Hiring trends in BD, Marketing & Communications

As we come to the end of Q1 2025, we wanted to share some key updates and trends we’re seeing in the job market. Here’s what you need to know:

Interview Process - Longer Decision Times

Interview processes are taking longer across the board, with clients taking additional time to finalise hiring decisions. This is likely due to hiring teams being more cautious, wanting to ensure they've reviewed a broad enough candidate pool before extending offers.

If you're thinking about making a move this year, it's wise to start applying early to give yourself ample time to navigate the process. Taking a proactive approach can provide you with a competitive edge in securing your next role.

Interview Formats

In-person interviews are becoming more common, even at the first stage. Both candidates and clients are often opting for face-to-face meetings over virtual interviews. This shift highlights the importance of personal interaction, and the value placed on building rapport in person.

Legal Market Update

Demand in Litigation

There is a huge demand for BD hires within the Litigation practice group. At this time we have 7 live litigation roles across management and non-management levels with a variety of clients, from London-focused law firms through to magic-circle and US-headquartered firms.

Many of these roles have become available due to internal promotions which indicates a robust market for litigation professionals, and it’s an excellent time to consider opportunities in this area.

If you have experience in litigation BD or would be interested in moving into this space, now is the perfect time to explore the market.

Permanent:

We have a broad range of roles available outside of BD, which include Bids, Events, PR, Internal Communications, and Digital Marketing.

Approximately 40% of our current roles are outside of traditional Business Development (BD) focused positions. This variety offers exciting opportunities for candidates with different skill sets and interests.

Whether you’re looking to pivot into a new area or continue in your current field, there are plenty of options to explore.

Interim:

The interim market has become increasingly busy throughout February, with many more opportunities going through sign-off leading into March.

It’s a great time to get in touch if you’re looking for a Fixed-Term Contract (FTC). Interim roles can offer flexibility and the chance to work on diverse projects, making them an attractive option for many candidates.

If you’re considering an interim position, now is the time to explore the available opportunities and find a role that aligns with your career goals.

Europe:

The European market is getting busier, particularly in Paris, where we currently have BD Specialist, Manager, and Senior Manager level opportunities. This growth reflects the increasing demand for BD professionals across Europe.

If you’re open to relocating or working in a different market, these roles could provide a fantastic opportunity to gain international experience.

Practice & Consultancy market update

February was a strong month for the practice and consultancy sectors, with a noticeable increase in job activity. There has been a rise in marketing generalist roles at the manager level, reflecting positive market demand.

Furthermore, a number of mid-tier accounting firms have recently opened business development manager positions, with a focus across multiple service lines, which is a promising development.

We hope you find these updates helpful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out

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About the author

Ben Webb is an experienced BD& Marketing recruiter at Ambition and specialises in recruiting permanent manager level roles for all Marketing & Business Development related positions across the top 200 Law firms.