Kerry Schultz

• Enhanced company reputation by maintaining high standards of corporate governance.
• Streamlined operational processes to improve efficiency.
• Ensured high customer satisfaction with effective problem-solving techniques.
• Encouraged open communication channels, boosting internal transparency and trust among team members.
• Built key stakeholder relationships to foster collaboration and partnerships.
• Optimised resource allocation for maximised productivity.
• Coordinated interview schedules between candidates and clients, ensuring seamless communication.
• Ensured timely closure of open positions by proactively coordinating between clients and candidates throughout the recruitment process.
• Upheld strict confidentiality of all client and candidate information as per data protection guidelines.
• Formulated effective job descriptions for various roles across industries.
• Collaborated closely with other consultants within the agency for meeting larger client demands.
• Managed relationships with hiring managers to understand their recruitment needs and timelines.
• Offered guidance around interview preparation techniques to registered candidates, enhancing their chances of success.
• Maintained regular follow-up with placed candidates to ensure their smooth transition into new roles.
• Identified potential candidates for client requirements through active sourcing methods.
• Conducted pre-interview screening calls to assess candidate suitability and interest.
• Tailored CVs of registered candidates according to specific job requirements before sending them over to clients.
• Provided constructive feedback to unsuccessful candidates post interviews, aiding their future job search efforts.
• Enhanced candidate database by actively reaching out to prospective talent on professional networking platforms.

· Led a high-performing business development team in Dubai, overseeing client-focused initiatives across the Middle East offices to achieve regional objectives, including business planning, client development, profile raising, and winning work.

· Collaborated with the Head of the Middle East and practice group heads to create and execute results-oriented business plans, budget proposals, and campaigns, while driving cross-office collaboration and firm-wide initiatives.

· Managed day-to-day operations of two BD Managers and a BD Executive, including performance appraisals, feedback, and team structure optimisation to ensure seamless delivery of high-value commercial support.

· Formalised a client targeting approach aligned with the global key client programme, identifying, strengthening, and expanding local relationships, supported relationship partners with research, market knowledge, and client management methodologies.

· Facilitated participation in the client feedback programme, tracking actions from interviews to drive behavioural changes and enhance client engagement using global tools and products.

· Acted as an ambassador for the Middle East practice within regional and global BD teams to identify cross-selling opportunities.

· Project-managed strategic bids and developed methodologies for efficient transactional pitches in line with best practice; monitored panel appointments, ensured post-pitch follow-up, and analysed win/loss rates to improve performance.

· Created high-quality bid materials, experience statements, and sales messages, ensuring consistent messaging across systems, communications channels, directories, and league tables.

· Worked with PR and communications teams to elevate the firm's profile through campaigns, marketing activities, collateral, and press, systematically measured and improved performance in directories and league tables.

Key achievements/firm-wide projects

· EMEA Directory Process Project:

· EMEA Client Programme – Integration of Middle East Key Clients: Implementing the integration of PIF, Mubadala and ACWA Power into the EMEA client programme, and working with the client relationship managers, which included myself, to develop details business plans and objectives for each client, inline with the EMEA Client programme requirements and deliverables.

· Saudi Arabia Strategy Workshop: Bringing together senior EMEA management team, practice group leaders, and Middle East partnership to discuss the opportunities and key objectives for the new Saudi office/offering. Case study four key clients to develop (including Sovereign Wealth funds and major project developers), reviewing current relationship, potential opportunities, and work areas of interest, developing business plans and outlining KPIs.

· 20 years in the UAE – office anniversary celebration: Led the BD team to deliver a successful event to over 320 attendees, at the Museum of the Future, Dubai. One of the biggest events the firm has hosted in the region. The planning was extensive having to source every aspect from furniture to flowers, entertainment, equipment and catering etc. Positive feedback from clients and colleagues, helping to raise our regional profile both and within the global network. Project Genesis:

· Saudi Arabia office launch and integration: Part of the core team supporting the leadership team and on-the-ground team to launch the new associated office with LOMAT. Separately, working closely with the PR and communications team, for internal and external messaging. Played a pivotal role in the integration of the Saudi team, providing relevant support of the BD function to develop their practice areas, including the hiring and integration of a new BD Manager.

