Widely recognised for producing valuation work of exceptional quality, our client combines technical strength with commercially grounded analysis to consistently tight, litigation-driven deadlines. An ambitious practice, now entering a significant growth phase is seeking a commercial, entrepreneurial and well-connected Commercial Director/Head of Business Development to shape and lead its commercial strategy, with a particular focus on the commercial litigation and international arbitration markets.

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Role Purpose

This senior leadership role is central to expanding our client's market presence, strengthening its position in the disputes and valuation space, and deepening relationships across the legal sector. The successful candidate will bring:

• Strong commercial judgement;
• High-level relationship-building capability;
• An extensive and active network within the legal industry;
• The ability to anticipate client needs and match them with the firm’s technical strengths;
• A service-led mindset, ensuring excellence in every client interaction;
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach suited to a growing boutique practice.

You will play a defining role in elevating our client's profile and accelerating revenue growth.

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Key Responsibilities

Strategic Growth & Market Development

• Develop and lead the firm's commercial growth strategy across commercial litigation, family law, arbitration and specialist disputes markets.
• Identify emerging market opportunities and guide the firm’s positioning.
• Strengthen and grow referral channels with law firms, barristers’ chambers, litigation funders, expert networks and other intermediaries.
• Work closely with the Managing Director to shape long-term strategic direction.

Client Relationship Management

• Act as a senior point of contact for key clients and instructing solicitors, delivering the high-touch service expected in the disputes market.
• Build deep, trusted relationships across the legal sector using your existing network and industry influence.
• Represent the firm at client meetings, conferences, industry events and international trips where required.

Commercial & Financial Leadership

• Own the commercial pipeline, revenue forecasting, pricing, proposal development and conversion strategy.
• Provide commercial insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Maintain keen awareness of competitor activity, market shifts and demand for expert-witness services.
• Implement commercial processes that balance quality, responsiveness and profitability.

Brand, Marketing & Thought Leadership

• Enhance the firm's visibility through speaking engagements, client seminars, thought leadership and participation in specialist networks.
• Support content creation and marketing initiatives that showcase the firm's technical excellence.
• Ensure the firm’s brand reflects its hallmark: clarity, credibility and high technical standards.

Internal Leadership & Collaboration

• Work closely with the firm's valuation experts to align commercial strategy with technical capacity.
• Bring a clerk-like operational mindset to ensure smooth communication, effective work allocation and proactive client service.
• Contribute to internal planning, operational development and the scaling of BD and marketing capabilities as the firm grows.

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Person Specification

• A strong, established network within the legal sector (commercial litigation or disputes-related practices).
• Demonstrable experience in winning work and building long-term professional services relationships.
• Entrepreneurial attitude with the ability to operate autonomously and drive growth in a boutique environment.
• Excellent client service and discretion.
• Proven strategic thinking with ability to translate plans into measurable results.
• Strong communication and influencing skills with senior legal professionals.
• Solid understanding of pricing, revenue forecasting, commercial KPIs and BD analytics.
• High integrity and professionalism consistent with expert-witness and court-influenced work.

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Benefits & Rewards

Our client offers an exceptional benefits package designed to reward high performance, support wellbeing and reflect the firm’s collaborative culture and growth ambition:

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits

• 5% matched pension contribution (5% + 5%)
• 25 days’ annual leave with additional birthday day off
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Enhanced parental leave cover
• Private healthcare with dental plan

Workplace Experience & Culture

• Office gym
• Weekly office breakfast as a team
• Frequent team/office drinks
• Once-a-quarter full team activity and dinner
• Regular team events, from meals to afternoon activities, to annual away days (previous destinations include Lisbon, Valencia and Paris)
• Flexible working: 1–2 days per week from home