Business Development Manager (m/f/x)

ESMT Berlin is a leading global business school with its campus in the heart of Berlin. Founded by 25 global companies, ESMT offers master, MBA, and PhD programs, as well as executive education on its campus in Berlin, in locations around the world, online, and in online blended format. We strongly believe in cross-team collaboration to achieve our mission to develop entrepreneurial leaders who think globally and act responsibly.

To strengthen our Business Development team, we are looking for a

Business Development Manager (m/f/x 40 hrs./week, based in Berlin)

who combines consultative sales skills with a strong relationship-building mindset and a passion for executive education.

As a Business Development Manager, you will play a key role in generating and qualifying leads and converting them into participants or clients for executive education programs.

You will operate at the intersection of B2C and B2B sales: advising individual professionals on their development journey while also engaging with HR, L&D, and business leaders to build long-term partnerships.

You will take ownership of a portfolio of programs and contribute directly to their commercial success. You will also build up and deepen client relationships to generate business for ESMT.

Your responsibilities

1. Drive participant acquisition and conversion

• Engage with prospective participants (e.g., brochure downloads, inquiries), conduct consultative conversations and guide them through the decision-making process
• Convert leads into enrolled participants across executive education offerings, ensuring a seamless handover where relevant.

2. Manage and grow client relationships

• Develop and deepen relationships with existing corporate clients (e.g., across business units, leadership levels, and functions)
• Identify cross-selling opportunities across ESMT’s program portfolio

3. Acquire new clients and markets

• Proactively identify, prioritize and approach new organizations and target segments
• Leverage alumni networks, events, and outreach campaigns to generate new business opportunities

4. Collaborate internally and shape offerings

• Collaborate closely with Admissions, Marketing, Program Directors, and Key Account Managers to ensure a coordinated and high-impact client approach
• Share market insights and client feedback to help refine program offerings

What success looks like

• Achieving participant targets across assigned programs as well as overall revenue goals
• Maintaining a strong and healthy pipeline of qualified leads
• Expanding existing client relationships and establishing new partnerships
• Contributing to a seamless and high-quality client experience across all touchpoints
• Building a strong internal network and contributing to continuous improvement of our offerings

• Experience in consultative sales, business development, or client-facing roles (B2B, B2C, or hybrid)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders—from early-career professionals to senior HR leaders
• A proactive, structured, and results-oriented way of working
• Strong follow-up discipline and ability to manage multiple leads and opportunities in parallel (e.g., using CRM tools)
•  Ability to navigate a collaborative, multi-stakeholder environment
• Interest in learning, leadership development, and higher education

• ESMT Berlin is Germany’s leading business school and among the top institutions worldwide for executive education – ranked No. 1 in Germany and No. 4 globally for customized programs (Financial Times Executive Education Ranking 2025).
• You will join a team recognized for its international diversity, deep expertise, and collaborative culture. People at ESMT take initiative, support one another, and enjoy the space to turn ideas into reality.
• Discover the perks and culture that make our workplace special.

Health and Well-Being

• Flexible remote work, including up to 15 days abroad per year
• Ergonomic office equipment and access to university sports across Berlin
• Subsidized meals at the campus restaurant

Financial Benefits

• Subsidized public transportation ticket and leasing options of bicycles/e-bikes
• Company pension scheme with Allianz

Personal Development

•  Access to LinkedIn Learning
• On-campus German and English courses in small groups
• Participation in ESMT’s Executive Education and degree programs

What makes this more than just a job

ESMT offers a collegial and international work environment, with employees representing more than 55 nationalities. We encourage a self-driven mind-set and contributions that create meaningful and lasting impact. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a fair and inclusive workplace where individuals of all identities and backgrounds are welcomed and valued. Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion enriches our employees, students, and broader community.

You will work on our campus in Berlin-Mitte. Get here by public transport or bike and enjoy your lunches in our private restaurant and café or next to the beautiful Spree. Make use of our big garden and enjoy coffee and tea on the house with your team. Our vibrant community comes together through activities and events like Lucky Lunch, Wednesday Cookies, Orientation Days for new employees, Summer Party and Year End Event, our talented ESMT choir, and much more.

Please submit your application by using our online application form, including the following documents:

• Motivation letter.
• CV with relevant certificates and references
• Salary expectations and possible start date.

For further questions please contact:

ESMT BerlinI Friederike Rathjens I Human Resources Manager I Schlossplatz 1 I 10178 Berlin I Tel: 030 21231 0 I Jobs at ESMT Berlin