Senior Business Development Manager

Who we are

Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS) is a leading Australian law firm known for advising corporates and funds on their most complex transactions, disputes and regulatory matters.

Our firm is comprised of more than 450 highly talented people, including 80+ partners, across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth. Our lawyers are highly ranked in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Lexology Index (formerly Who's Who Legal). We are globally connected and have strong relationships with major independent law firms around the world.

JWS is known for its exceptional client service and strategic solutions having won the Australian Law Firm of the Year award for client service, based on independent client feedback (
Beaton Client Choice Awards 2025
).

We are strongly committed to social justice, responsible business and our diverse communities. We are proud of our pro bono program which focuses on supporting low income, disadvantaged and marginalised people in the Australian community.

About the role

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Senior Business Development Manager to join JWS' national Business Development and Marketing (BD&M) team. Our team is collaborative and made up of strong business development and communication specialists who work closely with the partnership and senior management on the business development, marketing and communication activities most closely aligned with revenue generation and firm growth. This role will report into the BD & Marketing Director and work closely with other BD&M team members on a variety of projects.

The primary focus of the Senior Business Development Manager is to work closely with Partners on the execution of practice group plans, including pitching for new business, strategic targeting programs and profile-raising initiatives, as well as supporting the firm's key client program and sector groups. The role is high profile with visibility across the firm and interaction with a range of stakeholders.

In the role you will –

• act as BD lead in drafting and project managing targeted tender responses, pitch documents and capability statements
• help shape the broader best practice pursuit strategy and deliver key transformation initiatives that amplify our brand awareness and value proposition
• support Practice Groups with the development and execution of practice group BD plans including idea generation, activity tracking, BD representation at group meetings, delivering on BD actions and providing BD advice to practice group members
• 'join the dots' within and across the Practice Groups, clients and firm to ensure that the firm is best positioned to pursue clients and opportunities in a collaborative fashion
• bring insights to partners on clients, relationship development and revenue generation (this requires a deep understanding of the client, their industry, their competitors and the firm)
• remain up to date on JWS client matters, working with members of the marketing team to keep practice publications, deals databases and thought leadership current
• assist with the preparation and maintenance of BD materials and BD infrastructure, including standard pitch templates, capability statements, awards and directory submissions and ensure consistent and efficient documentation and processes
• coach and prepare partners and lawyers in building their BD skills, pursuing key opportunities and pitches
• work closely with the Communications Manager on internal and external communication for practice groups
• manage a strategic key client relationship.

About you

• Strategic business development experience gained in a professional services environment
• Exceptional bid writing skills and track record of driving best practice approach to pitching
• Strong communication and influencing skills, particularly in relation to partners and senior management
• Strong customer focus and service attitude, demonstrated drive and initiative, ability to manage multiple tasks/projects and a continual improvement mindset
• Initiative, creativity and a keen eye for detail
• Strong project management skills and proactive problem-solving abilities
• Willingness to work autonomously with clear team spirit
• Active, working knowledge of marketing theory, concepts and practice
• Excellent understanding and use of Microsoft programs, particularly Word and PowerPoint; understanding and use of generative AI for efficiency gains
• A commercial and client focused outlook
• A willingness to take initiative and exercise judgment
• Willingness to lead on BD strategy and be involved in the hands-on execution of BD tasks, particularly in relation to pitching
• Leadership and mentoring experience

Apply now

To submit your expression of interest, please submit your CV and a cover letter setting out why you wish to join the JWS BD & Marketing team. Your cover letter should also address the eligibility criteria and desired skills noted above.

Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.