Chicago - Senior Manager, Business Development
Winston & Strawn LLP
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Chicago, IL
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Not Applicable
Posted March 26, 2026
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Responsibilities
Commitments
Responsibilities
- Strategic Execution and Portfolio Management: Lead execution for the Private Equity/M&A and EBEC portfolios, with responsibility for implementing department strategy, driving growth initiatives, and delivering measurable performance across these practices.
- Prioritize initiatives and coordinate team resources to ensure disciplined execution that advances revenue and market position in alignment with strategic direction set by Transactions leadership.
- Provide coordination and operational oversight across Capital Markets, Funds, Real Estate, Finance, Restructuring, and Tax to support integrated planning and scalable BD execution across the Transactions Department.
- Translate established department strategy into actionable plans and workflows while exercising sound judgment in day-to-day prioritization decisions.
- Team Leadership and Talent Development: Manage and develop BD professionals supporting the Corporate/Transactions platform, overseeing team performance, workload coordination, and professional development across all groups.
- Serve as the execution lead for the Private Equity/M&A and EBEC portfolios, with responsibility for implementing strategy, driving prioritization, and delivering results in alignment with direction established by Transactions leadership.
- Lateral Recruiting & Integration: Lead execution of lateral onboarding efforts for Private Equity/M&A and EBEC, coordinating development and implementation of integration plans in alignment with department strategy.
- Partner with practice leadership and internal stakeholders to support effective ramp-up.
- Directories, Awards, and Visibility: Oversee drafting and coordination of directory and award submissions for the Transactions Department, with direct execution ownership for Private Equity/M&A and EBEC.
- Ensure submissions align with established strategic positioning and messaging.
- Marketing, Data, Analytics, and Technology: Oversee client-facing collateral, experience management, and digital content supporting Corporate practices, with primary focus on Private Equity/M&A and EBEC initiatives.
- Support Transactions marketing budget tracking and reporting in coordination with leadership.
- Drive CRM adoption, opportunity tracking, and data discipline to support performance monitoring.
- Market and Opportunity Management: Support implementation of growth initiatives for Private Equity/M&A and EBEC by coordinating opportunity tracking, market research, and execution of BD activities.
- Maintain awareness of cross-practice opportunities across other Transactions groups to facilitate coordination.
- Practice and Department Engagement: Support practice meetings, partner conferences, and department-wide initiatives, collaborating with Brand Marketing, Events, Industry teams, and other BD leaders to ensure coordinated and consistent execution.
Commitments
Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with the ability to come into the office 3–4 days per week.
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What still needs stronger evidence
Requirements
- Minimum of 10+ years of experience in business development, marketing, or professional services client support, preferably within a law firm or similarly complex professional services environment.
- Supervisor experience is required.
- Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with the ability to come into the office 3–4 days per week.
- Demonstrated experience implementing strategic and business plans and leading execution of business development initiatives.
- Experience supporting budget tracking and performance measurement with an understanding of ROI and impact.
- Ability to build and sustain strong partner and client relationships.
- Strong project management and organizational skills; experience leading development of persuasive pitch materials, RFP responses, and directory and award submissions; solid understanding of CRM and BD technology tools; and a consistent focus on operational efficiency and process improvement.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Proven ability to evaluate multiple competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and operate independently within an established strategic framework in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advise and collaborate effectively with senior stakeholders while fostering a high-performing, team-oriented environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop BD professionals, providing coaching and feedback that builds accountability and professional growth.
Education
- (Required) – Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a discipline requiring writing, research and analysis, project management, and/or marketing or business development.
- (Not required) – J.D. or M.B.A. or other relevant master’s degree preferred.
About Us
For Business Professionals, Winston & Strawn presents an exciting opportunity to be a part of a leading global law firm. With our commitment to excellence, diversity, a collaborative work environment, and an emphasis on professional growth, Winston offers a platform for individuals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Winston is known for its collaborative and collegial culture. We believe teamwork is an essential component in providing high-quality legal services and we value the talents and skills of our entire business professional team.
Position Summary
The Senior Manager, Business Development plays a senior leadership role in supporting revenue growth and advancing the Transactions Department strategy. Serving as a trusted advisor to practice group leadership and senior attorneys, this role ensures business development initiatives align with objectives established by Transactions leadership.
