Senior Manager, Business Proposals

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients' legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world's major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Business Proposals to join our Firm. This position will be based in our New York office (hybrid). The Senior Manager, Business Proposals is a key member of the Firm's business development team, playing a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and positioning the Firm for success in securing new business opportunities. Collaborating closely with the Assistant Director, this role oversees the creation of high-impact, tailored proposals, pitchbooks and presentations for existing and prospective clients, with a particular focus on strategic pitches, qualification statements and responses to RFPs. As a trusted advisor to partners and senior business development staff, the Senior Manager provides strategic guidance and ensures consistency in messaging and quality across all materials. In the absence of the Assistant Director, the Senior Manager assumes day-to-day leadership of the pitch team, ensuring seamless operations and maintaining high standards in business development support.

The ideal candidate will be organized, accountable and demonstrate responsibility for meeting deadlines and following through on commitments. This role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving, a deep understanding of the Firm's practice areas and client needs, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. All members of the business development team are expected to be self-starters who possess excellent oral and written communication skills, develop creative solutions to tackle challenges and are team players ready to support each other. The Senior Manager, Business Proposals is instrumental in shaping the Firm's client engagement strategy and driving its success in major pursuits and top prospects. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversees and manages the creation of tailored proposals, pitchbooks and presentations for existing and prospective clients.
• Leads the development of strategic pitches, qualification statements and responses to RFPs in collaboration with Skadden's business development team.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for partners and senior department business services professionals regarding the writing, production and refinement of business development materials.
• Ensures consistency in messaging, alignment with strategic goals and adherence to deadlines.
• Organizes and prioritizes multiple assignments while maintaining accountability for deliverables.
• Collaborates with team members to develop creative solutions to challenges and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Maintains high standards of quality and professionalism in all business development efforts.
• Works in hands-on capacity on complex pitches and RFPs; writes and edits cover letters and other copy for pitches and proposals.
• Crafts new materials based on the Firm's business needs and client/prospect requests.
• With the Assistant Director, provides guidance to global pitch team at outset of RFP, identifying best approach to first draft and offering insights into client/prospect, precedent materials, process, among other topics.
• Shares market and institutional knowledge with pitch team.
• Develops and maintains tailored, creative pitch templates for optimal content presentation.
• Oversees maintenance/updating of shared knowledge resources (i.e., RFP Language Collection, InterAction Pitch Tracker) for the global pitch team; identifies opportunities for new, more efficient systems.
• Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to communicate performance expectations, monitor performance, coach employees, and manage performance.
• Recommends guidelines and practices to promote efficiency, effectiveness, excellent customer service and improved employee relations, in alignment with the Firm's Core Values.
• Develops and communicates departmental guidelines and procedures with respect to new business proposals.
• Ensures accurate and timely responses to requests for departmental services.
• Ensures current knowledge of Firm policies and practices, current knowledge of industry trends, and continued professional development for business services professionals.
• Participates in the interviewing, selection and training process.
• Coordinates and oversees department projects, day-to-day operations and long-range plans.
• Monitors time, attendance, overtime, and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with Firm policies.
• Oversees employees' work performance and provides guidance in the resolution of problems.
• Initiates disciplinary procedures in collaboration with the Human Resources Department.
• Engages in strategic (i.e., long-range) planning by developing departmental goals and supporting objectives for assigned department(s).
• Forecasts financial and budget requirements for the department, prepares related reports, and monitors the budget.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of crafting compelling new business pitches, proposals and/or responses to RFPs, as well as industry best practices, trends and techniques
• Knowledge of relevant Firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software (InDesign and InterAction) and operating systems
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Knowledge and implementation of the annual budget process
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational and planning skills
• Demonstrated experience with leading and supervising others
• Ability to administer Firm policies and procedures
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities, organizing and prioritizing work and delegating effectively
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality, use discretion, and exercise independent and sound judgment
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of seven years related experience in a law firm

Culture & Life at Skadden
What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Lara Bell at (212) 735-2794.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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