Business Development Specialist

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
We are seeking a
Business Development Specialist
to join our dynamic team. This role is ideal for a data-savvy, strategic thinker who excels in analytics, reporting, and leveraging technology to drive growth. You will champion the use of tools - including our CRM - within the team and play a critical role in aligning business development initiatives with the firm's
five-year strategic plan
, which focuses on:

• Putting People First – Supporting and developing our people through collaboration and inclusion.
• Modernizing Our Firm – Driving efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness through technology and process improvement.
• Pursuing Growth – Leveraging our brand and capabilities to win higher-value work and deepen client relationships.

This role is responsible for providing support to the Business Development Manager with the development and execution of business development and client growth focused strategies for the firm's financial services industry sector, and national practice: Lending, Restructuring & Insolvency, Recovery and Real Estate.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Data & Reporting Excellence
Bring a growth mindset and a passion for data to help shape strategic decisions and drive measurable results. In this role, you will:

• Transform data into actionable insights by analyzing performance metrics and client intelligence using advanced Excel tools and firm-wide platforms.
• Create dynamic dashboards and visual reports that empower leadership and client teams to make informed decisions on planning, targeting, and growth initiatives.
• Monitor and optimize campaign performance by tracking ROI and engagement through Google Analytics and our CRM system.
• Deliver clear, strategic reporting on KPIs and progress, ensuring transparency and alignment with firm objectives.
• Champion innovation and process improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance tools, workflows, and reporting capabilities.
• Collaborate across functions and geographies, partnering with BD colleagues, marketing teams, and global stakeholders to execute high-impact initiatives aligned with firm-wide strategies.
• Leverage market intelligence and analytics to pinpoint growth opportunities and guide client development strategies.
• Support go-to-market initiatives by aligning activities with key sectors and priorities, while maintaining an integrated calendar for seamless coordination.
• Track and report on BD activities to ensure initiatives remain on time, on budget, and deliver maximum value.

Project & Campaign Management

• Manage multiple BD and marketing projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and strategic alignment.
• Monitor budgets, track spend, and provide financial analysis to support decision-making.
• Maintain action plans and progress tracking using project management tools.

Client Targeting & Relationship Development

• Conduct market and client analysis to identify priority targets and emerging opportunities.
• Support outreach, cross-selling strategies, and account development to deepen relationships and drive revenue.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Communications teams to deliver impactful materials and campaigns.

Data-Driven Insights & Best Practices

• Champion CRM adoption and best practices, ensuring accurate data capture and actionable insights.
• Analyze BD data to refine strategies and deliver recommendations that drive measurable growth.

Stakeholder & Financial Stewardship

• Assist with budgeting and financial reporting for initiatives, tracking ROI to inform strategic decisions.

Strategic Research & Market Intelligence

• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify new business opportunities.
• Support lead tracking, pipeline management, and forecasting across practices and sectors.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with BD Managers, sector leaders, and practice heads to develop and execute annual business plans.
• Work closely with marketing teams to deliver high-impact campaigns, events, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Support professionals in client targeting, pitch development, RFP responses, and sponsorship evaluations.

Content & Communications

• Draft and edit marketing materials, including web content, newsletters, social media posts, and award submissions.

Industry Engagement & Recognition

• Support the preparation and submission of legal rankings (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Post-secondary degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in business development or marketing roles, ideally within a professional services environment.
• Analytical Expertise: Strong ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategies and growth opportunities.
• Agility: Comfortable thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in developing and implementing business development and marketing strategies.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills (PivotTables, charts, formulas, data visualization) and familiarity with CRM systems, web/social analytics, and reporting tools.
• Influence & Collaboration: Exceptional interpersonal and consensus-building skills to drive progress across an international, matrix-based organization.
• Industry Awareness: Ability to stay current on sector trends and apply lateral thinking to identify opportunities across practices, offices, and geographies.
• Client Focus: Outstanding client service orientation with a commitment to delivering results and enhancing client satisfaction.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Virtual Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with professionals across multiple offices in a hybrid environment.
• Personal Attributes: Highly motivated, accountable, and responsive, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Teamwork & Independence: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

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.