Senior Business Development Manager - Intellectual Property

Based onsite in Chicago, Illinois, Honigman LLP seeks a Senior Business Development Manager for Intellectual Property to lead the marketing and business development efforts for the IP Department and to serve as the BD lead for the Life Sciences industry group. The role provides strategic guidance to department and firm leadership to drive client growth, cross-selling, and enhanced market visibility.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary advisor and main point of contact for initiating and directing business development and marketing support, offering strategic guidance and proactive recommendations for planning, implementing, and managing BD and marketing initiatives, including collateral, communications, and client and industry programs.
• Collaborate with Department Leaders, Practice Group Leaders, partners, and cross-functional teams to design and execute BD strategies focused on client retention, cross-selling, and market expansion.
• Steer the integration of BD plans with the firm’s broader objectives and monitor progress with measurable results.
• Identify and pursue strategic growth opportunities within Intellectual Property, including Life Sciences, leveraging market insights.
• Maintain a comprehensive catalog of marketing collateral, relevant experience, and firm capabilities to support BD opportunities.
• Lead and coordinate with the department's proposal team and colleagues to address pitches and proposals.
• Conduct market research, trend analysis, and competitive monitoring to identify growth opportunities and inform strategy.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory developments affecting client industries and advise teams on market implications.
• Manage tracking, reporting, and analysis of BD activities, client acquisition, and marketing program effectiveness, delivering insights to Department Chairs and Practice Group Leaders.
• Identify cross-selling opportunities, networking events, and thought leadership to elevate the profile of assigned practice groups.
• Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with lead attorneys and business colleagues to align and implement strategic objectives.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of related practice areas to enable cross-practice collaboration and integrated client solutions.
• Evaluate conference and networking engagements and advise on strategy and execution to maximize ROI.
• Direct, mentor, and develop BD and marketing staff, fostering a high-performance culture centered on growth and professional development.
• Ensure the accuracy, relevance, and timeliness of all materials and digital content associated with assigned attorneys and practice groups.
• Participate in marketing or BD professional associations and networking programs.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related discipline; J.D. or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of five years of relevant marketing or BD experience supporting IP practices in a law firm or professional services setting preferred.
• Strong understanding of all facets of intellectual property, including patents, trade secrets, litigation, and prosecution.
• Knowledge of life sciences and the role of intellectual property in the sector is preferred.
• Experience participating in industry teams and leading sector-based initiatives is desired.
• Knowledge of industry trends and market dynamics.
• Mastery of core business development competencies.
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills with proven results as a business advisor and partner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with persuasive ability and active listening.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to lead, set priorities, and deliver results.
• Strong client service orientation.
• Ability to collaborate across departments, practice groups, and individual attorneys to increase value for clients and the firm.
• Knowledge of business planning and targeting programs at the department, practice group, and partner levels.
• Problem solver who is energetic, independent, and responsible for producing complete, timely, effective, and accurate work.
• Professional presence and the ability to work with individuals at all levels within the firm.
• Adaptable and flexible to new ideas and approaches.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Experience with marketing information systems and technology driven communications; social media experience is highly desirable.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and InterAction CRM; strong technology skills with a willingness to learn new applications.

Technologies

InterAction CRM, Microsoft Office Suite

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) plan
• 401(k) matching
• Profit sharing
• Bonus program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Referral program
• Generous All Purpose Leave (APL)
• Well-being programs
• Learning and development programs
• Employee discounts

Work Authorization

• Authorized to work in the United States
• No visa sponsorship required

Compensation

Anticipated annual pay range: $160,000 to $200,000 (exempt). The final offered rate will consider qualifications, experience, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity considerations.