Marketing & Business Development Manager - Africa

Africa is an important part of DLA Piper’s vision to be the leading global business law firm.

DLA Piper has a long history on the continent dating back over 20 years. We have built an unrivalled presence and geographical footprint, that includes over 450 lawyers operating from offices in 20 countries. We have two fully financially integrated DLA Piper offices in Johannesburg and Casablanca, in addition to DLA Piper Africa, a

Swiss verein comprising 18 independent law firms across the continent working with DLA Piper lawyers globally to deliver best-in-class legal services to clients.

Ranked Band 1 for Africa-Wide Networks by Chambers Global for the past seven years and awarded “International Law Firm of the Year” at the African Legal Awards in 2025, our prominence on the African continent continues to be recognised. 

The Africa Marketing & Business Development (MBD) team plays a critical role in the delivery and implementation of our Africa strategy and ultimately in our Africa business’ success – both internationally and on the continent. The team works with partners and lawyers from across our DLA Piper Africa offices, in addition to DLA Piper partners globally, to develop and implement a range of high-profile campaigns, go-to-market strategies and client development activities that seek to drive revenue growth, deepen client relationships, raise market profile and develop a sense of community within Africa that will lead to a stronger, more cohesive client service offering.

The team is part of a larger DLA Piper International MBD team based in locations across Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. It also plays a key advisory role working with each of our Africa member firms across the continent to help them to develop and implement place best practice MBD strategies within each of their respective markets.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing & Business Development for Africa, this role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Marketing & BD professional to join a dynamic, fast-paced and growing team.

The role will primarily support the Global and Pan-African components of our DLA Piper Africa strategy, with a focus on the provision of Marketing and Business development support to:

• Our Africa Financial Services Sector, one of three priority sectors for the region
• Sector-related priority client account teams.
• Our Africa Litigation and Disputes teams, as one of two priority growth areas. 

The role will work closely with fee earners across key global Africa hubs (such as the UK, France, Germany, the UAE, Asia and the US) in addition to those on the continent to initiate and implement a broad range of initiatives that deepen relationships with clients; raise profile and strengthen the firm's position in the market and sector with respect to Africa; improving collaboration between DLA Piper partners globally and our Africa member firms; and winning profitable business.

Main duties and responsibilities

Support and drive the strategic priorities for Africa with a focus on client and sector strategy and brand whilst at all times ensuring alignment with the broader Africa strategy and DLA Piper’s International MBD strategy. This will include:

• Developing and leading effective Africa client development and targeting initiatives at the global and pan-Africa level with a view to winning profitable business; creating cross-selling opportunities and increasing collaboration between DLA Piper and Africa member firms.
• Providing MBD leadership and support to the Africa Financial Services sector, Litigation and Disputes teams including the development and implementation of MBD strategies and initiatives to drive revenue growth and raise market profile.
• Providing account management support to identified Africa sector clients, and if required Pan-Africa  clients.
• Supporting partners to win new Africa-related opportunities including the project management and preparation of pitch documentation.
• Developing and implementing initiatives to strengthen the firm’s brand in relation to Africa (including PR, events, thought leadership and sponsorships) ensuring consistency and cohesion in the way we go to market.
• Implementing global practice and sector-related campaigns and thought leadership across Africa
• Identifying and leading on Africa-related initiatives to target cross-border inbound and outbound investment opportunities
• Seeking out appropriate channels to market our Africa offering, including internal channels by ensuring Africa is plugged in to relevant global practice and sector initiatives and external channels such as Africa-related industry and trade bodies.
• Leading relevant Africa-Wide award and directory submissions
• Working with the International MBD team on flagship conferences, events and initiatives of relevance to Africa. If the successful candidate is based in London, they will also be expected to support UK-Africa related events, including representation at external Africa-related industry events.
• Development of high-quality Pan-African collateral
• Development of internal and external Africa-related communications, keeping the strategic priorities for Africa always front of mind
• Putting in place any processes or supporting infrastructure necessary to drive greater efficiencies in MBD activity with respect to Africa (for example with respect to credential capture, pitch books etc.). This includes leading specific projects identified as part of the Africa strategy as required.
• Providing support and guidance to DLA Piper Africa member firms on best practice MBD strategy, including the development of shared tools and templates where required.
• Contributing to the upskilling, mentoring and development of our Africa MBD Community through training and development.

About you

• A degree or equivalent qualification
• Manager level experience in a professional services Marketing & Business Development role.
• Strong written, oral communication and project management skills.
• A high level of fluency in English as the common language of the firm and the common language among our offices in Africa is essential.
• The ability to display a consistently positive, proactive, “can do” attitude and demonstrate a collaborative working style; operating both as an individual and as part of a wider team (often based in international locations)
• An exemplary professional approach and demonstrably high levels of commitment and internal client care
• A deep knowledge of MBD processes for professional services - a sound understanding of new business processes, digital marketing, CRM and the emerging technologies that will help us win and retain legal work
• Proven track record in the development and implementation of client and sector programmes and development initiatives 
• Demonstrable experience in demanding, partner-led international environments, where success has depended on an ability to:
  • multi-task and work to often demanding deadlines
  • manage conflicting priorities and expectations in a robust and fast-paced atmosphere
  • perform at a consistently high standard
  • remain calm and composed in what are often demanding situations
  • drive projects through to successful completion
• A proven ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to be a creative problem solver, constantly looking to solve issues or improve current processes and systems
• High level of literacy in IT and marketing systems – PowerPoint, Excel, Word and Outlook is essential; experience of InterAction / CRM and design software would be beneficial
• The ability to understand, identify with and uphold the firm and its objectives and values.

Whilst experience working in Africa or in a role with remit for Africa would be looked upon favourably it is not essential.

About us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all.   If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.