Business Development

ABOUT GOWLING WLG
 
 At Gowling WLG, our commitment to excellence begins with our people. As an international law firm with offices in Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, we're proud to recruit and retain top talent who bring energy, insight, and a singular focus on delivering exceptional experiences – for our clients and each other.

We're intentional about building a workplace that's both high-performing and supportive, ensuring that everyone is empowered to do their best work and reach their full potential. Our culture is grounded in our shared values: Raise the Bar, Embrace Differences, and Thrive Together. These values shape how we collaborate, lead, and succeed – across teams, time zones, and career paths.

Whether you're pursuing a role in law or business services, explore what's possible and make your mark with Gowling WLG.

PROFILE

The Business Development and Marketing Manager plays a critical role in supporting the Calgary office's revenue, profitability, client and market growth. The ideal candidate must be client-centric, a strategic thinker with strong business acumen and deep knowledge of industries, a skilled relationship builder, and a data-driven professional who can effectively translate market insights into actionable strategies that help grow the business. This role works closely with local Calgary leadership and collaborates with colleagues in the other offices to share and deploy best practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• In support of overall firm objectives, develop integrated business development and marketing communications strategies, plans and tactics for the Calgary office as well as a select number of firm-wide sectors, practice or client teams that are aligned to local market or firm-wide priorities;
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of client and industry needs, legal practice areas, market dynamics, and competitor activities;
• Manage local office business development and marketing staff including training and development, performance management, recruitment and selection;
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to partners, bringing insights, foresight, solutions, and measurable value to their growth efforts so they can focus on servicing client needs;
• Solicit, compile and submit deals along with lawyer recognition summaries for ranking agencies;
• Work with the Marketing Communications Team on the development and rollout of purposeful thought leadership content and special client mailings; 
• Identify, research, analyze, recommend and coordinate events that will raise visibility for Gowling WLG (Canada) and the Calgary office by way of seminars, conferences and special meetings, legal writing and speaking opportunities, sponsorships and charity-related events;
• Oversee the administration of the office's corporate boxes including: familiarization with lease agreements, negotiating schedules, allocation of tickets, coordination of food and parking passes, and ensuring payment of all associated invoices;  
• Maintain the BD and Marketing budget for the Calgary office;
• Enable effective collaboration across markets, practice groups, and sectors to share ideas, successful strategies and information;
• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of business development strategies and initiatives with a focus on creating impact; 
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of experience in business development, sales, or marketing within a professional services environment. Legal experience is preferred;
• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred;
• Supervisory experience including coaching, mentoring, and effective delegation;
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders;
• Possess deep industry knowledge and understanding of the designated sector or industry group(s) with the proven ability to navigate and leverage industry dynamics;
• Strong understanding of market research and analysis techniques;
• Deep understanding of marketing and go-to-market strategies and channels;
• Proficiency in CRM systems and other business development tools;
• Exceptional organizational skills capable of juggling multiple tasks;
• Strong project management capabilities with a keen attention to detail;
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a solutions-oriented approach.

BENEFITS/PERKS

Gowling WLG's total rewards program is designed to foster a culture where high performance and personal well-being go hand-in-hand. We support your career and life with:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and mental health coverage, plus an annual lifestyle spending allowance
• Benefits coverage for Firm members and their dependents from day one
• 15+ vacation days and hybrid work flexibility
• Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks (after 12 months of full-time employment)
• Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Financial protection through short & long-term disability, life, accident & critical illness insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, guided CBT, and an internal network of 120+ trained Mental Health First Aid responders 
• Recognition awards, appreciation events, and a supportive, collaborative work culture
• Perks and preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses and more
   

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are in need of accommodation or support at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.