· Project Genesis: Following an evaluation of the management of local data, resources and organisation of BDM materials within the team when I first joined, I launched Project Genesis – A housekeeping project reviewing best practice and to update and reorganise data and templates, including pitch analysis, pitch masters, rewriting of content, database of credentials, communication, event and award and legal directory trackers, and updated InterAction marketing lists.

· Leaders in Law Event – Collaboration of Corporate Counsel:

Banking and Finance Strategy Practice Plan:

· Full BDM support to a leading Middle East Banking and Finance (B&F) practice - including Project finance, Islamic finance and debt capital markets, and the regional Energy, Transport and Infrastructure (ETI) practice.

· Project manage the preparation and delivery of pitches, panel proposals, client presentations and capability statements, including cross practice/office and regional opportunities. Promoting best pitch practice and ensuring continuity of service across the network. Working with partners and client service teams to ensure end-to-end service from RfP through to win/loss results, and onward client management of panels.

· Supporting the teams on practice, office and regional strategies, budgets and client relationships.

· Drafting and leading multiple directory (Chambers and Legal 500) and award submissions, including firm/lawyer online profiles. B&F continues to be the most awarded practice in the region, year after year, in addition to successfully increasing directory rankings to Tier 1 for both B&F and ETI – the only UAE Dentons practices to be ranked Tier 1.

· Managing and updating marketing infrastructure for B&F and ETI, including credentials, brochures, flyers, pitch masters, CVs, proposal logs (win/loss rates), regional subscriptions/memberships, etc.

· Plan, project manage and lead on client activities, including press releases, training, roundtable discussion, workshops, seminars, conference sponsorships, client collaborations, as well as articles, guides and thought leadership pieces.

Key achievements/firm-wide projects

· Client programme account manager: Global client account manager for Standard Chartered Bank, working with the internal global client service team and relationship partners in Singapore, London and Oman to expand the relationship across new regions, develop new work streams, expand our value-added offering, draft and implement business plans and act as a point of contact for the client.

· UAE 50th anniversary campaign: A highly successful campaign to celebrate 50 years in the UAE, including lighting up the Burj Khalifa with a promotional video watched globally via a live media stream; an impressive client event with a countdown and recording of the audience, showcasing the firms history and contributions to the country via various mini video and timeline displays within the venue; an ambitious CSR project named '50 for 50' challenge for all nine offices to dedicate time and resources to 50 approved CSR initiatives; various practice and sector insight interviews and articles; a schedule of PR releases to accompany the campaign; and internal celebrations and keepsake gifts for staff.

· Inclusion and Diversity: Regional women's network: BDM lead for 'Sayyidaat Dentons' – the Middle East chapter of Dentons' professional women's network, driving various events and memberships including 'Women You Should Meet' gatherings (in-person events in Oman and Dubai) in celebration of International Women's Day (IWD); events with leading professional women to share thoughts on the issues affecting their industries and sectors; drive the Reach Mentoring Programme with the UAE; event collaborations with 30% Club and Association of Corporate Counsel Middle East (ACCME); and quarterly newsletters and updates to the internal regional network – feeding into the global I&D programme.

· Developed and presented a new marketing plan, identifying key objectives and projects to enhance firms’ profile and offering.

· Improved the firm’s position amongst the legal directories, achieving rankings and recognitions for five practices areas for the UAE and Oman offices, previously not ranked.

· Draft and lead on regional pitches across all practice areas. Developing a suite of templates and building a credentials database.

· Budget planning, tracking and managing the marketing spend for all eight offices in the region.

· Established new relationships with various corporate counsel associations (ACC/CCME), Chamber of Commerce’s and Business Counsels.

· Developed new suite of collateral, including brochures, bespoke materials, business cards and stationery.

· Identified new opportunities to raise the firms’ profile through media, publications, press releases, event sponsorship, and speaker and panel positions.

· Created and managed social media accounts (Twitter and LinkedIn) to raise the firm's profile.

· Improve internal communications via marketing newsletters and updates, to ensure knowledge sharing across all offices.

