Business Development Manager 80-100%

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Social security package

Pension scheme with cost sharing

Health benefits and work-life balance

Job summary

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd seeks an experienced Business Development Manager to guide the firm’s growth across Geneva and Zurich, coordinating with the BD, Marketing, and Communications teams. You will advise practice groups and partners on revenue growth, client acquisition, and market positioning with cross-border collaboration.

Reporting to the Head of Business Development, you will drive strategic initiatives, manage pitches, and lead sponsorships, while leveraging CRM and data analytics to

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.
• Advanced proficiency in CRM systems, presentation software, and data analysis tools to track and report on commercial performance.

Responsibilities

• Practice Group Strategy & Advisory: Align with two main practices 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 value propositions and differentiators.
• Client Relationship Management & Targeting: Identify cross-selling opportunities, support partner-led client campaigns, and track pipeline health and metrics.
• Directories & League Tables: Manage the legal directory submission process for designated practice groups and prepare partners for interviews.
• Market Initiatives & Sponsorships: Negotiate and execute high-impact sponsorships, industry memberships, and client events to maximize brand visibility.

Skills

Project management

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder influence

Multilingual (EN, FR, DE)

Education

University degree in business/marketing/communications/law

Tools

CRM systems

Presentation software

Data analysis 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.

Jennifer Funk, Human Resources, Zurich, will be pleased to receive your application documents and is available to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered.