Client Director - Alternatives

at  GAM Investments

RIGHT?

GAM is one of the world’s leading independent asset managers. We provide differentiated active investment solutions and products for institutions, financial intermediaries and private investors.
Together we share a common set of values rooted in teamwork, integrity, entrepreneurial flair and professional excellence.
Our employees are our most valuable asset. Being able to offer an attractive work environment where talented minds from various backgrounds are keen to work is key to the long-term success of our company. We firmly believe in the importance of maintaining the open culture of a small company, aiming to avoid bureaucracy and encouraging a flexible, accessible and hands-on working style across the Group. In turn, our people reward us with their loyalty.
Function:
Distribution
Department:
Distribution - CEMEA
Purpose
We are looking for a highly experienced and driven Senior Salesperson to spearhead the distribution of alternative investment products across Switzerland, focusing on hedge funds, private market funds, and commodity-related products (including trade finance). The role is responsible for establishing and expanding relationships with institutional investors, banks, family offices, and wealth management clients. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth market knowledge, a strong network within the Swiss financial sector, and a proven track record in alternative investment sales.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Leadership in Sales: Take charge of developing and executing a strategic sales plan to grow the firm’s presence in alternative investments, targeting key client segments such as pension funds, insurance companies, family offices, private banks, and wealth management channels.
• Client Acquisition & Relationship Management: Leverage your extensive network to acquire new clients and foster long-term relationships with existing clients, acting as a trusted advisor to deliver tailored investment solutions in hedge funds, private markets, and commodity-based strategies including trade finance.
• Product Expertise & Education: Provide expert-level knowledge of alternative investments, advising clients on the benefits, risks, and performance potential of hedge funds, private equity, real assets, and trade finance solutions. Regularly conduct client education sessions and market updates.
• Market Intelligence: Stay at the forefront of developments in the alternative investment space, including market trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activity. Provide insights to internal teams to guide product development and competitive positioning.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with portfolio management, research, legal, and marketing teams to ensure product offerings are competitive, compliant with regulations, and aligned with client needs.
• Sales Leadership & Reporting: Lead by example in meeting and exceeding sales targets, maintaining a clear and organized sales pipeline, and reporting regularly to senior management on key achievements and market opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in alternative investment sales, with a deep focus on hedge funds, private market funds (private equity, real estate, infrastructure), and commodity-based products, including trade finance.
• Client Relationships: A well-established network of institutional investors, family offices, private banks, and wealth managers in Switzerland. Proven ability to develop and manage complex relationships with high-profile clients.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of alternative investment strategies, including hedge funds, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, commodities, and trade finance. Ability to articulate these strategies within the context of client portfolios.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of Swiss and European financial regulations pertaining to alternative investments and experience in navigating complex regulatory environments.
• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field is required. CFA, CAIA, or equivalent professional designations are highly desirable.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English is required. Fluency in German and/or French is highly preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Sales Leadership: Proven leadership in alternative investment sales, with a track record of consistently achieving or surpassing sales targets.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to identify market opportunities, anticipate client needs, and create innovative solutions to capitalize on trends within alternative investments.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to engage senior decision-makers in both institutional and wealth management sectors.
• Client-Centric Approach: Strong client service orientation, with a focus on delivering solutions that meet the specific needs of sophisticated investors.
• Results-Oriented: Demonstrated success in driving business growth, with a focus on long-term client satisfaction and retention. High degree of professional ethics, integrity and sound business judgement. Ability to foster effective and trusted relationships with all stakeholders.

Benefits
GAM offers a comprehensive range of benefits and performance-based compensation, along with a variety of lifestyle and family benefits to promote well-being in and out of the workplace. These benefits vary according to local market conditions. Please contact the local Human Resources team for further details.
Employing Company/ies:
GAM Investment Management (Switzerland) AG
Reporting to:
Head of Switzerland Distribution
Contract:
Permanen

• Leadership in Sales: Take charge of developing and executing a strategic sales plan to grow the firm’s presence in alternative investments, targeting key client segments such as pension funds, insurance companies, family offices, private banks, and wealth management channels.
• Client Acquisition & Relationship Management: Leverage your extensive network to acquire new clients and foster long-term relationships with existing clients, acting as a trusted advisor to deliver tailored investment solutions in hedge funds, private markets, and commodity-based strategies including trade finance.
• Product Expertise & Education: Provide expert-level knowledge of alternative investments, advising clients on the benefits, risks, and performance potential of hedge funds, private equity, real assets, and trade finance solutions. Regularly conduct client education sessions and market updates.
• Market Intelligence: Stay at the forefront of developments in the alternative investment space, including market trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activity. Provide insights to internal teams to guide product development and competitive positioning.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with portfolio management, research, legal, and marketing teams to ensure product offerings are competitive, compliant with regulations, and aligned with client needs.
• Sales Leadership & Reporting: Lead by example in meeting and exceeding sales targets, maintaining a clear and organized sales pipeline, and reporting regularly to senior management on key achievements and market opportunities