Our client is a Swiss Private Bank with over with over 50 years of history, headquartered in Zürich, is privately owned and operates across 9 markets across the globe. It is active and has expertise in Commercial Banking, Retail Banking, Trade Finance and Wealth Management. We have been exclusively mandated by our client to look for a Country Manager. The role is responsible for managing / supporting all activities of the Switzerland operation including profitable performance / growth of our businesses operating out of Switzerland, ensuring full compliance of the regulatory requirements and the banks policies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement recommendations to higher management on the strategic direction of the operation in Switzerland. Keep them appraised of the applicable status and informed of important activities / key issues affecting the Swiss operation.
• Advise / guide local country management on the overall management, operations and business development of the Swiss operation, while ensuring cost-efficient measures are implemented. Ensure that all initiatives are considered with the client`s needs and excellence in service are central, as well as making sure that standards are continually optimised and improved.
• Manage (administratively) all departments of the Swiss operation including ensuring each departments performance, efficiency, resourcing and compliance adherence. Establish / maintain contingency plans for the Switzerland operations continuation.
• Drive the further development of the domestic Commercial Banking and Trade Finance businesses as well as our Institutional Banking business. Establish and nurture contacts, meeting clients, developing new business, promoting new credit facilities, and where applicable manage large third party relationships. Develop a cross-border commercial business in conjunction with members of the Group, as well as support the development of the Financial Institutions business, as required.
• Support the local Head of Wealth Management in relation to the management of the Private Banking business, its clients, service and performance.
• Ensure maintenance of all key business limits / authorities including facility, expenditure, Treasury and Brokerage, IT access rights / controls etc.
• Provide sound guidance on strategies, policies and procedures to ensure smooth, efficient and effective controls in line with organisational regulations, policies and directives. Monitor / ensure that the policies and directives are being fully complied with.
• Ensure Credit / Risk management governance is maintained particularly in credit assessments and security documentation. Chair / participate in necessary governance meetings and lead / participate in applicable projects at either at a Country or at Group level, as required.
• Develop and ensure the implementation of Switzerland’s Annual Financial Plan and Budget as well as ensuring complete, timely and accurate financial / management information to higher management and as required.

Experience / Skills:

• 15+ years` relevant banking experience with 10 + years` experience preferably in a Swiss banking role (led a branch / small Bank with international activities)
• Knowledge / experience in Private Banking, Commercial Banking, Financial Institutions, Trade Finance, Operations and general banking
• Up-to-date with regulatory requirements and extensive knowledge of financial instruments within a Swiss Banking Framework
• Experience of financial planning and budgeting, validation and control
• Languages: English (essential), German (preferable).

Job ID CM-687-ZH