Business Development Manager - Private Equity

Position summary
Ambition has partnered with Reed Smith, a global law firm, for the hiring of the Private Equity Business Development Manager. The role supports the Chair of the Private Equity group in driving business development and marketing efforts for the Chair's practice. This includes identifying, developing, and implementing strategies aligned with firmwide and regional initiatives.

This is a hands-on role requiring ownership of key credentials, pitch opportunities, and strategic initiatives. The position operates in a fast-paced partner environment and requires strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities.

The role works autonomously while collaborating across practice groups and regions, requiring an ownership mindset, proactive approach, and ability to drive initiatives forward with minimal supervision.

​

Job duties and responsibilities

• Lead business development efforts and deliverables supporting the Chair's practice

• Manage and develop junior BD coordinators, including performance, workload distribution, and coaching

• Build knowledge of the Chair's practice, clients, market position, and growth opportunities

• Identify and support business development opportunities with new and existing clients

• Conduct client and market research using firm tools and systems

• Develop practice materials including profiles, experience lists, and case studies

• Partner with Pitches and Proposals team on RFPs, RFIs, and presentations

• Oversee day-to-day BD operations, ensuring priorities and workflows are clearly defined

• Manage workload distribution and proactively address resource constraints

• Identify and implement process improvements across BD workflows and tools

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Communications, Finance, Legal Operations, IT, and Administration

• Perform other duties as assigned

Job duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

​Required skills and experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or related discipline required

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of business development or marketing experience

• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred

• Experience working directly with partners and senior stakeholders

• Experience with client-facing activity preferred

• Experience working across regions preferred

• Strong understanding of legal industry trends and client needs

• Experience in high-performance environments requiring ownership and accountability

• Background in investment banking, financial services, consulting, or similar environments a plus

• Exposure to private equity preferred

Skills

• Ability to influence partners and act as a trusted advisor

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities

• Experience managing complex pitches and RFPs

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational and project management skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)

• Ability to quickly learn new systems and tools

• Strong professional judgment and interpersonal skills

• Ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization

• Customer service-oriented mindset with cultural awareness

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Strong initiative, ownership mindset, and accountability

• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment

• High energy, resilience, and goal orientation

• Entrepreneurial mindset with problem-solving focus

• Ability to communicate workload and resource needs effectively

Supervisory responsibilities
Will oversee junior members of the Business Development team

Equipment to be used
Personal computer and standard office equipment

Essential job functions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform computer-based work

• Ability to use technology and collaboration tools

• Ability to communicate effectively

• Ability to analyze complex information and manage multiple priorities

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information

• Ability to travel for meetings and training

• Ability to work extended hours as needed

• Ability to provide off-hours support, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Working conditions
Requires in-office presence at least four days per week. May require work beyond standard hours. Schedule details will be discussed with the supervisor.

Pay ranges
This represents the presently anticipated pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on factors including location and experience.

New York: $155,000 - $199,500

​Employee benefits overview
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Medical insurance

• Health savings account (HSA)

• Virtual health services

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Accident insurance

• Hospital indemnity insurance

• Critical illness insurance

• Life insurance

• Short-term disability coverage

• Long-term disability coverage

• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

• Lyra Health employee assistance program (EAP)

• Paid family leave

• Transportation benefit

• Back-up child care services

• College Coach program

• Pet insurance

• Paid time off

Reed Smith offers a competitive compensation package, flexible benefits, tuition assistance, and a generous 401(k) plan.

​Equal opportunity statement
Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with core values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. The firm provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.