Job description

Allen & Overy is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. We work on some of the most challenging and important deals and have built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal solutions that help our clients grow, innovate and thrive. The legal industry is changing, and we\'re committed to leading that change, putting our people first, embracing new ways of thinking and integrating technology into our everyday work. Our business teams work hand-in-hand with our lawyers, Consultants and other specialist teams, and are ambitious, driven and leaders in their field.

With us, you will constantly be learning and growing. We invest in you by offering exceptional professional and personal development - providing training, mentoring and practical support. We offer rewarding careers that are built around your strengths and designed to ensure you can achieve your personal and professional goals, recognising that those may look different for everyone.

We have a powerful commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We\'re determined to play our part in advancing a workplace where progress is made by harnessing our differences - whatever defines you, we ask you to bring your whole self to work. What truly defines a career at Allen & Overy? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We provide challenge, support and a place for you to belong. And together we excel, working on meaningful projects of global significance.

Department purpose
Peerpoint by Allen & Overy is a pioneering business with a mission to change the way the legal industry works. Fast-paced and fast growing, we operate as a start-up within the auspices of top global law firm Allen & Overy. We are proud to be the leading platform for self-directed consultant lawyers: those seeking to develop a portfolio of experiences, taking on challenging roles working in-house with clients or with Allen & Overy.

Peerpoint is a truly unique business that offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, entrepreneurial and fun environment where you can have a direct impact on the success of the business but with the support, investment and benefits of a magic circle law firm.

Peerpoint is leading the way in introducing real change and opportunity for lawyers, law firms and clients alike.

Role purpose

The interim Peerpoint Senior Business Manager, UAE reports directly to the Global Head of Strategy and Business Growth, Peerpoint. It is the essential lead role for continued growth in the UAE and wider GCC region. As part of a small team, responsibilities are extremely broad, from strategic growth of the business in the UAE market to commercial and operational responsibilities. A critical component of the role is furthering the business\'s growth in relation to revenue and brand recognition. This is a 12 month FTC to cover a maternity leave.

The role will include

• Setting and leading on the implementation of strategy, business plans, targets and budgets for Peerpoint UAE.
• Regularly reviewing operations and business models of Peerpoint UAE to ensure any gaps that may appear are managed and mitigated.
• Co-developing a regional marketing strategy and unique marketing initiatives with the Peerpoint Marketing & Engagement team
• Developing key senior relationships both within A&O and at senior client contacts in the GCC region, demonstrating the ability to influence decisions and clarify complex and ambiguous situations.
• Acting as the face of Peerpoint UAE. Attending and representing Peerpoint at events both internally and externally.

Key relationships

• Global Peerpoint team
• ME&T Partners
• Business Development team
• A&O\'s other Advanced Delivery businesses
• Dubai legal and compliance team
• Peerpoint consultants and prospective consultants
• Peerpoint and A&O clients and prospective clients

Role and responsibilities
The Peerpoint Senior Business Manager, Peerpoint UAE is responsible for leading on all business management and new business growth activities in the UAE and wider GCC region.
This will include, but is not limited to:

Client development and marketing

• Accountability for the delivery against revenue targets set in the Peerpoint UAE business plan.
• Direct responsibility for the full client lifecycle, including new business development, qualifying leads, leading on commercial negotiations and the ongoing management of client relationships, including with contacts at General Counsel and Head of Legal level.
• Collaborating with the global Peerpoint client teams to cross-sell business and facilitate introductions to other regions where possible.
• Collaborating closely with the local A&O UAE business development team and partnership to cross-sell A&O services into client relationships and share client insights.
• Guiding the Peerpoint Marketing & Engagement team on local market requirements and sensitivities during the implementation and creation of the UAE strategic marketing plan.

Business and operational management

• Develop, implement and lead on the Peerpoint UAE business plan, in line with the global Peerpoint three-year strategic plan, including overseeing financial performance and reporting of Peerpoint UAE according to budgets and growth ambitions.
• Further build relationships with the Regional Managing Partner MENAT and the regional partnership
• Together with Peerpoint\'s Global Head of Operations, be co-responsible for Peerpoint UAE\'s risk, compliance and corporate governance management.
• Lead the local Peerpoint UAE team, offering training and development when required.

Consultant management

• Accountability for the full consultant lifecycle, from recruitment to placement, including oversight of the Peerpoint Resourcing Manager UAE & UK.
• Oversight of the recruitment progress and volume flow to ensure consistency and application of Peerpoint\'s global best practice approaches and strategy. Accountable for setting and monitoring consultant rates for the local market, managing performance issues and sensitive departures.
• Working closely with the Peerpoint Global Head of Operations and A&O\'s local HR and PRO teams to regularly review processes regarding the on-boarding and compliance of Peerpoint UAE consultants.

Who we are looking for

• Management experience in a client-facing business development role, ideally in a professional services environment or experience managing recruitment processes in a quality, high-touch environment in-house or agency side.
• Ability to work in a high performing environment, with revenue targets while channelling the ethical values of Peerpoint
• Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity, maintain a positive outlook during challenging or sensitive situations, and influence senior stakeholders.
• A pragmatic and commercial attitude, with excellent communications skills and analytical judgement. .
• An inspirational team player and leader with high emotional intelligence and proven ability to lead a team with trust, compassion and care.
• Entrepreneurial outlook and passion for continually improving processes and client delivery to ensure Peerpoint is at forefront of providing a market-leading client and consultant experience.
• The role may suit someone from a variety of backgrounds, including HR, recruitment, account management, finance or a lawyer who is performing a general management support role.

Area of expertise

Peerpoint

Office

UAE - Dubai

Working arrangement

Hybrid (combination of office & remote working)

Allen & Overy