Client Relationship Manager

About Us
Bird & Bird is a highly regarded international law firm, recognised not only for its exceptional legal expertise but also for its ability to look beyond the law and deliver practical, commercially focused solutions that meet clients' broader business objectives. Bird & Bird's Marketing & Business Development (MBD) team's mission is to build the firm's profile, win new work and strengthen and deepen client relationships. The team comprises over 60 specialists in marketing communications, business development and client service, all working closely alongside our tight-knit international network of MBD colleagues based across our 32 offices worldwide. Whether it's driving a new content strategy, pitching for cutting-edge work, building our brand or contributing to the development of our client relationships, we're committed to providing exceptional service to the firm and are known for leading the way when it comes to new technology and solutions. Energetic, creative and global in our approach, we're looking for people who have a passion for MBD and are keen to take a fresh approach. Duties & Responsibilities
• Develop and implement account strategies, plans, budgets and relationship maps in collaboration with client partners and global account teams.
• Facilitate account planning workshops, annual relationship reviews and regular audits to assess progress and agree priority actions.
• Coordinate global account teams by organising meetings, preparing agendas, circulating updates and driving agreed actions to completion.
• Monitor client, industry and market developments and share relevant intelligence and actionable insights with account teams.
• Promote consistent global service standards and a One Firm approach, including onboarding lawyers and communicating client-specific contracting, billing and operational requirements.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and produce dashboards and reports covering fees, matters, opportunities, activities, contacts and client engagement.
• Manage the opportunity pipeline, identify potential new work and connect and coach relevant teams to pursue opportunities effectively.
• Prepare partners for client meetings and support major proposals, RFPs and tenders, including coordinating tailored pitch materials and sharing client-specific insights.
• Work with MBD colleagues to deliver targeted campaigns, events, publications and training initiatives that strengthen priority client relationships.
• Build direct relationships with key client contacts to understand their priorities, challenges and operational needs, and tailor value-added services and solutions accordingly.
• Introduce relevant subject-matter experts to clients, support broader relationship development and participate in client meetings where appropriate.
• Work with Commercial Accountants and Billing teams to improve pricing, profitability, billing and invoicing processes, including legal-spend analysis and financial reporting.
• Ensure client service commitments and reporting requirements are delivered, communicate operational improvements and value-added support, and produce annual value statements. Skills And Attributes The successful candidate will be proactive and self-motivated with excellent communication and project management skills. They will have significant expertise in account relationship management and demonstrable experience building strategic business relationships and pursuing new business. This role requires a proven track record for standards of excellence and the successful candidate needs to be able to gain swift credibility with stakeholders in order to coach and influence behaviours.
• Excellent Mandarin and English verbal and written skills;
• Demonstrable experience and achievement in account management or related BD role(s);
• 5 years' experience in Marketing / BD in professional services
- not necessarily in legal sector;
• Degree educated or equivalent;
• Advance MS Office skills, in particular MS Excel and MS PowerPoint;
• A dynamic self-starter;
• Strong team player with the ability to deal with people at all levels;
• Works with other team members to promote a 'one team' ethos;
• Demonstrates integrity and professionalism;
• The ability to assess and understand the wider impact of actions;
• Demonstrates strong commercial and financial acumen;
• Able to identify potential new business opportunities;
• Proven track record in delivering excellent client service in direct client facing role(s);
• Forges strong relationships with partners and clients;
• Takes a professional yet robust approach to challenging conversations;
• Understands clients' priorities and objectives and provides proactive solutions and manages expectations in line with these. This

job description
is not exhaustive and the job holder may be required to undertake additional duties from time to time to ensure the smooth running of the operation. Interested parties please send your application with detailed resume including current & expected salary, relevant working experience and date availability. [Applications from recruiting agency will not be considered at this stage.] All information received will be kept in strict confidence and only for employment-related purpose.