How To Become A Business Development Manager

While no proper degree is required to become a business development manager, there are several avenues you can take to pursue this career. For example, you can take a university or college course, get an apprenticeship, or apply for a job directly from an employer.

It would help if you explored these paths to becoming a business development manager to determine the best fit for you. While some of these options have definite qualification requirements, sometimes many employers are more interested in people who are willing to learn, enthusiastic, and able to follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Program (CSCS) card to work at a construction site university.

You can complete an undergraduate degree in business development, business management, economics or accounting to broaden your knowledge and qualify as a business development manager.

You will need 2-3 A-levels, or equivalent, to earn a university degree.

Some construction companies offer graduate programs to help you gain the work experience you need to become a business development manager after graduation.

COLLEGE/TRAINING PROVIDER

While no formal qualification is required to become a Business Development Manager, a GCSE (or equivalent) degree in Mathematics and English at Level 4 or higher will benefit anyone considering this. It is a career, as this role requires good numeracy and literacy.

You could also take an undergraduate course in sales or business, preparing you to be a business development director. Work in a low-level business management position. You can enhance your knowledge by winning Level 2 or 3 Business Development or Sales awards.

YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING:

  • At least 2 GCSEs from Year 9 to Year 3 (A* to D), or equivalent (Level 2)
  • 4 – 5 GCSEs in grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent (3rd grade).

 STUDY

You can complete an apprenticeship to earn a sales or business development degree to help you become a business development manager.

You will need 4-5 GCSEs in Grades 9-4 (A* to C) and A Level, or equivalent, to study for a degree.

Apprenticing in a construction company is a good way to enter the industry. Studentships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, the company will employ you full-time and work at least 30 hours per week. Your time will be split between your work experience and the university or training provider.

 JOB

Suppose you are considering a job as a business development manager. In that case, you can apply to start your career as an assistant or intern at a construction company. As you gain experience, your employer can organize training to help you improve in the role. On the other hand, suppose you already have a GCSE or A-level (or equivalent) or qualification and will have proven experience in sales or business management. In that case, you can apply directly to the employer for this position—business development manager.

  1. BASIC TRAINING.

Many business development managers have at least one bachelor’s degree in commerce or a related field. In contrast, some have a master’s degree. Business courses can provide the basics of decision-making, data analysis, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Additional communication, marketing, and psychology courses can introduce you to important concepts related to the “human factor” in business development.

  1. ACCUMULATE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.

It helps to have experience with the sales process. For example, as an entry-level retail salesperson, your responsibilities may include guiding customers from purchase decisions to the point of sale. As an external sales representative, your responsibilities may include contacting prospects, recommending products, and securing new customer accounts. Other important areas of experience include strategic planning, business management, and successful negotiations.

Consider taking a course to add hands-on experience and learn advanced sales concepts and methods.

 FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE ART OF SELLING:

Mastering sales process specialization is a great way to understand your customers better and deliver successful sales pitches.

  1. DEVELOP TECHNICAL SKILLS

Technical skills that can lead to success as a business development manager include project management, navigating Microsoft 365, and search engine research.

With businesses’ growing need for secure information systems and the strong use of data to guide decisions, specialized training in cybersecurity and analysis Data analytics gives you an edge as a business manager.

Customer relationship management (CRM) software proficiency can prepare you for a business development management position, especially in larger organizations.

  1. IMPROVE YOUR RESUME

As you gain experience, skills, and education, it’s important to keep your resume updated. First, browse business development manager jobs to see what companies are looking for. Then, highlight qualifications that match the job requirements and highlight them on your resume.

Use action verbs to describe the tasks you’ve performed in previous roles, and if possible, emphasize quantifiable outcomes.

  1. FIND YOUR FIRST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER POSITION.

With your degree and up-to-date resume, the next step is to start applying for the business development manager jobs that interest you. Which ones will contribute to the lifestyle you desire? Where will you work on projects and tasks that you are passionate about? What do you admire about companies that are hiring for the position of director of business development? When recruiters and hiring managers contact you to schedule company interviews, take the time to improve your interviewing skills. You’ll want to be able to answer behavioral questions effectively using the STAR method and be prepared to ask insightful questions to the interviewer so that you can make the best decisions for your career.

 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Work experience is essential to getting a job in the construction industry. You can get it at school or work weekends and holidays with a company or loved one as a business development manager. Potential employers will always be delighted to see work experience listed on your resume. 

Job Specifications for Business Development Manager

Most business development managers work full-time, Monday through Friday, but their work environment can change. For example, some business development managers work in an office, some work remotely, and some split their time between the 2. Furthermore, people who are professionals in this field often travel for conventions, conferences,  and client meetings.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS WORK IN SOME INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING:

  • Software and Hardware
  • Recruit
  • Network security
  • Build
  • Health care
  • Financial services
  • E-commerce

 CORE COMPETENCIES FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS

New business development managers need a variety of soft and technical skills. Examples include communication, organization, time management, technical and computer skills, motivation, and self-motivation.

  • BETTER COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Business development managers should be able to communicate with customers from all walks of life and all educational levels. Therefore, well-developed written and oral communication skills are essential for professionals in this field.

  • COMPANY SKILLS:

People who choose this career path must be comfortable arranging multiple clients, onsite and offsite meetings, and deadlines. Highly organized people are best equipped to manage multiple parts of the job and keep client proposals and other tasks on track.

  • TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS:

Business development managers need to understand how to prioritize their time. In addition, people in this field must be comfortable managing and adjusting their schedules as needed.

  • TECHNICAL AND COMPUTER SKILLS:

Most organizations use commercial ‘CMS content management systems. To track leads and customer calls and record where each lead is in the sales cycle. Aspiring business development managers should have basic technical and computer skills.

  • DYNAMIC AND MOTIVATED:

Well, most successful business development managers are goal-oriented and commission-oriented. Motivated and motivated professionals push themselves to success. So what does a business development director do?

BDMs are primarily responsible for driving business growth, and their duties change from day to day.

 TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Development planning and forecasting sales targets and growth forecasts
  • Identify market opportunities through networking, meetings and other channels
  • Meet current and potential customers and build positive relationships
  • Cooperate with colleagues to develop sales and marketing strategies
  • Prepare financial forecasts and sales targets
  • Attend events such as exhibitions and conferences
  • Prepare sales presentations and participate in sales meetings
  • Prepare reports for management
  • Training business developers and sales colleagues
  • Working at the client’s business or the office.

 HOW MUCH CAN YOU EARN AS A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER?

The expected salary of a business development manager varies as you gain experience.

  • Newly trained Business Development Directors can earn between £28,000 and £30,000
  • Trained business development managers with some experience can earn between £30,000 and £45,000
  • Senior, Chartered, or Master Business Development Directors can earn between £45,000-70,000.*
  • Working hours and wages depend on your location, employer, and the number of overtime hours you can work.
  • Wages are collected from a variety of industry sources.