Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager
Business development managers are responsible for developing the business side of a company and
dealing with the numerous business opportunities which are presented to an organisation throughout
the year.
Business development managers help an organisation become as successful as possible. These

managers rely upon in-depth knowledge of business theories to allow enterprises to grow. They
evaluate the current performance of a particular business and think about ways in which it should be
changed in order for it to reach its full potential. They perform numerous different tasks but, most
importantly, they perform thorough assessments of the current marketing opportunities and research
the identities of specific target markets.
Some of the tasks performed are similar to those conducted by a market researcher. For instance,
business development managers will try to gather informative data about customer trends and tastes,
as well as information about the competition in each market in which the business is involved.
However, their role differs from that of a market researcher, since they are responsible for how this
collected data is used. For instance, they will decide whether the collated data shows sufficient
support to allow a new product to be launched and, if it does, they will be in charge of initiating this
project.
They will also be responsible for monitoring the outcome of such business activity. They monitor
the activity in the market and see how actual sales meet or contradict established business models.
These models will usually have been designed by the managers and they will be responsible for
making alterations if necessary.
Business development managers are also responsible for attracting new customers, many of whom
may not have been targeted by the business before. In order to attract as many new customers as
possible, the managers will create and subsequently deliver impressive presentations and will also
take part in negotiations with potential clients.
As with many senior positions in large companies, the role of business development manager is
particularly popular with men. However, women should not be put off applying to become a
business development manager, since they are just as likely to possess both the academic capability
and the necessary personal skills.
Salary
Business development managers can expect to earn a healthy salary. However, the precise salary
provided to an individual will differ depending upon the type of business employing the individual,
the location of the business, and the amount of experience held by the employee. As a rough guide,
those starting out as business development managers can expect to earn approximately £20,000 to
£30,000.
After a few years in the role, this salary may rise by as much as £30,000. Most business
development managers who have worked in their current position for several years earn in the
region of £50,000 to £60,000. However, it is not uncommon for salaries to reach £90,000 or even
higher. Salaries paid to individuals working in London are likely to be higher than those for people
working elsewhere.
Since many business development managers work for large businesses and organisations, additional
benefits are likely such as the provision of a company car, health insurance, and gym membership.
Responsibilities
The typical tasks undertaken by a business development manager include:
 Keeping up to date with economic and business developments throughout the working day
 Keeping up to date with overall business trends
 Performing research into the market, customer trends, and competition in the market
 Using quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect useful information
 Deciding whether or not this research is useful and using it as necessary
 Preparing detailed business plans which cover relevant goals and objectives
 Looking after the company's financial resources and allocating them as appropriate
 Liaising with other professionals in the company and in other companies, including account
managers
 Networking with employees from other companies and potential customers
 Attending workshops and trade fairs
Qualifications
There are no specific qualifications which need to be gained prior to applying for the position of
business development manager. However, most hold degrees, many of which are in relevant
subjects including economics and business studies. Good GSCE and A Level grades will be
expected by all employers.
Skills
Business development managers will need to possess the following skills:
 Good communication skills

 Good interpersonal skills
 Good business knowledge
 Negotiation skills
 Tact and diplomacy
 Creativity
 A good grasp of numbers and the ability to write documents in a professional style
 Organisational skills
 A hunger to stay up to date with economic matters
 The ability to stay calm under pressure and meet tight deadlines
 The ability to keep objectives and goals firmly in sight
 The ability to remain flexible and seek alternative options to problems
 Problem solving skills
Working Conditions
Business development managers work in an office environment, so working conditions are

generally comfortable. However, business development managers will frequently visit other offices
and working environments in order to hold meetings and conduct research. Furthermore, overseas
travel is common in this position, since business development managers often need to test the
waters in foreign markets.
The job can be stressful, since the position is a senior one within any company or organisation.
Individuals will often have to work to tight deadlines and will be held responsible for a company's
failure to grow successfully or quickly. However, it is also an interesting job and most individuals
find it very rewarding and stimulating.
Many business development managers work to a 9 to 5 timetable but overtime and weekend work
may be necessary at busy times.
Experience
No official experience is required prior to making an application to become a business development

manager. However, any previous experience in a managerial position will look good on a CV, as
will general experience in sales, marketing, or accounting. General knowledge of how a large
business is run will help you in your position and work experience in one of numerous departments
within an organisation is a good idea for those interested in becoming a business development
manager.
Employers
Any organisation or company can choose to employ a business development manager. These may
include:
 Pharmaceutical companies
 Consultancy companies
 Software companies
 Telecommunications companies
 Infrastructure companies
Career Progression
Many business development managers choose to specialise in one particular area after a few years
in the position. For example, they may choose to focus upon sales or marketing and manage these
departments exclusively. Alternatively, they may move into consultancy and focus upon providing
advice to companies. Other business development managers, who will have gained many useful
skills, choose to set up their own businesses.

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Business Development Manager

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Business Development Manager

Business development managers help an organisation become as successful as possible. These

The typical tasks undertaken by a business development manager include:

Business development managers will need to possess the following skills:

 Good communication skills

Business development managers work in an office environment, so working conditions are

No official experience is required prior to making an application to become a business development

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