Custom Programs Development Associate Director

About IMD

Founded by business executives for business executives, the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) is an independent academic institute with campuses in Lausanne and Singapore as well as a Management Development Hub in Shenzhen.
We strive to be the trusted learning partner of choice for ambitious individuals and organizations worldwide. Our executive education and degree programs are consistently ranked among the world’s best by the Financial Times,  Bloomberg, Forbes, and others.
Our leading position in the field is grounded in our unique approach to creating real learning, real impact. Through our research, programs, and advisory work we enable business leaders to find new and better solutions.
Our purpose is Challenging what is and inspiring what could be, we develop leaders and organizations that contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable and inclusive world.

To reinforce our team, we are looking for a

Custom Programs Development Associate Director

The Job's Mission 

As an Associate Director in IMD’s Custom Program team, you will play a central role in designing high-impact, client-centric executive learning experiences for IMD clients, many of which are leading global organizations.

This role demands strategic thinking, deep client engagement, and the ability to co-create innovative learning solutions with IMD faculty, the client and other internal and external stakeholders. While you will often collaborate with a Director, you will be empowered to work independently on many aspects of the sales and design process.

You will help shape custom learning journeys from the first client conversation through to the final proposal, pitching, contracting and handover, operating with significant autonomy while remaining aligned with overall team direction.

Key Responsibilities

Client Needs & Scoping

• Lead or support early-stage conversations to thoroughly understand client needs, context, and strategic objectives.
• Surface unarticulated needs through consultative dialogue, analysis of RFPs, and insights from previous engagements.
• Act as a credible sounding board to clients, developing trust and positioning IMD as a strategic partner.

Design & Proposal Development

• Collaborate with faculty, directors, and the broader Custom Program team to co-design impactful, innovative learning journeys aligned with client goals.
• Ensure proposals go beyond standard content—integrating pedagogical tools, experiential formats, digital elements, and storytelling to showcase IMD’s differentiated approach and impact.
• Apply AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance both proposal development and program design, continuously seeking new ways to innovate.

Commercials & Pitching

• Ensure commercial viability of proposed solutions in terms of pricing, delivery parameters, and resource allocation (in consultation with a Director / Senior Director).
• Support client pitches, adapting content and approach to ensure resonance for different audiences and decision-makers.
• Facilitate iteration and refinement of proposals based on client feedback, balancing client aspirations with operational and pedagogical feasibility.

Engagement Oversight & Client Relationship

• Support handover to the delivery team, briefing Program Coordinators and Learning Managers, and ensuring a smooth transition from sales to execution.
• Remain a trusted point of contact for the client during early delivery stages, and help maintain the relationship post-program to identify new opportunities.
• Contribute to ‘closing the loop’ with clients, gathering insights and feedback for future engagements.

Team Contribution & Collaboration

• Share knowledge, templates, tools, and best practices within the Custom Solutions team to continuously raise the quality of proposals and client engagements.
• Proactively stay current on pedagogical trends, digital learning, AI developments, and market intelligence to inform client solutions.
• Collaborate closely with Legal, Business Operations, IT/Data, and other internal stakeholders to meet compliance and procurement requirements.

Education

• University degree (Master) in related filed such as Business Administration, Strategy, Marketing.

Experience

• 5-8 years of professional experience in a Consulting firm, Executive Education institution or similar
• Business development experience especially focused on solution selling is a plus

Competencies and skills

• Excellent analytical skills
• Fast learner
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills; ability to allocate the appropriate resources to each client request, meet deadlines and work successfully in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent English written communication skills; ability to write clear, concise and compelling proposals, adapted to diverse cultural contexts
• Ability to orally present clear and compelling ideas to our clients and also internally
• Customer-centric and professional in working with clients, across different levels in the client organization
• Collaborative mindset with outstanding teamwork and organizational skills
• Stress resistant and ability to work on multiple opportunities simultaneously.
• Consistently work within a CRM system context for documenting activity, tracking results, analysis, and reporting. Excellent Computer skills - Office minimum, CRM/SalesForce a plus.
• Fluent spoken and written English; other languages an advantage

How to apply

If you have the above skills and would like to work in our stimulating environment, please send your complete application file (letter of motivation and resume in English, copies of your work certificates and diplomas). 

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability (such as dyslexia, sight and/or hearing disabilities, etc) and you need a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for this position, please specify it in your application. 

A valid Swiss work permit or Swiss or EU-25EFTA citizenship is required for this position.