Partnerships and Development Manager (h/f)

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic and relationship-focused Partnerships and Development Manager to lead the expansion and consolidation of our global network. Representing our group’s four prestigious schools, you will be the bridge between our academic institutions and the wider world of academia and industry.

In this key role, you will oversee the full lifecycle of partnerships—from identifying strategic opportunities and negotiating complex contracts to managing compliance and hosting high-level delegations in Switzerland. You will ensure our partner ecosystem thrives, driving growth, retention, and satisfaction across all regions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Partnership Management (Academic & International)

• Develop and Negotiate: Identify and secure new strategic partnerships for the group’s four schools. Lead contract negotiations, ensuring terms are favourable, compliant, and aligned with our growth objectives.
• Optimize and Retain: Manage the retention and consolidation of existing institutional partnerships. Actively monitor partner satisfaction and performance to ensure long-term value.
• Academic Mapping: Conduct assessments of academic programs to map potential alignments and document relevant materials for articulation agreements.
• Process Improvement: Refine internal frameworks and processes to streamline how partnerships are managed, liaising closely with academic teams to ensure seamless integration.

2. Industry & Brand Collaborations

• New Business Development: Identify and develop relationships with industry leaders, associations, and public/private funding entities.
• Brand Stewardship: Draft and monitor industry agreements, ensuring strict control over the use of logos and marketing activities across the group.
• Coordination: Serve as the central point of coordination for industry and brand partnership activities, ensuring internal and external alignment.

3. Performance Analysis & Compliance 

• Data & Reporting: Track partnership data, analyse performance metrics, and produce regular reports to guide strategy.
• Contract Management: Oversee the execution and compliance of all institutional and representative agreements. Monitor trademark registrations across brands and regions.
• Communication: Act as the information hub for partnerships, ensuring all internal departments, regional offices, and external stakeholders have up-to-date and accurate information.

4. International Event Participation

• International Representation: Represent the schools at international events to uncover new opportunities. Support regional teams on the ground with presentations and site visits.
• Welcome Delegations: Plan, coordinate, and execute VIP visits for potential and existing partners in Switzerland. This includes welcoming official delegations, organizing signing ceremonies, and managing special events.

Qualifications

• Experience: Experience in business development, partnership management, or international relations, preferably within the Higher Education or Hospitality sectors.
• Negotiation Skills: Track record in contract negotiation, drafting agreements, and compliance management.
• Analytical Mindset: Ability to map academic programs, analyse performance data, and report on KPIs.
• Communication: Discretion and exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to manage high level relationships with academic leaders, corporate executives, and government officials. 
• Languages: Fluency in English is required. French or German is highly desirable.
• Mobility: Willingness to travel internationally and flexibility to host delegations in Switzerland.

What We Offer

• Global Impact: The opportunity to shape the international footprint of four leading educational institutions.
• Dynamic Environment: Work in a multicultural setting with interaction across academic and corporate sectors.

How to Apply 

Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience in partnership development and contract negotiation.