Business Development Executive - Marine, Trade and Aviation

Overview

Business Development Executive – Marine, Trade & Aviation

Penningtons Manches Cooper is a leading UK and international law firm, recognised for combining legal expertise with a deep understanding of our clients’ commercial objectives. With over 400 specialist lawyers, we provide a full-service offering tailored to the needs of businesses and individuals, delivering high-quality, practical legal advice across a range of sectors.

Our Marketing and Business Development team plays a central role in driving the firm’s strategic growth ambitions. Comprising 28 dedicated professionals, the team has been recognised as a finalist for Best Business Support Team at the British Legal Awards in both 2024 and 2025, reflecting its impact in delivering commercially focused and innovative BD initiatives across the firm and a testament to its collaborative approach.

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Business Development Executive to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone to develop their career in a collaborative, high-performing environment working closely with senior stakeholders across an international platform.

The role

This is a global role based in our London office, supporting our Marine, Trade and Aviation (MTA) practice a highly regarded, internationally focused group operating across the UK, Spain, France, Greece and Singapore.

You will work closely with the BD Manager and partners to play a key role in delivering and supporting the team’s business development and marketing strategy. This includes contributing to client development initiatives, campaigns, events and profile-raising activities, while building strong relationships with stakeholders across the firm.

Responsibilities

Client, practice and sector development

• Support the delivery and implementation of practice and sector business plans
• Build a strong understanding of the team’s clients, markets and strategic priorities
• Maintain high-quality CRM data and support the use of client insight to drive targeted BD activity
• Coordinate and contribute to legal directory and award submissions
• Produce regular BD updates and maintain the team’s BD calendar
• Develop and maintain credentials, pitches and marketing collateral
• Capture and progress actions arising from BD and client strategy meetings
• Provide responsive, high-quality support to partners and fee-earners on BD initiatives

Events and Client Engagement

• Identify and track key industry events and opportunities
• Lead on the planning and delivery of client events, working alongside the central events team
• Drive effective follow-up, including tracking attendance, gathering feedback and supporting relationship development activity
• Evaluate marketing effectiveness and contribute to continuous improvement

Digital and Campaign Activity

• Support the development and delivery of marketing campaigns across relevant channels
• Advise on and support the use of social media to raise profile of the practice and individuals
• Ensure website and intranet content is current, engaging and aligned with strategic priorities
• Assist with e-marketing activity, including campaign delivery, GDPR compliance and performance reporting

Wider Contribution

• Contribute to firmwide BD and marketing projects as required
• Take ownership of personal development and actively build BD and sector knowledge
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the BD function and wider firm

Essential & Desirable Criteria

What We’re Looking For

• 2 years' experience in a marketing or business development role, ideally within legal or professional services
• A proactive, motivated individual with a strong interest in business development and client relationship management
• Ability to work alone and on own initiative but within a team environment
• Commercial awareness and an interest in developing sector knowledge
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work well under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with confidence working with senior stakeholders
• High attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work
• A collaborative team player with a positive, flexible approach

What You’ll Gain

We see this role as an important step in building a long-term career in legal business development.

You will be supported to develop both your technical BD skills and commercial understanding through hands-on experience, exposure to senior stakeholders and involvement in strategic initiatives across the Marine, Trade and Aviation practice.

There is a clear pathway for progression within the Marketing and Business Development function, supported by ongoing training, mentoring and professional development.

Working Arrangements

The firm operates a hybrid agile working policy, enabling employees to work from home (or another UK location) for up to 50% of their time.

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 [email protected]