Deputy Head of Marketing and Business Development (APAC)

Withers KhattarWong LLP

Job title: Deputy Head of Marketing and Business Development (APAC)

Location: Singapore

About Withers KhattarWong LLP

Withers KhattarWong LLP is amongst the largest international law firm in Singapore.  We are a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents in 18 offices.

Our broad global platform allows us to guide clients through the legal challenges inherent in the ever-changing international landscape. As our client, you will receive quality advice on diverse legal and tax issues through the services of one law firm with a single communication.

Internationally, we have made a reputation for ourselves as the leading law firm for private capital; our clients include public and private companies founded by successful families, MNCs, financial institutions, international brands, family offices and HNWIs, charities and not-for-profit organisations, amongst others. We pride ourselves for our role in helping our clients achieve success.

What are we looking for?

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and experienced marketing professional to help develop and execute Withers' marketing and business development strategy in Asia. Withers has rapidly grown its reputation and business in the region, and now is the time for you to take it to the next level. An essential part of achieving these will be a sustained, proactive, engaging marketing and business development strategy that differentiates Withers.

You will manage a team of seven marketing and business development team members across the region, including two capable and well-respected marketing managers with whom you will work closely.

You will be an invaluable business partner to key stakeholders, including senior management of the respective Divisions, Office Managing Directors, Heads of Marketing and Business in Europe and the US, respective Heads of business services in Asia and partners in Asia.

Areas of focus and responsibilities

Overall

• You will be a member of the senior global marketing team and a key contact person in the region for senior management. You will have the diplomatic skills to manage by persuasion and influence and act as a point of escalation for both lawyers and the marketing team as may be required.
• Together with the regional Heads of HR, Finance, Risk & Compliance and Marketing, you will provide a leadership role in our Asia offices to deliver high-level services to our offices in Asia.
• Working closely with our Asia Head of Finance and our Marketing Managers, you will contribute and drive the BD aspects of the business planning process for Asia. Plan and maintain annual Marketing and BD budget; manage expenditures and report on budget variances.
• As business sustainability is paramount to Withers' global strategy, you will be part of and drive Asia-wide engagement with our "Withers Tree of Life". This includes efforts around diversity and inclusion, charities, environment, communication and engagement, pro bono and well-being.

Marketing & Communications

• You will ensure Withers' Asia positioning, strategic priorities and messages on specific initiatives and projects are communicated and brought to life through relevant channels internally and externally
• Working with the Global Strategic Campaigns Manager, you will be the primary point of contact, initiator and driver behind regional thought leadership campaigns, rolling out relevant global thought leadership content regionally and facilitating the inclusion of Asia content
• Working with our lawyers and the Global PR Manager to understand reputation, communications and marketing requirements, you will advise, develop and deliver impactful and creative omnichannel campaigns
• Working with our PR agency and Marketing & Communications Senior Executive, you will proactively grow and manage the firm's profile in the media, including developing and managing relationships and opportunities with target media outlets
• You will provide strategic guidance and oversight of the firm's various legal directory submissions, conferences and sponsorships to the regional team
• You will embed best practices in PR and communications across the region, including message development and delivery, and media training
• Working with our Internal Communications Manager, you will drive internal communications programmes and content that builds a cohesive and integrated team across all teams

Business Development

• You will oversee key opportunities, RFPs and pursuits, providing both strategic and hands-on input on client material, bids and tenders, content and presentations
• You will undercover cross-selling and collaborative opportunities between Withers' key intermediaries and clients and drive synergistic programmes with partners and the BD team, which will grow Withers' business
• You will provide leadership and coaching to lawyers to improve business development capabilities
• You will provide strategic oversight and guidance to increase and drive the adoption of our CRM system – InterAction, to leverage the system to connect lawyers, clients and other contacts
• You will work closely with the Pricing and his team to increase the win rate of our client pitches and proposals and to support the planning and delivery of pricing programmes and initiatives in Asia
• You will work in partnership with the Knowledge Management team to provide market and client insights for our lawyers and develop new service offerings as the opportunities arise
• You will play a pivotal role in integrating lateral hires and team bolt-on in Asia, especially in the aspects of marketing messages, business development approach and solid two-way communication during the onboarding process

Personal qualities

• You are professional, friendly and personable, with the ability to work with people at all levels of an organisation
• As a skilled communicator, you can convince and articulate verbally and in writing
• As an effective multi-tasker, you can deal with multiple priorities and urgent situations as they arise; the ability to be flexible when needed to adapt to fast-changing dynamics; adept at managing stakeholder expectations; resilient under pressure
• You are curious, enthusiastic, and willing to work with lawyers and support staff at all levels and in differing jurisdictions. Able to handle queries efficiently with diplomacy and tact, gaining the confidence of partners and managers
• Ability to manage, supervise and motivate team members through personal leadership and enthusiasm
• Possess the ability to see the big picture but also pay close attention to detail
• You have a high level of personal integrity and accountability
• You are comfortable with the need to work with colleagues across time zones to ensure global alignment

Professional Skills

• Strong people management experience, with a track record of inspiring and working with a diverse and talented team of self-motivated professionals
• Solid experience in all aspects of Business Development, Marketing and Communications, including proposal management, practice group and sector marketing, client targeting, marketing campaigns and external/internal communications
• Proven track record in building strong working relationships with partners and staff at all levels within the firm and with external vendors
• Experience managing international and global client proposals and pitches
• Astute commercial acumen, with a track record of supporting or driving business growth and client development
• Intellectually curious and able to develop the necessary understanding of a wide range of topics quickly to be able to provide value-add support
• Highly numeric. Able to manage budget and provide insights and accountability to senior management
• Ideally, possess an excellent understanding of the legal industry. Familiarity with the private wealth, tech, funds or investments industries is a plus but not crucial

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

About Withersworldwide

Withersworldwide has been acting for successful individuals, families and institutions for 125 years.  We advise clients on the full range of their business, personal and philanthropic legal needs, both at home and abroad. With offices in the key financial centres of Europe, Asia-Pacific, the United States and the Caribbean, we provide coverage and services that other law firms focussed on the needs of the individual cannot.  We have represented 66% of the Top 100 in The Sunday Times Rich List, 25% of the Forbes 400 List, 35% of the Hong Kong Forbes Rich List and 35% of Forbes Asia's Richest Families list.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is the policy of Withers Worldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or disability.

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