The European division of AB is comprised of client/distributor-focused Advisors & Associates as well as consultant-focused and marketing professionals dedicated to building and servicing our client base in Europe. Within the division, Client Relations Associates work in a team environment, comprised of Advisors, Associates, Marketing and Assistants, to support client service and prospecting efforts for the region.

The purpose of this role is to support the Client Relations Advisors in servicing clients in Switzerland as well as supporting business development efforts with clients and prospects.

The successful candidate will be a motivated self-starter with knowledge of the asset management industry and capable of working in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must be detail-oriented and possess strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills. The ability to work successfully in a team, to be supportive and inclusive is a must.

An undergraduate university degree is mandatory and prior professional work experience is desirable. A strong work ethic and healthy ambition for responsibility is also essential.

Responsibilities

The Associate coordinates all client activity and provides the central point of reference for internal and external contacts associated with a client relationship. Associates are in constant communication with clients and various internal departments to ensure client expectations are fully met—they are the advocates for the client. This includes building effective and trusted relationships first and foremost with the Advisors, but also with portfolio management, operations and client reporting, legal and compliance, among others.

Associates are responsible for handling all client, consultant and prospect requests specific to the relationships to which they are assigned. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Acting as first point of contact for all client inquiries and collaborating with colleagues in other departments to successfully resolve them (including product/performance/market related queries; operational issues; legal amendments; billing queries etc.)
• Partnering with Advisors to provide support and to ensure strong client relationships built on trust and credibility
• Organizing, attending and participating in pre-meetings to prepare for external meetings and events, and coordinating the follow-ups afterwards
• Coordinating and overseeing client service and prospecting materials such as presentations for meetings, RFIs/RFPs, ad hoc reports and general correspondence
• Overseeing the new account take-on process including coordination of legal, portfolio management and operational items with the relevant internal departments
• Ensuring timely and accurate preparation and distribution of client reporting, client service and prospecting materials (presentations and correspondence)
• Maintaining client summary documents
• Maintaining client files and CRM system/databases (Salesforce)

Associates are expected to be fully trained and competent in dealing directly with clients and prospects in a knowledgeable and professional manner. They are encouraged to raise their personal profile across the firm. As appropriate, they will be asked to participate in department, regional and firmwide projects and initiatives. In areas where they exceed expectations, they will be given the opportunity to take on greater responsibility.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivation and tenacity, embodying a disciplined and creative approach to problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Self-reliance for regular/familiar tasks
• Supportive and inclusive, thriving in a team-oriented and collaborative environment
• Keenness to learn about AB’s investment strategies
• Driven by deadlines and able to reassess priorities
• Confidence to bring new ideas to their Advisors, colleagues and leaders, and to develop/lead on team initiatives
• Open to feedback
• Professional, courteous and flexible
• Client-centric mindset and the ability to influence and lead others to prioritize accordingly
• Interest in the financial services industry

Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Finance, Economics, or Marketing, and an excellent academic record
• Track record of outstanding performance and achievement
• 2 years of experience in the financial services industry preferred
• Full business English proficiency is a must
• Good verbal, written communication, presentation and listening skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Experience with Salesforce.com, Preqin and eVestment a plus
• IMC preferable/willing to attain
• Ability to interact with senior management
• Ability to handle confidential information
• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• Adherence to established Associate and Advisor teams’ processes and procedures
• Strong time management and organisation skills
• Uses own initiative to work out the best plan of action for non-familiar tasks
• A results-orientated self-starter who can quickly understand client needs and focus on commercial delivery
• Ability to network and develop long-term relationships with clients and internal partners
• Technical knowledge and/or genuine interest in the Institutional market, asset classes and associated competitive landscape
• Ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization

Zurich, Switzerland