Senior Client Manager, Asia Pacific (10-Month Contract)

Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow is looking for a Senior Client Manager to join our Business Development, Marketing and Communications (BDMC) function on a 10-month contract.

About The Role

To take responsibility for a portfolio of Asia Pacific (AP) clients, including AP+ and Must Win clients that are part of the Firm’s regional and firm-wide Key Client Program, and work with the relationship leads to drive growth. The role is client-facing and involves driving business development and growth in line with the goals of the client team. The role will also provide support on additional regional projects that will lead to enhanced client relationships and revenue generation.

The role-holder will have direct contact with clients enabling them to directly play a part in driving the Firm's client growth strategy; and working collaboratively on opportunities with global, regional, and local Business Development (BD) colleagues to develop our largest regional client relationships.

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the portfolio of accounts and the industries in which they operate
• Continuously assess how the Firm is facing the client organization, at what level, and in what areas, and determine what relationships need to be protected/strengthened/explored/exploited further to grow profitable revenues - including relationships you can personally own/lead
• Develop and proactively drive the implementation of the global client plan and associated tactical actions in conjunction with the CSDs
• Challenge thinking, influence, and coach CSDs and other Partners and lawyers on pursuits, networking, and day-to-day BD activities
• Proactively spot opportunities for revenue growth and work with relevant members of the Client Team to target and convert them
• Undertake client research and analysis as needed to identify and support relationship development and growth opportunities
• Act as a conduit between the client and the client team to facilitate introductions; shape agendas, organize and attend client meetings; manage secondments
• Prepare external and internal client reports and tailor communications, including the collation and tracking of value-added information and the analysis of data
• Conduct client listening/feedback directly with the client covering relationship and post-matter reviews. Ensure we are delivering the level of client service expected to ensure a positive client experience
• Coordinate secondments internally and direct with the client, conduct pre- and post-secondment briefings, and ensure that client secondments are strategic and fully exploited
• Assist with panel pitches and tenders (with the Specialist Global Pursuits team) and provide necessary client-centric guidance and input into the local office and practice-specific pitches
• Act as the key point of contact for internal queries, and serve as the client's ambassador within the Firm

About The Team

The BDMC function works closely with our Partners and leadership teams to:

• Increase our revenue, profitability, and share across markets, industries, and clients
• Enable us to win, retain, and grow business through powerful pitches, engaging thought leadership, and strong relationship management
• Lead market & client intelligence efforts to create new service line opportunities in industry and practice group
• Channel the Baker McKenzie brand, identity, and culture through a single communications voice

You will report to the Associate Director – AP Practices, Sectors & Clients

About The Candidate

• Bachelor’s degree required; Masters' or other qualifications focusing on Marketing, Communications, Sales, or related commercial subjects is preferred
• Significant experience working in a professional services or financial services environment, with strong experience in a Client Relationship Manager role
• Experience managing others/teams in a marketing and/or business development role, preferably in a professional services environment
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills and outstanding attention to detail
• Commercial acumen, deep understanding of client/business planning gained through experience in senior-level business roles
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of law firm financial levers
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to successfully manage key internal and external relationships and projects across the global organization
• Savvy in understanding and adapting to the expectations and the needs of different cultures across the Firm
• Able to readjust and reorganize plans and deal with and manage change