BD Lead, Milan

This managerial role will be to drive and oversee the execution of business development strategies for Corporate (focusing on M&A) in Italy and align local Corporate BD efforts with global priorities, using data-driven insights to identify and drive opportunities, drive client relationship development, oversee pitches, and manage relationships with partners.

The manager will play a central role in connecting local and global strategies, supporting the firm's client-centric growth ambitions, and championing the use of tools, systems, and best practices to deliver efficient and impactful business development outcomes.

The ideal candidate will also act as the point of contact for partners in Italy and as the central point of contact for BDM resources within the country.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy And Planning

• Leads and coordinates the implementation of the Corporate M&A Business Development (BD) strategy in Italy, ensuring alignment with global priorities and adapting execution to local market opportunities and requirements.
• Uses feedback from products, the market, and clients to inform and strengthen the BD M&A strategy at the national level.
• Defines objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the effectiveness of BD activities for Corporate M&A in Italy.

Relationship Management

• Acts as the main point of contact for Italian partners in practices without a local BD specialist, connecting them with global BD teams and regional marketing teams needed to support execution.
• Facilitates communication and coordination between local BDM resources and global BD teams, ensuring smooth collaboration between Italy and the international network.

Team leadership and support

• Serves as the central contact and support figure for all BDM resources in the country, providing pastoral support and ensuring that team members are equipped to carry out their roles effectively and efficiently.
• Directly supervises the local BD team when they do not report to global BD teams, guaranteeing proper implementation of national strategies and collaboration on global initiatives.

Operational execution and delivery

• Oversees all local Corporate M&A pitching activities in Italy, coordinating with the global strategic pitch team or PAC as needed.
• Manages the preparation of submissions, league tables, award entries, and other required inputs for global submissions.

The Team

• The Business Development & Marketing (BDM) function is an international team dedicated to driving growth, building key client relationships, and strengthening the firm’s reputation.
• This role collaborates closely with BDM leadership and colleagues in a teamwork-focused, supportive environment.
• The position offers varied work, opportunities for professional development, and welcomes individuals with motivation and a forward-thinking approach.

Key Requirements

• Extensive experience in business development leadership within professional services, preferably in an investment bank or consultancy company.
• Strong knowledge of the local market with understanding of local business practices and client requirements.
• Deep experience with supporting BD for Corporate practice areas.
• Proven track record in implementing BD strategies that drive growth and revenue.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with ability to build relationships with partners and senior leaders.
• Experience aligning local BD initiatives with global strategies and priorities.
• Track record of setting and measuring KPIs for BD effectiveness.
• Experience in coordinating complex, cross-border client engagements.
• Leadership experience with proven ability to develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent written and oral skills in English and Italian.

What sets us apart

At Linklaters:

• We offer a truly global work experience and the opportunity to be involved in strategic projects that drive innovation and shape the future of our business
• We belong to a firm that embodies its corporate social, environment, and governance responsibility commitments
• We remain focused on talent and having the best people which will result in a diverse workforce
• Having the best people, we want them to feel included, valued and respected so they can perform at their best
• We advocate speak-up culture to empower our people in sharing their voices and an open-door policy to ensure they are listened to
• We invest in custom-fit career paths for our people in line with their talents and aspirations
• We provide agile working solutions to meet the changing needs of our people and our business
• We are committed to people first relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and appreciation
• We support the health and wellbeing of our people, providing a safe space to talk about emotions and mental health with access to expert advice as needed
• We invest in developing leaders of the future who demonstrate emotional intelligence and a passion to discover, coach and develop the talents of others

Technical Skills:

This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.