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What is a business development sales manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Bill Thorne
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Business development sales managers operate under the umbrella of business development. Their job is to ensure that the business grows by bringing in new clients and generating revenue. These managers may manage a sales team or collaborate with other sales related departments.

While performing their roles, Business development sales managers may analyze sales reports and financial data to understand the business' current financial state. They may also examine the competition and create a business development strategy.

These professionals may also research prospective accounts in targeted markets, meet with clients, collaborate with the sales and marketing teams, and foster strong relationships within and outside the organization. As a business development sales manager, you may also generate and pursue leads as well as follow the industry's latest news and developments.

To become a business development sales manager, you need a degree in business administration, management, or other related fields. A master's degree can also improve job prospects.

What general advice would you give to a Business Development Sales Manager?

Bill ThorneBill Thorne LinkedIn Profile

Executive Director of the NRF Foundation and Senior Vice President of Communication and Public Affairs of NRF, National Retail Federation

Retail is the largest private-sector employer in the country, directly employing 32 million people and supporting 52 million jobs overall - roughly one-quarter of the U.S. workforce. While COVID-19 has presented new and unexpected challenges, retailers have continued to showcase the industry's resilience and adaptability time and again. The safety and security of customers and employees remains our greatest priority. It is no doubt that the professional environment has changed this year, but retail continues to offer a plethora of career opportunities for graduates and seasoned veterans alike.
ScoreBusiness Development Sales ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.9

Avg. Salary $111,309

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.4

Growth Rate 5%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%

Asian 4.07%

Black or African American 3.24%

Hispanic or Latino 9.82%

Unknown 4.41%

White 78.23%

Gender

female 25.69%

male 74.31%

Age - 46
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 - 46
Stress Level
6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.4

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Business Development Sales Manager career paths

Key steps to become a business development sales manager

  1. Explore business development sales manager education requirements

    Most common business development sales manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    74.8 %

    Master's

    10.7 %

    Associate

    9.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific business development sales manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Business Development16.10%
    Customer Service8.41%
    CRM5.86%
    Healthcare4.74%
    Business Relationships4.23%
  3. Complete relevant business development sales manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New business development sales 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 sales manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real business development sales manager resumes.
  4. Research business development sales manager duties and responsibilities

    • Sell and educate software/SaaS companies and F1000 companies on managing, protecting their software and SaaS application platforms.
    • Lead centralized, electronic referral center coordinating post-acute service needs of patients discharging from multiple acute facilities in Arizona region.
    • Conduct market analysis and execute expenditures in order to maximize ROI.
    • Analyze and evaluate current and propose federal technology services and long distance programs/embed systems and CRM strategies.
  5. Prepare your business development sales manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your business development sales 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 sales manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Business Development Sales Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional Business Development Sales Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Business Development Sales Manager resume.
    Business Development Sales Manager Resume
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    Business Development Sales Manager Resume
    Business Development Sales Manager Resume
    Business Development Sales Manager Resume
    Business Development Sales Manager Resume
    Business Development Sales Manager Resume
  6. Apply for business development sales manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a business development sales 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 Sales Manager Job

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Average business development sales manager salary

The average Business Development Sales Manager salary in the United States is $111,309 per year or $54 per hour. Business development sales manager salaries range between $68,000 and $179,000 per year.

Average Business Development Sales Manager Salary
$111,309 Yearly
$53.51 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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Business Development Sales 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.

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