Business Development Manager - Switzerland

Position Description

Within Europe, we have a significant and growing business of $20bn, of which over $2bn are Swiss clients across a variety of business channels and investment strategies. GMO have been committed to the European market since the late 1980’s and are keen to strategically expand the already broad range of UCITS vehicles, as well as continue to explore demand for active UCITS ETFs.

We are looking to add a salesperson to the team to be responsible for Switzerland to help expand our business development efforts in the various channels including pensions, insurance, E&Fs, family offices, wealth management and private banks.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of sustained revenue growth in Switzerland, including both strategy and execution.

An extensive and deep network of allocators is essential, including the ability to influence decision-makers ahead of searches being initiated. A proven system of engagement rigour / sales discipline that has consistently translated into new business success in products spanning equities, fixed income and alternatives is also essential, with specific experience in quant/systematic strategies.

This individual will be based in Switzerland (Zurich) and report to GMO’s European Head of Client Relations, based in London.

Candidate Requirements:

• A sales-led mentality, backed up with strong technical and relationship skills.
• Demonstrated success in building multi-layered relationships and revenue growth.
• Experience with several of the key channels which this role requires, with the ability to expand into all channels discussed above.
• Self-motivated with the ability to communicate well with a team while working remotely.
• German and English speaking, with French being useful.

Current Skills/Background

• Minimum 8+years of direct responsibility for their own sales territory and demonstrated sales results, with overall 10-15yrs industry experience.
• While experienced, retains willingness to personally service accounts with the support of a team analyst (including reporting, ad hoc queries, regular servicing meetings). Understanding these critical elements is essential to understanding our firm and better understanding our client base.
• Driven, wants accountability and understands that success will be rewarded; and is eager to engage with leadership at GMO to achieve results in their target market.
• Proven client facing track record with the ability to confidently communicate and be an advocate for GMO’s broad investment strategies across a wide range of sophisticated clients.
• Strong investment acumen, intellectual curiosity and the ability to quickly understand and clearly discuss GMO’s investment techniques, strategies and concepts.
• Outstanding communication (written and oral), presentation and interpersonal skills. The ability to convey and adapt complex messages powerfully and in a clear manner so clients of all types and levels of sophistication will understand.

Key Accountabilities:

• Own designated prospect / client universe, and: identify, create and progress new business opportunities within that assigned prospect universe. The aim will be to meet sales and revenue targets which will contribute to their bonus determination
• Demonstrating a collaborative, respectful and confident approach to working with European team colleagues.
• Inclusive of all the above, develop and implement own strategic business development plan for designated market segment and contribute broadly to all sales and servicing plans within Switzerland consistent with the goals, capabilities and culture of the firm.
• Forge strong internal working relationships, partnering closely with other members of the global relationship, investment, and support teams, across a range of functions.
• Quickly develop a strong voice that contributes to the strategic business development plan for Europe and the broader Global Client Relations Team.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of your assigned market segment and how it is evolving - communicating this clearly both horizontally and vertically with a focus on potential risks and business opportunities inclusive of product development.