Business Development Manager
Also advertised as: Business Development Executive, Business Development Manager, New Business Development Manager, New Business Sales Manager, Sales Development Manager
Wins new customers and business partnerships to grow a company's revenue.
What the job involves
Business development managers hunt for new clients, from cold outreach to networking at industry events, and carry a target for new revenue won. You build a pipeline, pitch proposals and negotiate deals, often working closely with marketing on lead generation. It rewards persistence and confident communication above formal qualifications.
Typical responsibilities
- Identify and approach potential new clients
- Build and manage a sales pipeline
- Prepare and deliver sales proposals and pitches
- Negotiate contract terms and pricing
- Work with marketing to generate qualified leads
Common employers
- Technology and SaaS companies
- Professional services firms
- Manufacturing and distribution businesses
- Media and agency businesses
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£25,000 – £32,000 a year
With experience
£40,000 – £70,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 hours, some evening networking events
Working environment
Office based or hybrid, with client travel
Remote working
hybrid
Demand for this work
high
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Prospecting
- Negotiation
- Pitching and presenting
- CRM software
- Resilience
Transferable skills you may already have
- Retail, hospitality or telesales experience
- Networking
- Setting and chasing personal targets
Requirements employers ask for
- Prospecting
- Negotiation
- Pitching and presenting
- CRM software
- Resilience
- No formal qualification required
Useful but not essential
- Retail, hospitality or telesales experience
- Networking
- Setting and chasing personal targets
- Degree in business
- Track record in a sales or account management role
Helpful qualifications
- Degree in business
- Track record in a sales or account management role
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Business Development Executive (Level 4)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Business studies
- Related subject: Marketing
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Business Development Manager
next
Sales Manager
next
Head of Sales
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Uncapped commission can significantly boost earnings
- No degree needed to reach a strong salary
- Confidence and skills transfer to almost any sector
What people find hard
- Income can be unpredictable if commission-heavy
- Rejection is a regular, expected part of the job
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a business development manager?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a business development manager earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £25,000 to £32,000 a year, rising towards £70,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Retail, hospitality or telesales experience, Networking, Setting and chasing personal targets.
Related careers
Sales Executive
Wins new business by finding prospects, understanding their needs and closing deals.
Account Manager
Looks after existing client relationships, renewing contracts and spotting growth opportunities.
Telesales Executive
Sells products or services to customers over the phone, often working to daily call targets.
Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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