This position leads execution for the Private Equity/M&A and EBEC portfolios, implementing department strategy, driving prioritization, and delivering measurable performance across these core platforms. Working within the strategic direction set by Transactions leadership, the role translates growth objectives into actionable plans and ensures disciplined execution. It also coordinates across Capital Markets, Funds, Real Estate, Finance, Restructuring, and Tax to support aligned and scalable BD delivery.
The role oversees high-quality execution across pitches, proposals, events, and client development initiatives, sets standards for quality and responsiveness, allocates resources effectively, and manages a team of BD professionals while exercising sound judgment within the established strategic framework.
Duties And Responsibilities
Strategic Execution and Portfolio Management: Lead execution for the Private Equity/M&A and EBEC portfolios, with responsibility for implementing department strategy, driving growth initiatives, and delivering measurable performance across these practices. Prioritize initiatives and coordinate team resources to ensure disciplined execution that advances revenue and market position in alignment with strategic direction set by Transactions leadership. Provide coordination and operational oversight across Capital Markets, Funds, Real Estate, Finance, Restructuring, and Tax to support integrated planning and scalable BD execution across the Transactions Department. Translate established department strategy into actionable plans and workflows while exercising sound judgment in day-to-day prioritization decisions.
Team Leadership and Talent Development: Manage and develop BD professionals supporting the Corporate/Transactions platform, overseeing team performance, workload coordination, and professional development across all groups. Serve as the execution lead for the Private Equity/M&A and EBEC portfolios, with responsibility for implementing strategy, driving prioritization, and delivering results in alignment with direction established by Transactions leadership.
Lateral Recruiting & Integration: Lead execution of lateral onboarding efforts for Private Equity/M&A and EBEC, coordinating development and implementation of integration plans in alignment with department strategy. Partner with practice leadership and internal stakeholders to support effective ramp-up.
Directories, Awards, and Visibility: Oversee drafting and coordination of directory and award submissions for the Transactions Department, with direct execution ownership for Private Equity/M&A and EBEC. Ensure submissions align with established strategic positioning and messaging.
Marketing, Data, Analytics, and Technology: Oversee client-facing collateral, experience management, and digital content supporting Corporate practices, with primary focus on Private Equity/M&A and EBEC initiatives. Support Transactions marketing budget tracking and reporting in coordination with leadership. Drive CRM adoption, opportunity tracking, and data discipline to support performance monitoring.
Market and Opportunity Management: Support implementation of growth initiatives for Private Equity/M&A and EBEC by coordinating opportunity tracking, market research, and execution of BD activities. Maintain awareness of cross-practice opportunities across other Transactions groups to facilitate coordination.
Practice and Department Engagement: Support practice meetings, partner conferences, and department-wide initiatives, collaborating with Brand Marketing, Events, Industry teams, and other BD leaders to ensure coordinated and consistent execution.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a discipline requiring writing, research and analysis, project management, and/or marketing or business development. J.D. or M.B.A. or other relevant master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 10+ years of experience in business development, marketing, or professional services client support, preferably within a law firm or similarly complex professional services environment.
Supervisor experience is required.
Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with the ability to come into the office 3–4 days per week.
COMPETENCIES
Demonstrated experience implementing strategic and business plans and leading execution of business development initiatives. Experience supporting budget tracking and performance measurement with an understanding of ROI and impact. Ability to build and sustain strong partner and client relationships.
Strong project management and organizational skills; experience leading development of persuasive pitch materials, RFP responses, and directory and award submissions; solid understanding of CRM and BD technology tools; and a consistent focus on operational efficiency and process improvement. High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Proven ability to evaluate multiple competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and operate independently within an established strategic framework in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advise and collaborate effectively with senior stakeholders while fostering a high-performing, team-oriented environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop BD professionals, providing coaching and feedback that builds accountability and professional growth.
This description indicates the general level and nature of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Benefits
Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full-time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here .
SALARY
Illinois applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $160,000-$190,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
New York applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $190,000-$215,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
Washington, DC & Los Angeles applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $165,000-$190,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
For Business Professionals, Winston & Strawn presents an exciting opportunity to be a part of a leading global law firm. With our commitment to excellence, diversity, a collaborative work environment, and an emphasis on professional growth, Winston offers a platform for individuals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Winston is known for its collaborative and collegial culture. We believe teamwork is an essential component in providing high-quality legal services and we value the talents and skills of our entire business professional team.
