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What is a business development manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Kaustav Misra Ph.D.
introduction image

A business development manager identifies and pursues new business opportunities to help an organization increase revenue. They research and analyze market trends, develop promotion strategies, build partnerships, and negotiate contracts. Business development managers work with sales teams, marketing departments, and senior executives. The role requires strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. They also need an understanding of their industry and creativity to drive the success of the business.

What general advice would you give to a business development manager?

Kaustav Misra Ph.D.Kaustav Misra Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Dean, Central Connecticut State University

I have spent almost two decades in the higher education industry and about a decade in administration. I often advised students, and it is astonishing to see how many of these students do not plan for their future. A good plan is a starting point to lead a good and successful career and life. Hence, by all means, it is worth noting that developing a future-oriented focus is important, so taking time to streamline the plan should be an important exercise for every graduate before they begin to do anything.
ScoreBusiness Development ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $100,769

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.5

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 8.15%

Black or African American 3.04%

Hispanic or Latino 8.67%

Unknown 5.32%

White 74.58%

Gender

female 31.36%

male 68.64%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a business development manager?

Pros

  • Opportunity for career advancement

  • High earning potential

  • Exposure to different aspects of business

  • Ability to network with industry professionals

  • Constant learning and professional development opportunities

Cons

  • Constantly shifting priorities and goals

  • Need to constantly stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments

  • High level of competition in the industry

  • Need to constantly adapt to changes in the market and industry

  • Can be stressful dealing with rejection or slow progress on projects

Business development manager career paths

Key steps to become a business development manager

  1. Explore business development manager education requirements

    Most common business development manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    73.6 %

    Master's

    13.9 %

    Associate

    7.8 %

  2. Start to develop specific business development manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service8.29%
    CRM7.10%
    Healthcare4.66%
    Business Relationships3.54%
    Customer Relationships3.49%
    Show more

  3. Complete relevant business development manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New business development managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a business development manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real business development manager resumes.

  4. Research business development manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage Seo of websites and campaigns.
    • Manage the provisioning and implementation of the cloud solutions for different customers.
    • Lead worldwide development for high traffic facilities; markets include Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific.
    • Manage the global support team and are responsible for cost reduction for the UK ready meals facility.

  5. Prepare your business development manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your business development manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a business development manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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    Business Development Manager Resume

  6. Apply for business development manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a business development manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first business development manager job

Ogo Egboh

Business Development Manager

After completing my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos, I embarked on a diverse career path that has shaped my approach to business development and management. I currently serve as the Director of Business Acquisition at Royal Certification Limited, where I work closely with the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME). My role involves creating strategic communication plans, supporting public relations goals, and managing high-volume requisition loads while maintaining excellent customer service levels for internal clients and stakeholders.



Prior to this, I served as a National Capacity Building Expert at the United Nations Industrial Development Agency (UNIDO). Here, I prepared technical assistance and implementation plans to train micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria. My work included evaluating business training programs and identifying potential business linkages for MSMEs.



As an Independent Consultant for the African Resource Center for Excellence Supply Chain Management, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, I supported the Lagos State Ministry of Health by improving forecasting methods for family planning commodities. My efforts resulted in a consistent forecast accuracy of less than 15% mean error for stock items.



At Vedrus Energy Limited, where I served as Senior Business Development Manager, I developed the company’s financial and operations department, pursued valuable business opportunities, and established relationships with key decision-makers to promote growth and retention.



My career has been driven by a passion for continuous learning, a positive disposition, and a strong problem-solving ability. I have pursued several certifications to enhance my expertise, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Professional in Logistics Management (CPLM), and Certified Sustainable Supply Chain Professional.



I believe that my varied experiences and skills in business development, project management, and strategic planning have equipped me with a unique perspective on the role. I would be happy to provide more details or answer any specific questions you have.

Average business development manager salary

The average business development manager salary in the United States is $100,769 per year or $48 per hour. Business development manager salaries range between $67,000 and $151,000 per year.

Average business development manager salary
$100,769 Yearly
$48.45 hourly
More business development manager salary info

What am I worth?

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How do business development managers rate their job?

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Business development manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2023
Pros

Rule of thumb with international travel is be ready for serious jet-lag!

Cons

rule of thumb with international travel is to have jet-lag non-stop!

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

Innovating a business model is key for a profitable business and growth. Without a proper and sustainable business model, even the best product or technology innovations will not flourish. Learn the skills and knowledge needed to start improving your business as you learn through real-life examples from fellow entrepreneurs, innovators and leading experts on business model innovation. Benefit business owners, entrepreneurs, business consultants or business developers who seek better understanding of business models and the tools to develop them.

Cons

There's nothing much not to like about this role.

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

Motivating people and helping to create success in each person's day. Honor God serve people in rich people's lives, pursue excellence in service.

Cons

Not enough time in each day to get everything accomplished.

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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