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Business Development Manager

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A Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with potential clients, and helping organisations grow their market presence. The role involves researching market trends, developing sales strategies, and negotiating contracts. Business Development Managers often meet with clients, attend networking events, and collaborate with marketing and sales teams to achieve business goals. Strong communication, analytical, and negotiation skills are essential for success in this role. Many Business Development Managers have degrees in business, marketing, or related fields, but experience and proven sales success are equally valued.

Business Development Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for a Business Development Manager in the UK ranges from £30,000 to £60,000 per year, with senior roles reaching up to £80,000 or more.

Job Opportunities

There were over 16,000 job postings for Business Development Manager roles in the UK in 2023, demonstrating strong demand across various industries.

Common Sectors

Business Development Managers are commonly employed in sectors such as technology, finance, manufacturing, and professional services.

🚀 Careers in this path

Sales Account Manager

Responsible for managing relationships with key clients, identifying their needs, and ensuring they receive the right products and services to promote business growth.

Partnerships Manager

Focuses on building and maintaining strategic partnerships with other organisations to create new business opportunities and enhance company growth.

Market Expansion Specialist

Works on researching and entering new markets, developing strategies to grow the business in different regions or sectors.

Gain Relevant Education

Achieve Good GCSEs and A levels

Focus on subjects like Business Studies, Economics, and English to build a strong academic foundation.

Most business development roles require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 4 or above, including English and Maths. Taking A levels in relevant subjects such as Business Studies, Economics, or even Psychology can provide a solid understanding of business concepts and customer behaviour.

Obtain a Degree or Equivalent Qualification

Pursue a degree in Business, Marketing, Management or a related subject.

While some roles are open to those with significant experience, many employers prefer candidates with a university degree. Degrees in Business Management, Marketing, or even Economics are highly regarded. Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) or apprenticeships in business-related fields can also be valuable paths.

Build Work Experience

Gain Entry-Level Experience

Start in junior sales, marketing, or administrative roles to learn the basics of business operations.

Look for internships, work placements, or entry-level positions such as Sales Assistant, Marketing Assistant or Administrative Assistant. This experience will help you understand how businesses attract and retain customers, and will develop your communication and negotiation skills.

Develop Key Skills

Focus on building skills in communication, negotiation, and relationship management.

Business development hinges on excellent interpersonal skills. Take opportunities at work or through volunteering to practise presenting, negotiating, and managing client relationships. Consider short courses or workshops on sales techniques, CRM software, or project management.

Advance Your Career

Apply for Business Development Roles

Use your experience and qualifications to apply for Business Development Manager positions.

Tailor your CV to highlight your achievements in sales, marketing or relationship-building. Emphasise any experience you have in developing new business, managing accounts, or contributing to company growth. Networking and using platforms like LinkedIn can help you discover new opportunities.

Pursue Professional Development

Continue learning through courses, industry events, and relevant qualifications.

Consider professional qualifications such as those from the Institute of Sales Management (ISM) or Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). Attend industry conferences, join business networks, and stay up-to-date with market trends to maintain your competitive edge.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Business Development Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

A Business Development Manager and a Business Analyst both focus on understanding business needs and identifying opportunities for growth or improvement. They often work together to develop strategic plans, making this career closely aligned in terms of qualifications and skill sets.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

Any degree that teaches analytical skills can be useful for this role.

Some employers might prefer you to have a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as:

  • business information systems
  • business management
  • computing and systems development
  • computer science

Experience during your degree

You may have an advantage if your degree course lets you get some business experience.

This could be through:

  • internships
  • work placements
  • a year in industry

It may also be useful to get experience of managing projects and analysing data.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You could gain some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role through an apprenticeship.

For example, you could do the Business Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or the Project Manager Level 6 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 higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got several years' experience in project management, consulting or IT.

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Career tips

To become a business analyst, it might be useful to know about agile project management or other similar methods.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a business analyst from:

You can also find out about government business analysts in the Civil Service on GOV.UK.

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