Growth and Business Development Manager

Appleyard Lees & Co; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional services firm in Cambridge seeks an experienced Growth and Business Development Manager to enhance growth strategies across key innovation markets. You'll build relationships, engage clients, and collaborate with specialists to support ambitious growth plans. Ideal candidates will have a background in business development within professional services, exceptional networking skills, and the ability to work independently. The firm offers flexible working arrangements and a supportive workplace culture aimed at career growth.

Benefits

34 hour working week

Agile working

Annual salary review

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Healthcare Cash Plan

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development within professional services or technical sales.
• Track record of converting prospects into clients.
• Ability to work independently across multiple offices and regions.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain networks across innovation-led communities and intermediaries.
• Identify and engage prospective clients.
• Manage a pipeline of prospects across priority sectors.

Skills

Business development

Relationship-building

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Job description

Growth and Business Development Manager

Department: Marketing

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Cambridge

Description

We are looking for an experienced Growth and Business Development Manager to help drive growth across our priority markets, with a particular focus on Cambridge, London and the South East.

This is a client-facing role suited to someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities, and working closely with technical specialists to support ambitious growth plans. You’ll play a key role in connecting innovative businesses with our IP experts and helping to strengthen our presence across key innovation ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong networks across innovation-led communities, investors, founders, and intermediaries
• Identify and engage prospective clients and introduce them to the firm’s IP specialists
• Represent the firm at industry and networking events (UK and occasional international travel)
• Work closely with attorneys, partners and BD colleagues to develop and progress opportunities
• Manage a pipeline of prospects across priority sectors such as life sciences, advanced engineering, software/AI, transactional IP and litigation
• Gather and share market intelligence to inform BD strategy, positioning and content
• Maintain accurate records and reporting via the firm’s CRM system

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Essential

• Proven experience in business development within professional services (e.g. legal, IP, consulting) or technical sales
• A strong track record of relationship‑building and converting prospects into clients
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and networking skills
• Strong commercial awareness and confidence in engaging senior stakeholders
• Ability to work independently across multiple offices and regions
• Willingness to travel and work flexibly, including occasional out-of-hours events

Desirable

• Experience within the IP sector or a strong affinity with science, engineering or technology
• Experience supporting partners or fee earners with BD and client development
• Established networks within Cambridge, London, the South East or other innovation clusters
• Experience working in partnership or matrix environments

We are also open to considering candidates who wish to work part-time hours.

Benefits

We pride ourselves on being small and friendly enough for you to get to know everyone – but big enough to offer you great career prospects. At Appleyard Lees, you won't feel like a number or just another cog in the wheel. We understand everyone is individual and offer a friendly and supportive place to work and learn.

• 34 hour working week, Monday - Friday
• Agile working
• A supportive and friendly place to work and learn
• Annual salary review
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Salary Exchange
• Life assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing App
• Group Income Protection
• Long Service Milestones
• Social outings
• Vouchers on Christmas, Birthdays and Special Occasions
• Charity events