Key achievements/firm-wide projects

· Corporate re-brand: Initiated and developed the corporate re-brand project - creating new logo, stationery and collateral, as well as identifying the firms brand summary (vision, mission brand position, values and essential pillars).

· 'New Launch' client event: Organised and project managed the firms new launch event, with over 300 clients, government officials and ministers following the joining of a new senior partner, and the changing of the firms’ name.

· New firm website: Project managed and developed a new firm website, working with the design team on the framework, rewriting content and coordinating/agreeing format and design.

· Full support to the heads of Iraq, Jorda and Qatar offices, including regular updates on marketing deliverables to achieve objectives.

· Plan, organise and execute events, conferences and seminars, for respected jurisdictions.

· Coordinate and write directory and award submissions, and brief partners on best interview strategy.

· Draft, manage and finalise proposals and practice specific capability statements upon request per office.

· Maintain and develop marketing materials (i.e. brochures, banners and seminar booklets).

· Seek and develop media opportunities and editorial contributions to promote lead offices.

· Feed updates and activities into the quarterly marketing reports for the Iraq, Jordan and Qatar offices.

· Research and distribute daily media news and monthly project reports relevant to jurisdictions.

· Manage and track marketing spend for Iraq, Jordan and Qatar.

· Maintain and update internal library of lawyer profiles/CVs and professional photos.

· Manage and maintain social media sites to build company and office profiles.

Key achievements/firm-wide projects

· CRM project: Part of the initial team to plan and develop the launch of the new CRM (Client Relationship Management) system, project managed by Thomson Reuters Elite.

· International firm relationships: Work with heads of offices to develop relationships amongst international law firms as local counsel for jurisdictions outside of their office base (US and UK law firms).

· Cross selling projects: Rolled out the firms cross selling project to Jordan, Qatar and Iraq offices, identifying key international clients within the firm to target for regional opportunities.

· Qatar briefing publication: Managed, developed and executed the first published ‘Qatar Briefings’ publication supplement.

· External client communications including client briefings, press releases, brochures, contact cards and flyers.

· Supporting regional media and public relations efforts, pro-actively developing PR opportunities, liaising with fee earners and journalists to obtain maximum coverage and expanding regional media relationships.

· Project leader for all client events including the planning and executing of the Middle East 35th anniversary celebration, the official Abu Dhabi office launch party, various dinners, sporting events, internal retreats and client seminars/educations sessions.

· Managing practice ranking/directory submissions, deal lists, references and interviews.

· Coordinating conference sponsorship and speaker opportunities.

· Updating and maintaining website content.

· Conducting client, practice, industry, competitor, and trend research.

· Coordinating ad-hoc proposals, including key panel and consortia pitches.

· Supporting the BD Manager on Sovereign Wealth and Qatar projects.

· Promoting effective work practices, projects and administrative support to improve internal processes.

Key achievements/firm-wide project

· Internal communication campaigns: Creating a series of campaigns to educate lawyers on issues including, client matter/relationship review highlights, value BD can offer, pitching tips i.e. 'go, no go', sector and regional newsletters and writing intranet news pieces.

· Integrated collateral library: Developed an integrated library for pitch CV's and practice/sector capability statements.

· Global project teams: Member of numerous global project teams including, Strategic Intranet Banner Navigation Review, InterAction Activities Pilot, Newsfeed Pilot Tester, Marketing Checklist Review for the Australian office opening, Graduate Recruitment Scheme for cross-border team deals in Dubai, Middle East team leader for Project Refresh (Newly developed CC website launch).

· CSR projects: Participating in local community projects and developing CSR initiatives within in the Middle East.

· Regional CRM developer: Lead developer of InterAction for the Middle East and leading the regions data stewards.

· Supporting the Abu Dhabi Managing Partner and senior/middle associates in the Banking & Finance and Projects team;

· Attended the launch party as part of the new Abu Dhabi office team and developed a face to face client contact with existing and potential new clients;

· Acted as an initial focal point for the recording of client activity within the Abu Dhabi office for the BD team. Continued to coordinate the Banking & Finance activities;

· Ensuring GTAD (Global Transactions & Advisory Database) was kept up-to-date for all Banking & Finance matters. Feeding matter movements and updates to the BD team; and

· Extensive involvement in the client billing process, generating and managing monthly invoices. Reviewing WIP amounts, setting discounts and rates, amending narratives and liaising directly with accounts.

