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Business development manager
Business development managers build relationships with customers, suppliers and partners. They help businesses grow and improve.
Average salary (a year)
£26000
Starter
£64000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings
attending events or appointments
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; applying directly; a graduate training scheme
University
You can get into this career by doing a degree. Most degree subjects are acceptable though relevant subjects include
business management, business development, accountancy, economics, international relations
Employers will also usually want you to have experience in sales, marketing or business management. Work experience, internships or year in industry placements can help you gain commercial skills.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
College
You could study a college course in sales or business. If you've started work in a junior role, you could think about taking qualifications like
Level 3 Award in Business Development Skills, Level 3 Certificate in Sales and Account Management
Entry requirements
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You can gain useful skills and work towards this role through apprenticeships like
business to business sales professional degree apprenticeship, retail leadership degree apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could work your way up from a sales or marketing role by taking further training on the job.
Direct Application
You could apply directly to become a business development manager, as there are no formal entry requirements. Employers may ask for
GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in maths, English and IT, sales, marketing or business management experience, a degree in any subject
Other Routes
Graduate training schemes are offered by some companies and organisations. You'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification to apply.
More Information
Career Tips
In some jobs you'll have to travel overseas to meet customers, so it may be helpful to speak a second language.
Professional And Industry Bodies
You could join the The Managing & Marketing Sales Association, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    The ability to sell products and services
    Business management skills
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    The ability to use your initiative
    Leadership skills
    Customer service skills
    Persuading skills
    Ambition and a desire to succeed
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you could
research organisations to find new customers, 'cold call' to arrange meetings at customers' premises, find out what an organisation needs and plan proposals and pricing, sell products and services to new and existing customers, negotiate with customers and build positive relationships, attend events and conferences, write reports and make presentations to customers and senior management, identify new methods and opportunities for sales campaigns, forecast sales targets and make sure they're met, run training for business developers and junior sales teams
Working environment
You could work at a client's business or in an office.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
Your career path will depend on the sector that you work in.
With experience, you could progress to roles like senior development manager, business development executive or marketing director.
You could specialise in business development within a specific sector like manufacturing or healthcare.
You could also use your skills in sales, marketing and project management to move into other roles, for example as a business analyst.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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