Senior Business Development Manager, M&A

Business Development Senior Manager | Corporate, M&A & Securities

New York | Boston | Philadelphia | Stamford, CT

$170,000 – $250,000 Bonus & Overtime Eligibility | Hybrid

Plona Partners is representing an Am Law 50-ranked, internationally recognized law firm with a sophisticated corporate platform and a strong presence across major U.S. financial markets.

Our client is seeking an accomplished Business Development Senior Manager to serve as a strategic advisor to senior attorneys and practice leadership across its Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Securities practices. This is a high-visibility leadership opportunity for a business development professional who wants to move beyond traditional marketing execution and play a meaningful role in shaping practice growth, client development, and long-term revenue strategy.

The Opportunity

Working closely with Practice Group Leaders and senior firm leadership, this individual will help drive the commercial strategy of a sophisticated corporate practice, with significant autonomy and influence over business development initiatives across multiple offices.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing sophisticated business development strategies across Corporate, M&A, and Securities practices.
• Serving as a trusted strategic advisor to partners and practice leadership on client growth, competitive positioning, and market opportunities.
• Leading high-value pitches, RFPs, client presentations, and strategic pursuit initiatives.
• Identifying cross-selling opportunities across practices, offices, and industry sectors.
• Leveraging market intelligence, competitive research, and client insights to identify new revenue opportunities.
• Overseeing strategic marketing investments, practice budgets, and business development ROI.
• Partnering with firm leadership on thought leadership, market visibility, and strategic client engagement.
• Leading, mentoring, and developing business development professionals while driving collaboration across offices.

What We're Looking For

• 10 years of progressive business development or marketing experience, preferably within Am Law firms or sophisticated professional services organizations.
• Strong understanding of Corporate, M&A, Securities, Capital Markets, or related transactional practices.
• Demonstrated success advising senior partners and influencing practice-level growth strategies.
• Experience leading complex pitches, client development initiatives, and cross-practice opportunities.
• Strong commercial judgment, financial acumen, and executive-level communication skills.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing and mentoring business development teams.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced qualifications are valued.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $170,000 – $250,000, depending on experience.
• Bonus and overtime eligibility.
• Hybrid work arrangement.
• Location flexibility across New York, Boston, Philadelphia, or Stamford.
• Opportunity to support a nationally recognized corporate practice within an Am Law 50 platform.
• Significant exposure to senior partners, practice leadership, and firmwide strategic initiatives.