· Document production, including PPT pitches, excel spreadsheets and agreements and contracts in word; and

· Processed expense claims, balanced credit card statements, and submitting supplier disbursements to project.

Key achievements/firm wide projects:

· Part of the initial set up team for the new Abu Dhabi office. Covering a range of duties including managing the office population of fee-earners, coordinating reception, arranging supplier accounts, dealing with all office admin duties and ensuring CC processes and procedures were put into place;

· Key member of the management team in organising the Abu Dhabi office launch party; and

· Liaised with the London BD team in preparing various contact cards for a large client meeting pitch presentation.

· Supported the Global Head Partner for the Communications, Media & Technology Practice (CMT), Director of International Telecoms Project, Director of Data Privacy and three associates, specialising in Telecoms Law, M&A, takeovers and joint venture transactions, Data Protection and IT Issues within Corporate law;

· Maintained and managed full control of fee earners diary schedules, and acted as key focal point;

· Liaising with the firms network of offices in collating time entries for project billing, applying client and/or project discounts, and preparing detailed monthly breakdowns for client invoices;

· Worked closely with the Legal Support Manager coordinating the groups holiday, new joiners, room moves, office/seat plans and secretary’s fee earner allocation;

· Extensive travel bookings of flights, hotels, transfers, visa, and compiling detailed itinerary packs;

· Produced weekly and monthly 'Revenue Generation' reports, liaising with the BD coordinator ensuring up-to-date data had been recorded and ensured all client activity was fed back to BD; and

· Reviewed CMT's cost ledge on the financial breakdowns, raising discrepancies and re-allocating charges.

Key achievements/firm wide projects:

· Key organiser for the annual Global CMT Retreat and client events including theatre production evenings (i.e. Roundhouse and Sadler's Wells), social dinner parties, sporting and group summer events; and

· Developed working relationships with key clients, liaising directly on specific project issues and requirements (i.e. monthly breakdown of cost and time activity).

· Supported six Senior Managers covering Corporate Affairs, New Business Development, Corporate Development, M&A and Group Treasury;

· Acted as facilities co-ordinator for the general running of the office and extension of office floor space;

· Assisted Corporate Affairs General Manager in the release of the interim & annual results presentations;

· Managed company booklets produced externally and sent packs to potential investors and organisations;

· Worked with the executive management team during the takeover of a major Australian Mining company;

· Extensive drafting of letters for pitches, CSI regrets and other corporate affairs related topics; and

· Acted as Financial Controller Assistant, assessing account queries and assigning company cost codes.

· Support for a team of two Vice Presidents & 12 principals covering full management of diaries and contacts;

· Admin support to the UK & Melbourne offices for Docunet (Data Filing & Research System);

· Organised conferences, business meetings and social events for both UK & Australian cost structures;

· Assisted the Admin & Finance Manager with budget reviews and invoice reconciles (internal & external);

· Designed PPT presentations, typed and reformatted Confidentiality Agreements and proposals; and

· Maintained support and accounts for all technology hardware. Placed necessary orders.

· Full diary management to four VP’s in the European Consumer & Leisure Services Group;

· Reviewed monthly costs and headcount and reallocated travel cost discrepancies to the correct project code;

· Managed WIP reports and reviewed monthly revenues, allocated fee percentages to sectors within M&A;

· Liaised with HR on the recruitment of new analysts and associates , set up workstations;

· Compiled extensive travel itineraries for trips to Europe, America and Russia and arranging visas; and

Arranged executive and personal memberships.

· Provided full PA support to senior IT Programme Manager; and co-ordinated deputies’ diaries for Account Management & Telephony. Offering ad-hoc support to their teams of 40+;

· Controlled over 50% of managers’ e-mails, distributed and responded accordingly. Arranged daily packs, collated documents and emails for relevant meetings;

· Arranged various trips and visits to conferences and business centres across the country; and

· Minute taking for the monthly managers meeting, prepared and distributed to team.