Job Description Template: Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager identifies market opportunities, builds client relationships, and drives revenue growth. This template helps Swiss employers define the role clearly: what the position entails, must-have skills (sales acumen, market knowledge), nice-to-haves (language abilities, certifications), and competitive benefits. Adapt location (canton/city), Pensum (percentage), and language requirements to your needs.
This template helps you describe a Business Development Manager role to attract the right candidate. Fill in your company name, location (specify canton and city—standard practice in Swiss job ads), Pensum as a percentage (e.g. 80–100%), and any sector-specific details. Language requirements should appear in the requirements section.
Business Development roles vary by industry and company size. Adjust the responsibilities and requirements to match your market, growth stage, and internal structure. If you need HR guidance, consult a specialist familiar with Swiss employment law.
The Role: What a Business Development Manager Does
A Business Development Manager drives growth by identifying and closing new business opportunities. They research markets, approach prospects, negotiate terms, and build long-term client relationships. This role sits between sales execution and strategic planning.
In smaller Swiss companies, the BD Manager often owns the full sales cycle and may also coordinate with product, marketing, or operations teams. Responsibilities shift based on industry (B2B, B2C, SaaS, services) and your target markets.
- Identify and qualify new market opportunities and customer segments
- Build and maintain a pipeline of prospects; conduct outbound prospecting
- Negotiate contracts and close deals within defined revenue targets
- Develop and execute go-to-market strategies for new offerings or regions
- Track sales metrics, forecasts, and pipeline health
- Collaborate with product, marketing, and operations teams to support client success
Must-Have Requirements
Every Business Development Manager needs proven sales or business development experience—typically 3–5 years in a similar role. They must understand your industry or a comparable one, demonstrate closing ability, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong communication in the main business language is essential (specify German, French, Italian, or English based on your market and clientele). Self-motivation, resilience, and comfort with data-driven decision-making are non-negotiable.
- 3–5 years of sales, business development, or account management experience (or equivalent)
- Proven track record closing deals and meeting revenue targets
- Fluency in [insert main language: German/French/Italian/English]
- Self-directed, coachable, and comfortable with rejection
- Proficiency with CRM software (Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar)
- Strong negotiation and presentation skills
Nice-to-Have Requirements & What We Offer
Nice-to-haves set your candidates apart: relevant industry certifications, fluency in a second Swiss language, experience in your specific sector, or background in adjacent roles (product management, consulting). These help but are not blockers.
Competitive benefits matter for Swiss talent. Offer a transparent salary range (e.g. CHF 90,000–130,000 per annum), clarity on Pensum, 13. Monatslohn if applicable, holidays (20+ days standard), flexible working options, and professional development support. Include details on GAV coverage if your sector has a collective agreement.
- Secondary language fluency (German, French, or Italian if primary language differs)
- Experience in [your specific industry: fintech, manufacturing, consulting, etc.]
- Knowledge of Swiss or European market dynamics
- Project management or cross-functional collaboration experience
- Salary range in CHF, Pensum percentage, and contract type (permanent, trial period)
- Annual leave, 13th month bonus, training budget, flexible hours, and remote-work policy
Frequently asked questions
- Should I list a language requirement if we're a German-speaking company?
- Yes. State the required language explicitly—e.g. 'German (C1 level required)' or 'fluency in German essential.' If a second language is useful (e.g. English for international clients), list it as nice-to-have. For bilingual regions, name both required languages. This prevents misaligned applications and sets clear expectations.
- What Pensum should I offer for this role?
- Most Business Development Manager roles are full-time (100% Pensum). Some companies offer 80% for experienced candidates seeking better work-life balance. State the Pensum percentage clearly next to the job title and repeat it in the 'What We Offer' section. If flexible, say '80–100% depending on experience and preference.'
- How do I make the salary competitive without overpaying?
- Research comparable roles in your canton using salary surveys (e.g. Salarium, Robert Half Salary Guide, or industry associations). Offer a realistic range—e.g. CHF 90,000–130,000—based on experience level and Pensum. Include 13. Monatslohn if your company or GAV provides it. Be transparent; vague salary posts attract fewer serious candidates.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.