Business development manager

Entry Requirements:

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:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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

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:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could work your way up from a sales or marketing role by taking further training on the job.

DirectApplication

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

OtherRoutes

Graduate training schemes are offered by some companies and organisations. You'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification to apply.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• 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
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• thinking and reasoning skills
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of media production and communication
• active listening skills
• the ability to learn through your work
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Business development managers build relationships with customers, suppliers and partners. They help businesses grow and improve.

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

Location : You could work at a client's business or in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £26,000
Experienced : £64,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings attending events or appointments

Career Path:

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.