Learn about the important requirements, obligations, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a business development manager job description.
A business development manager (BDM) fosters existing client relationships to encourage ongoing sales and pursues prospective clients to win new business. The BDM educates potential customers about the company’s products and services, plans and executes marketing campaigns, and responds to requests for proposals (RFPs). In addition, the BDM attends industry conferences and networking events to hone their skills and expand their professional circle.
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Business Development Manager Job Description Template
We’ve launched a new product, so we’re looking for an experienced business development manager to help promote it to both new and existing customers. To be successful in this position, you must be comfortable cold-calling prospects. You must also have strong communication skills and be adept at anticipating and overcoming objections.
Business Development Manager Responsibilities
- Managing existing client accounts to ensure satisfaction, provide education, and sell additional products and services.
- Finding and contacting prospective clients to establish relationships and win new business.
- Marketing the firm’s products and services to generate warm leads.
- Setting lofty but achievable sales goals and tracking your progress towards them.
- Responding to RFPs and writing sales quotes.
- Attending conferences and training sessions to develop your network and skillset.
- Training less experienced associates to help them achieve their goals.
Business Development Manager Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business or marketing.
- Experience in sales or marketing.
- Strong sales skills, including negotiation and overcoming objections.
- Topnotch communication, project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Comfortable with uncertainty and multitasking.
- Proactive, autonomous, self-motivated, and goal-driven.
- Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite and basic computing tasks.
Business Development Manager Duties And Responsibilities
Let’s dive a little deeper into some of the business development manager's responsibilities.
Manage Existing Client Accounts
Business development managers must keep in touch with existing customers to maintain rapport and exchange updates. Doing so strengthens the relationship between the client and the company. It may also uncover opportunities for the company to sell the client a new product or service. The BDM must have strong interpersonal skills to keep the lines of communication open with current customers.
Find And Contact Prospective Clients
Business development managers must be growth-minded, always looking for new business to augment the firm’s bottom line. The BDM will need strong research skills to identify new prospects and outstanding organizational skills to coordinate their outreach and follow-up efforts. They must also be able to speak persuasively to convince decision-makers to schedule sales presentations.
Market The Firm’s Products And Services
Business development managers must generate warm leads by marketing the company’s products and services. Doing so gives them a list of prospects who have already expressed an interest in what the firm sells. In order to launch successful marketing campaigns, the BDM must be creative, fully understand their prospect’s pain points and needs, and expertly communicate how the organization’s offerings can solve their prospect's problems.
Respond To RFPs
Business development managers must respond to RFPs effectively and promptly to earn sales for the company. In order to wow a potential client with an RFP response, a BDM has to make a compelling case for the firm’s product or service that best meets the requester's needs. The BDM must be able to write clearly and convincingly.
Train Less Experienced Associates
Business development managers must often train less experienced associates. Doing so helps junior team members develop their sales skills and positions the BDM as a leader within the department. In order to be a successful trainer, the BDM must possess patience, good communication skills, and business development-related expertise.
Business Development Manager Salary And Job Outlook
Here’s the current outlook for the business development manager role in the United States:
Median National Salary: $85,602/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (in some cases)
Number of Jobs: 1.5+ million
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 1% (Little or no change)
The Bottom Line
You should now feel comfortable writing a business development manager job description. When you’re ready to make your next hire, post that job description on ZipRecruiter today! But, if you’re recruiting on a shoestring budget, consider listing your business development manager position on one of the best free job posting sites.
