Negotiating a pay rise as a marketing/BD specialist within the Legal & Professional Services sector requires a thoughtful approach, a clear understanding of your value, and an ability to align your contributions with the firm’s goals.
Negotiating a pay rise as a marketing/BD specialist within the Legal & Professional Services sector requires a thoughtful approach, a clear understanding of your value, and an ability to align your contributions with the firm’s goals.
• Start by reviewing your contributions to the organisation.
• Understand what marketing/BD professionals in the sector with similar experience and skill sets are earning. Speak to Norfolk Capsey to help you do this, we can provide up to date salary data.
• Don’t bring up salary in casual conversation. Request a formal one-on-one meeting with your manager, preferably after a recent achievement or when your contributions are particularly visible or impactful.
• Timing matters. Ideally, you should approach the topic during performance reviews, after a successful project or campaign, or at a time when the company is doing well financially.
• Start the conversation by emphasising what you’ve accomplished in your role. Show how your marketing efforts have supported business development, client retention, and overall company growth.
• Connect your role to the broader objectives of the firm.
• Point out any additional responsibilities you’ve taken on or areas where you’ve gone above and beyond the expectations of your role.
• Based on your research, decide on a salary range that reflects your experience, skills, and the market rate. Aim for a number slightly higher than your desired outcome to leave room for negotiation.
• When you state your desired salary, be prepared to explain why you believe it’s justified. Use the market data, your personal achievements, and how you’ve contributed to the firm’s success as evidence to support your request.
• Your employer may not immediately agree to a raise, especially if they’re facing budget constraints or if the firm has been through a tough financial period. Be ready for this and have a response that focuses on your future potential.
• If a salary increase isn’t possible, consider negotiating other benefits, such as more flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, or a performance-based bonus structure.
• If the decision is delayed, ask for a clear timeline. If the raise isn’t granted immediately, express your desire for feedback on areas of improvement and what you need to do to justify a raise in the future.
• After the meeting, follow up with a polite email summarising the key points discussed, including any agreements or timelines. This will serve as a record of your conversation and any promises made.
If you are unhappy with the outcome of any discussions surrounding your career or salary, speak to us in confidence, as soon as possible.
