Associate Director of Business Development

Job Description

Job Title: Associate Director of Business Development

Location: Zürich, Switzerland

Department: EMEA Distribution

Working Hours: Full time (40 hrs/week)

Reports to: Head of Distribution Switzerland

Role Purpose

The Business Development team covers the business of abrdn in Switzerland and through in-depth knowledge of investment products they engage a diversity of clients, bankers and product providers to raise awareness of abrdn’s investment capabilities and potential. The team consists of a number of sales professionals each with an allocated sector/geographic responsibility.

The role holder will be predominantly responsible for wholesale investor sales in Switzerland and is responsible for developing relationships with existing clients and new opportunities and promoting abrdn as a Premier Investment House. Experience in both the wholesale, institutional and consultant market is of key importance as are Swiss-German language skills.

The key customers of the area are predominantly external clients, however internally, the role holder must foster and develop relationships with other parts of the sales operations around the world, as well as the other support functions in the business. The role holder will be based in Zürich and report to the Head of Switzerland.

Key Outcomes- To promote abrdn as a Premier Investment House- To support abrdn in their drive for new business and successfully raise assets in Switzerland- Speaking at seminars, conducting one to one’s and attending meetings with key clients, prospects and consultants- Have an excellent working knowledge of investment matters and asset classes including Fixed Income, Global Equities, Absolute Return Investment, European Equities, Private Markets and Private Equity to identify tasks and implement solutions that will help to develop new business relationships and relationships with consultants- Liaison with marketing, regarding production and distribution of investment literature ensuring it is fit for purpose for Switzerland- To carry out project work to support the Swiss business lines- To help deliver the key outcomes set out in the Swiss business plan and contribute actively to the wider European business plan- Acquire a detailed knowledge of fund structures and systems pertaining to the relevant product lines to successfully raise assets in Switzerland and contribute to new investment solutions for the Swiss market- To acquire detailed knowledge of fund regulations and compliance issues in Switzerland

Core Knowledge- Key knowledge of Swiss market- A thorough knowledge of key competition and the competitive environment in Switzerland fund industry- Knowledge of overall Investment markets and relevant products in Switzerland and for the Swiss market- A good working knowledge of the legal and regulatory provisions associated with the Swiss role- Understand abrdn’ investment strategy

Core Skills- Excellent internal and external communications skills- Languages - Swiss-German and English are essential- Ability to write reports and give professional presentations- Ability to build and improve personal relationships with a diverse range of people/personalities

Professional Qualifications- Educated to degree level, with relevant experience in an investment related role-
- Registered in the Swiss Client Advisory Register (FIDLEG/FINIG)

Talents- Team work - is supportive of colleagues and is willing to share ideas and listen to others- Information gathering - knows where to get relevant information from and will make use of all available sources- Attention to detail - takes thorough approach when dealing with clients in order to meet client needs- Planning & organising - schedules daily work and does not rely on others to prioritise activities- Client focus - maintains focus on client needs at all times and is flexible when trying to meet and exceed client expectations- Communicating & influencing - explains things clearly whether verbally or in writing and can present to a wide audience using an appropriate style and tone- Preference for Action - takes ownership for work and will see things through- Responsibility - demonstrates strong work ethic and takes initiative to meet client needs. Looks for opportunities to create value for the client- Tenacity - copes well with high volumes of work and thrives in a fast paced work environment- Networking - builds a range of contacts both internally and externally and uses their knowledge to gain business advantage

We’re committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all forms of difference are valued and which is free from any form of unfair or unlawful treatment. We define diversity in its broadest sense - this includes but is not limited to our diversity of educational and professional backgrounds, experience, cognitive and neurodiversity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief and ethnicity and geographical provenance. We