Position Summary
The Senior Manager, Business Development plays a senior leadership role in supporting revenue growth and advancing the Transactions Department strategy. Serving as a trusted advisor to practice group leadership and senior attorneys, this role ensures business development initiatives align with objectives established by Transactions leadership.
This position leads execution for the Private Equity/M&A and EBEC portfolios, implementing department strategy, driving prioritization, and delivering measurable performance across these core platforms. Working within the strategic direction set by Transactions leadership, the role translates growth objectives into actionable plans and ensures disciplined execution. It also coordinates across Capital Markets, Funds, Real Estate, Finance, Restructuring, and Tax to support aligned and scalable BD delivery.
The role oversees high-quality execution across pitches, proposals, events, and client development initiatives, sets standards for quality and responsiveness, allocates resources effectively, and manages a team of BD professionals while exercising sound judgment within the established strategic framework.
Duties And Responsibilities
Strategic Execution and Portfolio Management: Lead execution for the Private Equity/M&A and EBEC portfolios, with responsibility for implementing department strategy, driving growth initiatives, and delivering measurable performance across these practices. Prioritize initiatives and coordinate team resources to ensure disciplined execution that advances revenue and market position in alignment with strategic direction set by Transactions leadership. Provide coordination and operational oversight across Capital Markets, Funds, Real Estate, Finance, Restructuring, and Tax to support integrated planning and scalable BD execution across the Transactions Department. Translate established department strategy into actionable plans and workflows while exercising sound judgment in day-to-day prioritization decisions.
Team Leadership and Talent Development: Manage and develop BD professionals supporting the Corporate/Transactions platform, overseeing team performance, workload coordination, and professional development across all groups. Serve as the execution lead for the Private Equity/M&A and EBEC portfolios, with responsibility for implementing strategy, driving prioritization, and delivering results in alignment with direction established by Transactions leadership.
Lateral Recruiting & Integration: Lead execution of lateral onboarding efforts for Private Equity/M&A and EBEC, coordinating development and implementation of integration plans in alignment with department strategy. Partner with practice leadership and internal stakeholders to support effective ramp-up.
Directories, Awards, and Visibility: Oversee drafting and coordination of directory and award submissions for the Transactions Department, with direct execution ownership for Private Equity/M&A and EBEC. Ensure submissions align with established strategic positioning and messaging.
Marketing, Data, Analytics, and Technology: Oversee client-facing collateral, experience management, and digital content supporting Corporate practices, with primary focus on Private Equity/M&A and EBEC initiatives. Support Transactions marketing budget tracking and reporting in coordination with leadership. Drive CRM adoption, opportunity tracking, and data discipline to support performance monitoring.
Market and Opportunity Management: Support implementation of growth initiatives for Private Equity/M&A and EBEC by coordinating opportunity tracking, market research, and execution of BD activities. Maintain awareness of cross-practice opportunities across other Transactions groups to facilitate coordination.
Practice and Department Engagement: Support practice meetings, partner conferences, and department-wide initiatives, collaborating with Brand Marketing, Events, Industry teams, and other BD leaders to ensure coordinated and consistent execution.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a discipline requiring writing, research and analysis, project management, and/or marketing or business development. J.D. or M.B.A. or other relevant master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 10+ years of experience in business development, marketing, or professional services client support, preferably within a law firm or similarly complex professional services environment.
Supervisor experience is required.
Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with the ability to come into the office 3–4 days per week.
COMPETENCIES
Demonstrated experience implementing strategic and business plans and leading execution of business development initiatives. Experience supporting budget tracking and performance measurement with an understanding of ROI and impact. Ability to build and sustain strong partner and client relationships.
Strong project management and organizational skills; experience leading development of persuasive pitch materials, RFP responses, and directory and award submissions; solid understanding of CRM and BD technology tools; and a consistent focus on operational efficiency and process improvement. High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Proven ability to evaluate multiple competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and operate independently within an established strategic framework in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advise and collaborate effectively with senior stakeholders while fostering a high-performing, team-oriented environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop BD professionals, providing coaching and feedback that builds accountability and professional growth.
This description indicates the general level and nature of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Benefits
Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full-time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here .
SALARY
Illinois applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $160,000-$190,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
New York applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $190,000-$215,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
Washington, DC & Los Angeles applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $165,000-$190,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.