Director Risk Advisory

Zanders is an international consultancy that delivers Risk, Treasury and SaaS solutions to banks, insurers, asset managers and corporates across Europe, the United States, the Middle East and Asia. The Director Risk Advisory will sit in the Zurich office and lead the commercial side of the firm's Risk Advisory practice for the Swiss financial market. The role blends business development with hands‑on risk advisory, requiring a strong network in Switzerland and the ability to translate that network into new engagements for Zanders. On a daily basis the director will cultivate senior client relationships throughout the Swiss banking, insurance and asset‑management sectors, turning contacts into a steady pipeline of work. They will manage the full commercial cycle, qualifying opportunities, preparing proposals, pricing, negotiating terms and onboarding clients. In parallel they will lead risk‑advisory projects, defining scope, planning, budgeting and quality while directing the appropriate specialists. The role also involves spotting cross‑sell and up‑sell possibilities for Zanders' broader portfolio, contributing to the practice's commercial strategy, and acting as a trusted adviser to CROs, risk directors and treasurers on strategy, governance and regulatory developments. Visibility in the market is built through speaking, publishing and industry participation, while internal responsibilities include coaching consultants, safeguarding team wellbeing and supporting practice‑wide initiatives. The ideal candidate comes from a risk‑consulting background or has held senior risk, commercial or relationship positions within a bank, insurer or asset manager. They must possess an established senior network in the Swiss financial sector and a proven track record of converting those relationships into signed work. Broad experience across multiple risk types, credit, market, liquidity, ESG, AI and others, is essential, as is demonstrated commercial ownership of deals from first conversation through to onboarding. Experience leading client engagements and delivery teams at a level that earns the confidence of senior stakeholders is required, together with the ability to accurately scope client problems and allocate the right specialists. The director must also stay current on risk regulation and market trends, coach junior staff, protect team workload and wellbeing, and contribute to Zanders' internal culture and practice development. The position is based in Zurich with a hybrid working model, offering regular interaction with clients across Switzerland and close collaboration with Zanders colleagues throughout Europe. Switzerland is a key growth market for the firm, providing the director with a pivotal role in expanding the Risk Advisory footprint. The role combines strategic market development, high‑level client advisory and team leadership within a globally recognised consultancy. What the role asks for: - Senior network in Swiss financial sector with proven win record - Broad experience in risk management or risk consulting - Commercial ownership of deals from initial talk to onboarding - Led client risk engagements and delivery teams at senior level - Scoped client problems across multiple risk types - Acted as trusted adviser to CROs and senior risk leaders - Maintained up‑to‑date knowledge of risk regulation and markets - Coached consultants and supported their development - Ensured team workload balance and wellbeing - Contributed to internal practice initiatives and One Zanders culture