Business Development Manager 80-100%

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd; Genf; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd seeks an experienced Business Development Manager to join our integrated Business Development, Marketing, and Communications team. You will advise practice groups and partners to drive revenue growth, client acquisition, and market positioning across our Geneva, Zurich, and Singapore offices.

This role can be based in Geneva or Zurich, with regular travel between both offices, and requires strong English fluency plus working knowledge of French or German, with advanced

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive business development experience within a commercial law firm or professional services firm
• Strong commercial acumen with the credibility and gravitas to influence senior stakeholders
• Exceptional project management capabilities across cross-border teams
• Native or bilingual English; working proficiency in French or German; tri-lingual fluency is a strong asset
• Advanced proficiency in CRM, presentation software, and data analysis tools

Responsibilities

• Practice Group Strategy & Advisory: align with two main practice groups to develop, execute, and monitor annual business development and client acquisition plans
• Pitch & Proposal Management: lead end-to-end preparation of strategic pitches, RFPs, and tailored client presentations, defining the value proposition and differentiators
• Client Relationship Management & Targeting: identify cross-selling opportunities, support partner-led client targeting campaigns, and track pipeline health and metrics
• Directories & League Tables: manage legal directory submissions for designated practice groups and interview preparation for partners
• Market Initiatives & Sponsorships: evaluate, negotiate, and execute sponsorships, memberships, and client events to maximize visibility and ROI

Skills

Stakeholder influence

Project management

CRM & analytics

Language skills: EN/FR/DE

Education

University degree in business administration, marketing, communications, law, or related discipline

Tools

CRM software

Presentation software

Data analytics tools

Job description

Schellenberg Wittmer is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to join its integrated Business Development, Marketing, and Communications team.

Reporting directly to the Head of Business Development, Marketing, and Communications, you will act as a strategic advisor to practice groups and individual partners, driving revenue growth, client acquisition, and market positioning across our Geneva, Zurich, and Singapore offices.

This position can be based in either Geneva or Zurich, with regular travel expected between both offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Practice Group Strategy & Advisory: Alignment with two of the firm's main practices group to develop, execute, and monitor annual business development and client acquisition plans aligned with firm-wide growth objectives.
• Pitch & Proposal Management: Lead the end-to-end preparation of strategic pitches, RFPs, and tailored client presentations, defining the value proposition and market differentiators.
• Client Relationship Management & Targeting: Identify cross-selling opportunities, support partner-led client targeting campaigns, and leverage CRM and market intelligence to track pipeline health, win/loss ratios, and conversion metrics.
• Directories & League Tables: Legal directory submission process (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500) for designated practice groups, ensuring compelling positioning and effective interview preparation for partners.
• Market Initiatives & Sponsorships: Evaluate, negotiate, and execute high-impact sponsorships, industry memberships, and targeted client events to maximize brand visibility and commercial return on investment.

Profile & Qualifications

• University degree in business administration, marketing, communications, law, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive business development experience within a commercial law firm or professional services firm or international organization with international exposure.
• Strong commercial acumen with the credibility, diplomacy, and gravitas required to influence senior stakeholders in a partnership structure.
• Exceptional project management capabilities with the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple cross-border teams.
• Native or fully bilingual proficiency in English; professional working proficiency in French or German is required, with full trilingual fluency being a strong asset.
• Advanced proficiency in CRM systems, presentation software, and data analysis tools to track and report on commercial performance.

What we offer

Attractive working conditions: A modern working environment, a comprehensive social security package, an attractive pension scheme with fair cost sharing, and a wide range of benefits supporting health and work-life balance.

Team spirit & collegial atmosphere: You will join a committed, dynamic, and supportive team characterized by mutual trust, professionalism, and a respectful, collaborative culture.

A future-oriented employer: As a leading business law firm with an international focus, we offer an inspiring professional environment and the opportunity to actively shape your career within a firm known for its strong reputation, clear values, and sustainable outlook.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.