first and helps them to achieve the best real-world outcomes.

We provide a full-service offering designed with our clients’ needs in mind. With over 400 specialist lawyers, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, tailored legal advice, to both businesses and individuals.

Our Marketing and Business Development team (shortlisted as Best Business Support Team 2024, British Legal Awards) comprises of 28 dedicated professionals who play an integral role in the communication, engagement and execution of the firm’s Strategic Plan.

As we continue to strengthen our market presence and expand our client base across our core and growth sectors, we are looking for a driven and proactive Business Development Executive to join our Real Estate Division (RED). This is a key role in advancing our strategic growth objectives and enhancing our brand recognition in a competitive marketplace.

Working alongside our Real Estate Business Development Manager, the Executive will support the  development and execution of the strategy across our Real Estate practice areas. The role will provide plenty of autonomy, and also opportunity to work closely with other specialist areas of the team such as Marketing, Digital, Communications, PR, Events, CRM, Client Services, Bids and Responsible Business.

Real estate is one of Penningtons Manches Cooper’s core sectors. The division is split across six of our UK offices – London, Basingstoke, Birmingham, Cambridge, Guildford and Oxford. It comprises 120+ fee earners and specialists within construction, commercial and residential real estate, real estate disputes, and housing.

The BD executive will be expected to build a good understanding of the work and marketplaces of the various teams within RED and to play a critical role in helping those teams deliver their BD and Marketing strategies. These strategies, and hence the focus for the BD Executive role, include but are not limited to profile building, client retention and development, new client targeting, and sector development.

Client, practice and sector development

• Support the  Business Development Manager on the development and execution of practice and sector BD plans.
• Help build and maintain relationships with existing clients to support cross-selling and client retention.
• Support partners and fee earners in preparing for client meetings, pitches, and networking events.
• Support in the preparation of tailored pitch documents, capability statements, and RFP responses.
• Develop and maintain of the suite of credentials for the Real Estate Division.
• Maintain accurate client and prospect data in the firm’s CRM system.
• Support the pursuit of new business opportunities with prospective clients.
• Support the tracking of BD budgets and evaluate the return on investment for business development activity, campaigns, sponsorships, and events.
• Work with the marketing team to help plan and execute sector-specific campaigns, events, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for lawyers to speak at industry events or contribute to publications.
• Project manage legal directories and award submissions.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis
• Monitor developments in the real estate sector and other relevant industries to inform business development strategy.
• Collaborate with colleagues across other practice areas to identify cross-sector opportunities.
• Development and maintain the real estate pages on our website and intranet pages including campaigns, news, articles, events, case studies, publications and people profiles.
• Identify and implement any improvements to our processes, tools, and templates.
• Stay informed about legal tech and innovations that could enhance efficiency or client engagement.
• Assist the marketing and business development department on any other duties, including event support and central firmwide projects (as reasonably required).

At our firm, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a priority and at the heart of everything we do. We actively want to attract a diverse workforce and welcome applications from everyone, from all backgrounds. We are committed to promoting an inclusive culture where everyone can be their full selves and experience being seen and heard. You can find out more about our firm’s commitment, initiatives and Pennclusion committees here.

We ensure that there are equal opportunities and treatment for all job applicants and employees, at all stages of the recruitment process and employment, regardless of age, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and social background. We aim to provide adjustments for people who have a disability, long-term health condition (including mental health) or neurodiversity. If you would like to request an adjustment, please contact Sam.Austin@penningtonslaw.com

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or a related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years’ experience of broad-ranging marketing roles in service-orientated organisations (ideally professional services).
• A client focused mindset
• A strong collaborator
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Understanding of the legal industry
• Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent communication and writing skills to work
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel to our other UK offices as and when required.