Business Development Manager/ Senior Executive (Dubai)

Role summary/purpose of job

This role offers plenty of opportunities to develop and progress within legal business development and marketing. Joining the MENA marketing and business development (MBD) team based in Dubai, this role will be part of the regional MBD team working closely with regional stakeholders, as well as collaborating with the wider BD team across the Freshfields network.

The exact job title is subject to the successful candidate’s level of relevant experience and seniority.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

As a Business Development Manager or Senior Executive, you will apply your understanding of the Firm’s and MENA Dispute Resolution BD and Client Strategy to align and drive Freshfields' Business Development and Marketing activities in the region.

You will work closely with the MENA MBD Senior Manager and Head of Global Business Development, Dispute Resolution to spearhead the business development activities across the region, including crafting pitches, campaigns, content/credentials creation, directory submissions, and supporting on key client relationships for the practice. You will also work closely with colleagues across other practice areas and geographies to spot opportunities for collaboration and sharing of best practices.

In this role, you will:

• Help identify and respond to the specific challenges and opportunities for the MENA DR practice.

• Identify strategies for new business opportunities by staying informed about clients' present and emerging needs and the issues and trends in their industries and by monitoring relevant updates.

• Support and execute the MENA DR marketing and business development strategy by being visible, credible and using strong influencing skills to engage the practice group in the strategy to advance business development activities effectively across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Identify and proactively spot opportunities by connecting the dots across the MENA region and the wider global Freshfields network — leveraging regional insights, cross-office relationships and global sector trends to identify collaboration opportunities and emerging client needs.

• Lead or support the development, execution and monitoring of regional client plans.

• Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of key Dispute Resolution events and sponsorships in the region; working closely with partners, the regional MBD team and with on‑the‑ground support from other MENA BD team members to ensure high‑impact participation and visibility.

• Support the Firm’s client feedback programme by capturing insights from matter and pitch debriefs, identifying cross‑selling opportunities, and feeding back intelligence to partners.

• Conduct structured market, sector and competitor intelligence with a focus on the UAE, KSA and the wider GCC.

• Create and manage compelling proposals and pitches to respond to fast turn-around bids, strategic panels, or other opportunities.

• Maintain the quality and accuracy of each practice’s collateral materials, experience lists, and related marketing resources.

• Produce and oversee MENA DR specific content, campaigns, events and relevant directory and award submissions to increase engagement with key clients and enhance the personal brands of leading practitioners and the firm’s global reputation.

• Maintain a strong understanding of how AI tools, including Gen AI products, can be used to support and where appropriate automate horizon scanning, research and other functions of the role. Over time, take responsibility for identifying, adopting and leveraging the Firm's suite of Gen AI tools to deliver better MBD support, more efficiently.

• Assist in managing and strategically deploy the MENA MBD budget.

• Provide cover and support for other MENA BD team members where required.

• Mentor and guide junior colleagues on live work projects where appropriate.

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

• 5-7 years’ experience working for a professional services firm with a particular focus on litigation and dispute resolution.

• Familiarity with relevant legal MBD databases and other resources.

• Strong emotional intelligence, independent thinking and execution, and sound judgment.

• Excellent collaboration skills, with a focus on building strong relationships internally and externally.

• Experience managing multiple stakeholders.

• Strong multi-tasking and project management skills and demonstrated capabilities to manage multiple deadlines, changing project criteria, and maintaining calm under pressure.

• Excellent written, presentation and oral communications skills.

• Strong organizational skill and attention to detail.

• A commitment to the highest level of integrity.

• Natural curiosity and dedication to learning; passion to grow into a well-rounded business development practitioner.

• Readiness to work overtime and outside normal hours as required.

• Experience with GenerativeAI tools is a plus, but not required.

Freshfields in MENA

In one of the most dynamic business environments, we have been advising clients in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for over 40 years, supporting them on transactions, strategic and event-driven projects, regulatory matters and disputes throughout the region.

Our offices are located in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (Riyadh). We are a close team in MENA with a shared sense of purpose and commitment and are fortunate to work in a flexible and collegiate working environment. We all come from different cultures and backgrounds, but we work as one to tackle problems with fresh perspectives. Always enthusiastic and always willing to go that extra step.

About Marketing & Business Development (MBD)

MBD is a dynamic global team which includes business development specialists, research analysts, brand, marketing and communications experts. By working collaboratively, our team shapes the Firm’s client strategy, completes analysis of complex business issues, targets opportunities, develops compelling proposals and creates content and marketing campaigns that lead our digital presence. Together, we define the client experience and shape the perception of Freshfields around the globe.

The Dispute Resolution (DR) MBD team leads strategic positioning, visibility, and client service activities for the world’s preeminent Dispute Resolution practice. Our global litigation team is among the largest and best practices in the world, ranking Band 1 globally by Chambers & Partners and boasting approximately 800 litigators across 29 offices worldwide.