Department purpose
The global pitch, bid and pursuits function is a new department that is being developed to bring Best in Class pitch practice to large, strategic, multi-jurisdictional, cross-service line pitches and pursuits.
Role purpose
Working as part of a collaborative team, the Bid Executive will work with members of our APAC BD team and play a key role in supporting our business to win new mandates and build our market profile. In particular, this role will work closely with the Greater China BD team to support the Finance and Corporate practices (covering Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Derivatives and Structured Products, M&A, Funds) – our key market leading practices in the region.
The successful candidate will work closely with our lawyers, consultants and managers to strategise and deliver compelling client-focused proposals and credential statements that are produced to the highest standard within agreed deadlines, across our regional APAC business. In addition, you will play a hands-on role in drafting directory submissions to help build or maintain our profile in the legal market.
Technically, we expect excellent written and verbal proficiency in English, a high standard of writing and editing skills with the ability to write concisely, compellingly and effectively. Given the nature of this important role, your ability to demonstrate strong project management skills, ability to prioritise, multitask, and at times work under pressure towards tight deadlines will be highly regarded.
Initially you would develop a particular focus to service one of our practice or sector groups however, there will also be opportunities to work on proposals with other teams around the APAC and global business when your capacity allows, and your support is required.
Key relationships
- APAC and Global Bid team
- Greater China and wider APAC Marketing and BD team
- Head of Marketing, BD & Comms – APAC
- Global Head of Pitching
- APAC CFO Community
- Business acceptance unit, APAC risk team, client audit
- Information Security team
- Global Pricing team
- Global Client Feedback Manager
- Global Procurement Senior Manager
Role and responsibilities
The role will require someone who is experienced in pitches and pursuits, highly organised, efficient and keen to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
The position will include, but not be limited to:
- Proposal materials – producing proposals, tenders, pitch presentations and credential statements, in line with A&O Shearman quality standards. Ensuring all proposal information is uploaded to the relevant tender portals and central CRM system in a timely manner.
- Data management – capturing and maintaining all relevant matter information from fee earners in the relevant practice or sector groups, publishing marketing descriptions and ensuring all CVs are up to date and accurate.
- Marketing collateral – working with relevant Bid or BD Lead / Manager(s) to update credential documents with significant deals/experience, awards, personnel etc.
- Legal directories – assisting and taking a lead on drafting and finalising directory submissions, and ensuring information captured during pitching and other credentialing exercises (e.g. legal directory research) is reflected in the central CRM system.
- Supporting the Marketing and Business Development function with other pitch outputs as required.
Key requirements
The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes and skills:
Essential:
- Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English.
- Two years plus experience of working in a bid/pitch role in a professional services or related environment (law firm or other professional services provider is preferred).
- Graduate (degree in Business/related discipline) with an interest in further professional qualifications (e.g. APMP).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
- High attention to detail as well as excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills.
- Ability to work well as part of a team, multitask (especially urgent requests) and work well under pressure (while adhering to deadlines).
- Well organised, flexible and proactive nature.
- Strong time management skills.
- Sense of responsibility, accuracy and confidentiality.
- A hunger to learn and take on all tasks that will aid in the learning including keeping up to date with legal and commercial developments relevant to the product areas and sectors.
- Strong client focus.
- Exceptional verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Desirable:
- Experience and/or interest in financial services and products (covering Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Derivatives and Structured Products, M&A, Funds).
- An understanding and experience submitting bids and proposal information on tender portals (e.g. PERSUIT, Ariba etc).
A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.
We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.
Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.
What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.
