Business Development Manager in the Swiss Business Hub USA Team

Starting date: February 1, 2025 (or tbd)

The Consulate General of Switzerland in New York is looking for a qualified candidate for a permanent position as Business Development Manager for the Swiss Business Hub USA (SBH USA). This is a locally recruited position within the SBH USA headquarter at the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York.

The SBH USA is part of the official representation of Switzerland in the United States, representing Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), Switzerland’s official agency for Export and Investment Promotion.

Our mission is to enable new business. We are the sparring partners of Swiss companies and, together with our network of trusted experts, we support them with their internationalization projects on their journey from Switzerland to the United States. Our services include market surveys, business partner search, legal- tax- and regulatory advice as well as trade fair services and support in the market. 

As our Business Development Manager, you will be responsible to develop the US market (East Coast) and support Swiss SMEs focusing on the Machine- Electro- and Metal Industries (MEM) and Infrastructure.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Active market development, customer management, acquisition and care.
• Support Swiss SMEs with their internationalization projects to successfully enter the US market.
• Understand the needs of the Swiss SMEs and provide guidance.
• Consult Swiss exporting companies on their market entry.
• Coordinate and manage client inquiries, projects and mandates, including acquisition of new clients.
• Trendspotting and scouting: identify business opportunities and create relevant content (reports and social media)
• Identify qualified business partners for Swiss SMEs.
• Identify US companies that could potentially settle in Switzerland, supporting Investment Promotion activities.
• Further develop our network of trusted experts.
• Organize events and networking activities (East-Coast, Mid-West), including trade fairs.
• Visit Swiss companies in Switzerland as well as the US.
• Develop a strong business sector competence.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, ideally followed by a graduate education in Foreign Trade and/or International Business.
• Minimum of 5 years working experience in industry (preferable Mechanical, Electrical or Metal)
• Working experience at export or investment promotion agency, consulting firm or in an international industrial business development role is an advantage.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) in English. Knowledge of one of the Swiss National languages is an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including comfort interacting with different hierarchical levels in an international setup.
• A strong dedication to providing excellent service and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Can bring an inspiring, go-getting and engaging energy to your team and clients.
• Experience with government relations is a plus.
• A developed network (industry experts, associations, consultants, law firms) is a plus.
• As part of the SBH USA team, you will be based in New York but will collaborate closely with the entire U.S. team (LA, SF, ATL, DC and Boston). Willingness and flexibility to travel is expected.
• Additional duties beyond those listed here will be determined and assigned as needed. Training will be provided.

We offer:

• A fascinating role at the intersection of private and public business in the heart of New York City in an exciting global environment.
• 100% matching in 401 k plan
• Paid vacation
• American and some Swiss holidays
• Comprehensive training opportunities, including annual in-person courses at our headquarters and virtual courses throughout the year.

To Apply:

Please send your resume, a letter of interest and salary expectations in electronic format (word or pdf) to job-cgny@eda.admin.ch. Please write into the subject line “SBH – Business Development Manager” to ensure timely processing of your application. Please do not contact the Consulate General or the Permanent Mission. Only candidates chosen for the interview will be contacted.

Application deadline: January 31, 2025