A business developer grows the company's profits by bringing in new customers and making sure existing customers spend more money. They're expected to deliver pitches at boardroom meetings, so being a confident speaker is key to the role.

Business developers can be found across lots of industries, including banking, marketing businesses and software companies.

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FAQs

FAQs

What does a Business Developer do?

A business developer's main role is creating more sales for the company. Typical responsibilities for a Business Developer will include:

Pitching and presenting to boardroom meetings
Finding new ways to persuade customers to spend
Bringing in new customers
Maintaining a good relationship with existing customers
Working on sales follow-up activities (in the hope of generating more sales)
Scheduling appointments, preparing and delivering research
Providing excellent customer service
Hitting target goals

What hours does a Business Developer typically do?

Business developers tend to work a 9 am to 5 pm day. However, overtime and weekend work are necessary when deadlines have to be met.

What environment is a Business Developer based in?

An office.

How much does a Business Developer travel?

Business Developers will be expected to visit other offices and working environments for meetings. Oversea travel can be common for this role especially as business developers need to understand foreign markets.

How much does a Business Developer get paid?

The average base pay for a business developer is £34,000 per annum. The pay ranges from £20,000 - £54,952 and depends on the location. Positions in London are expected to pay more in order to accommodate for the higher living costs. Most business development roles will have a commission-based pay structure, in which you can earn commission against your sales targets.

In terms of career progression, a business developer might choose to specialise in sales or marketing. They may also choose to become a business consultant and offer advice to companies.

Perks & benefits

Depending on the company, a Business Developer has the chance to earn bonuses which range from £882 to £14,908 per annum (and occasionally even higher!)

Some companies offer profit sharing benefits. This is when staff members receive a direct share of the company profits.

Large companies might also offer free gym memberships, a company car and health insurance.

What qualifications does a Business Developer need?

Most employers will require at least 5 GCSEs (including English and Maths) for a business developer role, while others will specify that you need an undergraduate degree - though they are very unlikely to require you to have studied a particular subject at degree level.

It is always better if you have work experience within a managerial position as well as sales, accountancy or marketing.

Useful subjects to study at school & university

Marketing
Accountancy