Manager: Business Development - Products (Private Equity)
Mayer Brown · Chicago, IL
- On site
- Full-time
- $158,000 / year
- Chicago, IL
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Manager: Business Development - Products (Private Equity)
Mayer Brown · Chicago, IL
Casey Reed
Hiring Manager · h•••••@globalcareers-mayerbrown.icims.com
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Subject: Interested in the Manager: Business Development - Products (Private Equity) role at Mayer Brown
Hi Casey — I came across the Manager: Business Development - Products (Private Equity) opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Mayer Brown stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Drive growth in M&A and Private Equity practices.
- Develop and execute go-to-market strategies.
- Identify and pursue high-value client opportunities.
- Manage pitches, campaigns, and client engagement.
- Contribute directly to firm revenue growth.
About the role
About Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown is an international law firm committed to representing major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in complex transactions and disputes. They pride themselves on being strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a dedication to delivering excellence. At Mayer Brown, you'll find a collaborative environment where motivated individuals with a commitment to excellence can grow and thrive. They foster a culture of exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability.Job Overview
Mayer Brown is seeking a Manager: Business Development - Products (Private Equity) to join their Commercial department in their Chicago office. This highly visible role is based in New York and is instrumental in shaping and accelerating strategic growth within their M&A and Private Equity practices. The position combines client strategy, market intelligence, and revenue generation to empower lawyers with deep industry expertise to pursue business development opportunities. Working closely with practice leadership and senior lawyers, the Manager will develop and execute go-to-market strategies, identify high-value client opportunities, and lead strategic pursuits. The goal is to deepen relationships with leading private equity sponsors, financial institutions, corporate acquirers, and various investment funds and offices. This role covers the full business development lifecycle, from proactive client targeting and cross-practice initiatives to market planning, leading complex pitches, thought leadership campaigns, and client engagement programs to solidify the firm's leading position in private equity and private credit. This is a strategic role that operates across jurisdictions and practices, influences senior stakeholders, and directly contributes to revenue growth in a dynamic, competitive market. Success requires a strong understanding of PE and private credit markets, strategic insight, hands-on execution capabilities, and a commercially driven mindset focused on converting opportunities into tangible results.Responsibilities
Business Plans & Infrastructure
- Develop and support annual marketing and business development plans aligned with firm leader priorities, including thought leadership, communications, and client outreach.
- Collaborate with Business Development & Marketing leadership and group leaders to create annual budgets supporting business plan initiatives.
- Manage day-to-day responsibilities to ensure assignments and projects align with strategic efforts and provide exceptional client service.
- Support the onboarding and integration of lateral lawyers.
Business Development & Profile Raising Initiatives
- Develop and support key BD initiatives, including priority client targeting, campaigns, client satisfaction programs, seminars, and networking events.
- Conduct research, analysis, and competitive intelligence gathering.
- Support the collection and maintenance of CRM data for marketing planning and mailing lists.
- Assist in collecting and reporting matter experience.
- Partner with BD&M colleagues to complete directory submissions, surveys, award nominations, and other profile-raising activities.
- Support the coordination of business development training for lawyers.
Pitches & Proposals & Marketing Materials
- Manage RFP responses, pitches, and presentations, developing written proposal and presentation materials.
- Develop new marketing brochures and refine existing ones; maintain practice descriptions in BD&M systems.
- Periodically review and consult with lawyers on their bios and practice descriptions for accuracy.
Local Office Support
- Provide support for seminars, sponsorships, and other local office initiatives.
- Support the onboarding and integration of lateral lawyers.
Other Responsibilities
- Assist with the supervision and training of junior team members.
- Perform other duties as assigned to meet Firm goals.
Qualifications, Experience and Personal Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Six or more years of demonstrated success in marketing, research, management, or communications, preferably in professional services (law, accounting, consulting) or comparable corporate, trade association, or academic roles.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for professional interaction at all levels.
- Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment and support demanding firm needs.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with shifting priorities.
- Self-starter with a high level of initiative.
- Strong customer service skills, with the ability to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple projects.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
- Solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with research techniques and databases for competitive intelligence in professional services.
- Demonstrated good judgment, a team-first orientation, meticulousness, and results-driven approach.
Management Accountabilities
- Manage direct reports' performance appraisals, compensation, goal setting, and performance counseling.
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
- Experience with operational budget analysis and recommendations.
- Conduct analysis of staffing levels and participate in recruitment.
- Ability to determine and implement change processes for workflow efficiencies.
- Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills.
- Ability to set priorities and delegate efficiently.
- Analysis of staffing levels and requests for assistance.
Compensation and Benefits
Mayer Brown offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance, a 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), and opportunities for professional development and growth.Equal Opportunity Employer
Mayer Brown is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations. They are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Key skills/competency: Business Development, Private Equity, M&A, Strategic Growth, Client Strategy, Market Intelligence, Revenue Generation, Go-to-Market Strategy, Pitch Management, Competitive IntelligenceSkills & topics
- Business Development Manager
- Private Equity
- M&A
- Corporate Law
- Law Firm Marketing
- Client Relations
- Business Strategy
- Market Intelligence
- Revenue Growth
- Professional Services
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your business development, private equity, and M&A experience, quantifying achievements in revenue generation and strategic growth.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Emphasize your understanding of the PE market, strategic insight, and commercial mindset, aligning your skills with Mayer Brown's client service principles.
- Prepare for behavioral questions: Be ready to discuss your leadership, project management, and ability to influence senior stakeholders, showcasing your results-driven approach.
- Research Mayer Brown's strengths: Understand their position in private equity and their client-centric approach to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.
Technical preparation
Master Microsoft Office Suite.,Utilize CRM for contact management.,Research databases for competitive intelligence.,Prepare persuasive presentation materials.
Behavioral questions
Describe a strategic growth initiative you led.,How do you influence senior stakeholders?,Share an experience managing multiple projects.,How do you ensure exceptional client service?
Prefer to apply the usual way?
Not recommended alone — most applicants never hear back. Email the hiring manager first.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the typical career path for a Business Development Manager at Mayer Brown?
- While specific paths vary, a Business Development Manager at Mayer Brown can progress to senior management roles within the Business Development & Marketing department, potentially leading larger teams or spearheading firm-wide strategic initiatives. Success in this role often involves demonstrating strong leadership, a deep understanding of the private equity market, and a proven ability to drive revenue growth.
- What are the key differences between this role and a traditional support role at Mayer Brown?
- This Manager: Business Development - Products (Private Equity) role is strategic and revenue-generating, unlike traditional support roles. You will influence senior stakeholders, operate across jurisdictions, and directly contribute to business growth, rather than solely providing administrative or logistical assistance.
- How important is knowledge of the private equity and private credit markets for this role?
- Knowledge of PE and private credit markets is crucial. The role requires a strong understanding of these sectors to develop effective strategies, identify client opportunities, and engage meaningfully with sophisticated financial institutions and investors.
- What kind of professional experience is Mayer Brown looking for in a Business Development Manager?
- Mayer Brown seeks at least six years of demonstrated success in marketing, research, management, or communications. Experience in professional services like law, accounting, or consulting is preferred, alongside a strong commercial and results-driven mindset.
- Can I apply for the Business Development Manager position if I don't have a legal background?
- While a legal background isn't strictly required, Mayer Brown emphasizes professional experience in marketing, research, or management, particularly within professional services. A strong understanding of business development principles and the financial markets is essential, which can be gained from various backgrounds.
- What are the primary responsibilities of a Business Development Manager at Mayer Brown?
- Key responsibilities include developing business plans, managing BD initiatives, conducting market research and competitive intelligence, managing pitches and proposals, and supporting marketing materials. The role also involves some local office support and potentially supervising junior team members.