A&O Shearman, a global industry-leading law firm with 48 offices across 28 countries, is seeking a Business Development (BD) Manager to support its Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure (ENRI) practice in the Middle East. This is a 14-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave, and the position is based in Dubai with a hybrid work model.

The ENRI team at A&O Shearman is one of the region’s most established, handling high-profile and complex transactions across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Central Asia, and Africa. The BD Manager will play a key role in supporting business growth, strategic pitches, marketing campaigns, and client relationship development.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Pitching and Proposal Development:

• Lead the coordination and production of client pitches, RfPs, panel proposals, and credentials documents.

• Work closely with the Belfast team on pitch support and maintaining marketing collateral (lawyer bios, brochures, etc.).

• Manage client feedback loops and reporting post-submission.

• Guide junior BD team members and manage award submissions and league table entries.

2. Strategic Business Development & Marketing:

• Work with the Head of BD (Middle East, Turkey & Africa) and the Senior BD Manager to execute the ENRI business strategy.

• Conduct market research to identify business trends and growth opportunities.

• Support campaign development and client targeting initiatives.

• Collaborate with the PR/Comms team to strengthen external brand visibility through social media, press releases, and thought leadership.

• Manage client events and sponsorships alongside the Dubai Events team.

3. Marketing Operations:

• Maintain and update ENRI marketing collateral and business development tools.

• Ensure data accuracy in experience systems and distribution/targeting lists.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Proven experience in a business development or marketing role at a professional services firm, ideally at manager level.

• Knowledge of the Middle East market, with a focus on political and business landscapes.

• Previous exposure to project finance, energy, or infrastructure sectors preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in managing complex pitches and familiarity with online submission portals.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to build and maintain influential relationships with partners, associates, and colleagues.

• High attention to detail, project management skills, and a commercial mindset.

• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.

Join A&O Shearman and be part of a team working on deals that shape the future, with access to world-class training, inclusive culture, and professional growth opportunities.