Associate Director

A strong opportunity for an experienced business development professional to join a specialist professional services environment in London. This Associate Director, Business Development role will support the growth of expert witness practices, strengthen client relationships, enhance market profile, and help drive new income streams across the UK and international markets.

Project Details

The successful candidate will support the growth and profile of specialist expert witness and professional services offerings, with a particular focus on construction and commercial areas of law.

The role is to involve helping to develop market presence, client relationships, and brand identity for expert-led services connected to construction disputes, litigation support, and related consultancy work in London, the UK, and overseas.

Responsibilities and Duties

This is a senior business development and marketing role requiring a proactive, commercially minded, and highly organised individual.

Working closely with senior leadership, the successful candidate will help shape and deliver business development strategy, improve client engagement, and support the continued growth of specialist expert witness and dispute-related services.

• Work closely with the Director of Business Development to ensure a coordinated and effective business development approach
• Support all areas of business development to strengthen relationships with current clients and secure new business opportunities
• Help drive revenue growth and support the development of income streams across the business
• Contribute to the development of expert witness practices and help raise the company’s profile in the market
• Assist with implementing business development and marketing strategy alongside Directors and Managing Directors
• Identify and help develop new market opportunities that complement existing service offerings
• Take shared responsibility with the business development and marketing teams for marketing activity and communications
• Assist in the management, coordination, and implementation of client relationship management activity
• Ensure outcomes from business development activity are accurately recorded and reported appropriately
• Ensure all required marketing and business development initiatives are delivered effectively and on time
• Work collaboratively with the wider business development team, sharing market intelligence and commercial developments
• Contribute to meetings with Directors and Associate Directors to support long-term business development planning and career targets
• Act as an ambassador for the business, building and maintaining strong client relationships across multiple sectors
• Proactively identify cross-selling opportunities and follow up agreed commercial actions
• Represent the business at meetings, lunches, conferences, seminars, networking events, and other marketing initiatives in the UK and overseas
• Monitor competitor activity, market intelligence, and changes within the company’s core sectors
• Support the enhancement of the firm’s collective brand identity and market positioning
• Help promote the business within construction disputes, expert witness services, and associated professional services markets

Desired Skills and Experience

This London-based Associate Director, Business Development job will suit a senior-level professional with a successful track record in business development within a chambers, law firm, or similar professional services environment.

Previous exposure to construction, commercial, or expert witness markets would be highly beneficial.

• Significant mid to senior level business development experience within a leading set of Barristers’ Chambers, law firm, or comparable professional services environment
• Around 10 years or more of relevant experience in business development, marketing, or client development roles
• Proven experience of face-to-face business development in both the UK and overseas
• Strong business acumen, commercial awareness, and client-focused strategic thinking
• Good understanding of marketing and business development processes and how to turn plans into measurable results
• Demonstrable record of delivery showing clear business development outcomes
• Ability to develop business through an extensive network of domestic and international contacts
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at multiple levels of seniority
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain and build professional business relationships with new and existing clients
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Experience of organising events and business development initiatives
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret market intelligence and competitor activity
• Excellent attention to detail within a fast-paced and demanding environment
• Highly organised, diligent, resourceful, and able to prioritise effectively
• Ability to work under pressure and remain effective in a high-performance environment
• Commercially astute and numerate
• Able to think clearly and find practical, effective solutions to problems
• Innovative approach with the ability to turn ideas into action
• Adaptable communication style suited to different audiences
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a wider team
• Willingness to work extended hours when required to meet the demands of the role
• Positive, hands-on, can-do attitude
• Discretion, sound judgement, and strong personal motivation
• Experience or understanding of the construction and commercial law market would be advantageous
• Knowledge of managing the practices of senior professionals within a professional services environment would be beneficial

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

Business development, marketing, or related qualifications would be advantageous for this role, although relevant practical experience is likely to be of greater importance.

• Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience preferred
• Business, marketing, or related professional qualification would be an advantage
• Evidence of continued professional development in business development, marketing, communications, or professional services management would be beneficial

Employing Company Overview and Profile

Maxim Recruitment is working with a specialist professional services organisation seeking to appoint an Associate Director, Business Development in London.

The employer operates in a niche and highly regarded market, supporting expert-led services and maintaining relationships with clients across complex and high-value matters.

This type of business typically combines deep technical knowledge, strong market credibility, and an established client base, while continuing to invest in brand growth, client development, and strategic expansion.

The successful candidate will join a rewarding environment with the opportunity to help shape future growth and strengthen the firm’s profile in key markets.

A full client overview will be given to shortlisted candidates.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Salary circa £75,000 (DOE)
• Private medical insurance
• Divisional bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Life assurance at 3x salary