How to progress from BD & marketing Executive to Senior Executive in professional services

​Ready to Step Up? A Practical Guide for BD & Marketing Professionals Moving from Executive to Senior Executive

Stepping up in your BD and Marketing career isn't always a straight path. Whether you're eyeing that next step to Senior Executive or weighing up a strategic sidestep, positioning yourself effectively is crucial.

There’s no shortage of advice for senior professionals but far less for those navigating the critical leap from Executive to Senior Executive - a space where competition is fierce and expectations are high. Hiring managers are looking for more than just tenure, they want to see initiative, strategic thinking, and confidence.

So how do you actually make that step up from Executive to Senior Executive?

At a recent Ambition UK webinar, consultants Natalie and Charles unpacked exactly that, drawing on their extensive experience supporting BD & Marketing Executives with their career moves.

They covered:

• The key differences between Executive and Senior Executive levels

• How to gain experience and influence in your current role

• Tips for navigating internal promotions and external moves

• Interview prep that actually works

• Q&A from fellow Executives 

Watch the webinar here:

Don't have time to watch the full recording? Here's a summary of the content:

BD & Marketing Executive vs Senior Executive: What's the Difference?

Executives tend to:

• Follow clear direction from managers ("doers")

• Execute pre-set strategies

• Handle admin-heavy tasks efficiently

• Be reactive rather than proactive

Senior Executives, on the other hand, are expected to:

• Proactively suggest approaches and lead initiatives

• Operate with more autonomy, especially in lean teams

• Build meaningful relationships with partners

• Show confidence through action—not just theory

As Charles put it, the “Partner Proximity Premium” matters. Your value is often measured by the quality of your relationships with the firm’s most senior stakeholders.

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Gaining the Experience to Step Up

Natalie outlined several steps that can fast-track your development:

1. Schedule Regular 1:1s with Your Line Manager
   Don’t wait for opportunities—ask for them. Define and communicate your career goals clearly.

2. Seek Feedback and Act on It
   Constructive feedback is a gift. Take time to reflect, follow up if needed, and make changes.

3. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
   One candidate overcame a fear of networking by volunteering for every possible event. Confidence followed naturally.

4. Volunteer for Projects Beyond Your Role
   Saying “yes” (strategically) to new challenges builds your portfolio and gives you interview-ready examples.

5. Find a Mentor
   Whether in your firm or through external platforms like PM Forum or the Legal Marketing Association (LMA), mentoring accelerates growth and perspective.

6. Gain Partner Exposure
   Even shadowing senior colleagues in meetings builds valuable context and credibility. If you’re not getting this access, ask for it.

7. Know When (and How) to Say ‘Yes’
   Don’t overcommit out of fear. It’s better to deliver one thing well than five things poorly.

Step Up or Sidestep?

Not every move has to be upward. A lateral move to a better-resourced team, a larger firm, or a more international environment, can provide:

• Financial gain (without necessarily stepping up in title)

• Broader experience in a new sector or client group

• Credibility with future hiring managers at top-tier firms

As Charles emphasised, “Title is not everything.” What matters is your competency and ability to deliver.

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Nailing the Interview: Do’s and Don’ts

Your CV gets you the interview, your story gets you the job.

Natalie shared several powerful tips:

• Tailor your CV to each role

• Align your CV with your LinkedIn profile

• Highlight individual contributions, not just team results

• Use statistics and outcomes - show your impact

• Be authentic - don’t try to guess what hiring managers want to hear

• Frame challenges constructively honesty (without negativity) builds trust

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Common Questions Answered

“Is it bad to sidestep again after two years as an exec?”
Not at all - especially if the move brings you closer to your long-term goals or offers broader exposure.

“Can I move from legal to wider professional services?”
Yes! Many accountancy, consultancy, and real estate firms welcome legal candidates, especially those used to the partnership model.

“I lead strategy meetings but struggle to articulate my value - is that enough?”
Absolutely. Leading meetings, working independently with partners, and delivering results are high-value indicators. It’s about learning to own your story, something Ambition can support with through mock interviews and CV coaching.

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Final Thoughts

Career progression isn’t linear. Whether you're ready for a step up or a sidestep, what matters is knowing your strengths, being proactive, and surrounding yourself with the right guidance and opportunities.

Need support in taking that next step?
The BD & Marketing team at Ambition are here to help you shape your CV, prep for interviews, and strategize your career path with confidence.

Get in touch with Natalie or Charles to book a confidential chat.

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