Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on us for their most challenging legal and business matters. From offices in the world’s key financial centers and political capitals, our more than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions.
Job title
Senior Manager, Business Development – Asia
Location
Beijing
Hong Kong
Department
Business Development
Reports to
Director, Business Development - New York
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
Work Schedule
Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (with availability evenings and weekends as needed, including communications with US-based colleagues)
Position Summary
The Senior Manager, Business Development - Asia will lead a team of five marketing and business development professionals to serve the firm’s corporate practices (principally capital markets and M&A) and lawyers in our Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo offices.
The scope of the Business Development function in Asia is comprehensive, including (for each practice group and across multiple geographies):
- practice coverage, including the development of proposals and pitches for new business,
- intelligence-gathering, including information on clients, prospects, competitors, regulators and market developments
- maintenance and development of experience and client information databases
- client events, both social and substantive
- marketing and communications, including brochures, websites, email and social media campaigns
- public relations, including legal directories and awards submissions, media relations, and publication, speaking and sponsorship opportunities.
This is a senior role requiring direct and proactive interaction with a diverse group of senior partners and firm executives, as well as the ability to inspire, lead and mentor an established and experienced team.
Essentials Duties and Responsibilities
Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Oversee the development, prioritization, and execution of the full range of Asia-based business development and marketing activity focusing on the corporate practices (as summarized above), including a focus on excellence, efficiency, creativity, and the mitigation of risk.
- Lead the Asia Corporate Business Development team, including the care and development of multiple direct reports (some very experienced and autonomous), inspiring them to continued excellence, collaboration and productivity.
- Work directly with a diverse group of Asia partners who focus on corporate practice areas to develop, implement and maintain individual and practice-based business development plans, including acting as a bridge for the identification of opportunities for collaboration across practices and markets
- Execute discrete and often sensitive or confidential special projects, often including critical communications and business analytics (often in support of regional and practice-based periodic reports, lateral partner diligence and onboarding) or matters requiring complex administration (e.g., visiting partner roadshows or major client events)
- Liaising with global Business Development and Library team (both leadership and execution) including Practice Coverage, Creative, Digital Marketing, Events, PR & Communications, and Reference, to ensure collaborative, consistent delivery according to, and towards the ongoing development of, global best practices
- Liaising with other business services functions, including Office Administration (Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo), Accounting, General Counsel, Human Resources, Information Systems, Office Services, and Professional Development on matters of shared interest and responsibility.
Qualifications / Position Requirements
- Knowledge and practical understanding of the business, finances and operations of a modern professional services firm. Basic understanding of our key corporate products / practices in Asia and our business environment, including competitive and regulatory aspects. Eagerness to learn and continue learning.
- Proven success in leading, developing and motivating junior team members, on a day-to-day and long-term basis; experience evaluating and recruiting team members to encourage growth and development.
- Excellent judgment, with the ability and confidence to prioritize and manage multiple workstreams, to proactively identify and address risks and conflicts, and to maintain professional composure in high-pressure situations and a fast-paced, multi-authority environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with a focus on positivity, proactivity, respect, and collaboration, from the most senior partners and management, to counterparts in other functions, to junior team members and staff.
- Fluency and the ability to communicate clearly in both English and Chinese (spoken and written) is strongly preferred. Capability in Cantonese, Korean or Japanese is beneficial.
- Ensure confidentiality of Firm and client information and compliance with firm policies and procedures.
Education and/or Experience
- Significant experience in business development and marketing (law firm, financial services, or professional services background preferred).
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in marketing, law or finance (JD or other advanced degree a plus).
- Proficiency in contemporary office and productivity software (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.) and familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., InterAction).
- Experience with legal-research / legal-news databases and resources (e.g., S&P Capital IQ, LSEG) and legal technology (including AI) is beneficial.
- Familiarity and experience with the operation of key institutional social media platforms (including WeChat and LinkedIn).
Compensation
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
To apply, please email a resume and cover letter.