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Every business strives for growth, and that’s where business development comes in. As a strategic function focused on identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities, business development has become one of the most in-demand roles. In fact, it ranked second among the most sought-after positions in 2022.
Often confused with sales, business development covers much more and can vary depending on how companies approach it.
So, hiring the right person for your business development team is essential. And it all begins with crafting a clear and compelling job description. In this article, we’ll guide you through writing an effective business development job description, along with some example templates you can tailor to your needs.
Business development is the strategic process of identifying, creating, and leveraging opportunities to grow a company. It focuses on expanding market reach, forming valuable partnerships, increasing revenue streams, and improving long-term competitiveness. Unlike sales, which is directly tied to closing deals, business development works at a broader level, analyzing markets, understanding customer needs, exploring new segments, and building relationships that support sustainable growth.
As Scott Pollack explains in his article, “What, Exactly, Is Business Development?”, the role focuses on creating long-term value for a company by building relationships with customers, exploring new markets, and forging partnerships that sustain growth over time.
In practice, business development can include activities such as market research, lead generation, partnership management, product expansion, and evaluating new business models. The goal is simple: help the company grow in the right direction, with strategies that drive both immediate and future success.
While business development and sales are closely linked, they’re fundamentally different in terms of objectives. While both functions contribute to the company’s growth, their responsibilities and skill sets are different. Make sure your job descriptions reflect these differences to attract the right talent.
| Aspect | Business Development | Sales |
| Focus | Strategic growth and long-term value creation | Revenue generation and short-term targets |
| Objective | Expanding business through partnerships, new markets, and clients | Closing deals and converting leads into paying customers |
| Activities | Market research, identifying business opportunities, building partnerships | Pitching products/services, handling leads, closing contracts |
| Time Horizon | Long-term, focusing on sustainability and growth | Short-term, focusing on immediate revenue |
| Collaboration | Works with multiple departments (e.g., marketing, sales, operations) to explore new opportunities | Primarily works with clients and prospects |
| Metrics | Market share, new market entry, partnerships, long-term client relationships | Sales targets, number of deals closed, revenue growth |
| Skills Required | Strategic thinking, relationship building, negotiation, market analysis | Product knowledge, persuasion, closing techniques |
| End Goal | Establishing long-term business growth and sustainability | Maximizing sales volume and hitting short-term revenue targets |
To better understand the role of business development, here are some of the typical responsibilities a Business Development Manager might handle:
The Business Development Manager is responsible for researching market trends, understanding industry shifts, and identifying opportunities for growth. This involves analyzing competitors, spotting gaps in the market, and assessing where the company can expand.
By thoroughly understanding the landscape, the manager can suggest strategic moves like entering new markets or introducing products that cater to untapped demand.
The role isn’t just about initiating these connections but also nurturing them. A key part of business development is ensuring that partnerships are mutually beneficial, and the manager must consistently engage with stakeholders to maintain trust and create opportunities for future collaboration.
A Business Development Manager collaborates closely with internal teams such as marketing, sales, and product development to create strategies that align with both market demands and client needs. This collaboration ensures that the company’s offerings remain relevant and competitive, enhancing its ability to capture new opportunities while retaining existing clients.
These plans outline growth strategies, market entry plans, risks, and expected outcomes. Being able to communicate these ideas clearly and persuasively is important, as it’s about gaining the buy-in needed to move forward with business development initiatives.
After implementing a strategy, it’s essential to monitor its performance continuously. The manager tracks key metrics like revenue growth, market penetration, and client acquisition. If progress falls short of expectations, the manager must be proactive in adjusting the plan to keep it aligned with company objectives, ensuring that goals are met.
A thorough understanding of the company’s product positioning in the market is essential. The Business Development Manager must also keep up with competitor activities, such as their pricing strategies, new product launches, and overall market behaviour. By staying informed, the manager can make strategic decisions to enhance the company’s competitive edge.
While business development focuses on long-term growth, the relationship with the sales team is key. The manager works with sales to generate qualified leads, ensuring that new business opportunities are followed up efficiently. Collaboration here helps the company secure new clients while expanding its market presence.
When creating a business development job description, it’s important to be clear and detailed. This helps attract the right candidates who are genuinely interested in the role. Here are six key elements to include in your job ad to ensure you find the perfect fit:
Use a straightforward and easily recognizable job title. Make sure it’s something potential candidates can find and understand quickly. A clear job title will help make your ad more visible and attract the right people.
Write a short summary of the role that covers the key responsibilities and objectives. This gives candidates a quick idea of what the job involves before they go into the finer details.
List the specific tasks the candidate will be responsible for. Work with your hiring manager to put together a clear, concise list of duties. Present these in bullet points to make it easy for candidates to read and understand.
Be specific about the qualifications and skills you’re looking for. Avoid vague or unnecessary requirements, like “degree in any field” or “well-presented,” unless it’s really relevant to the job. Clear expectations will attract better-suited candidates.
Mention the salary range, bonuses, and perks clearly. When candidates know what’s on offer, they’re more likely to apply if the compensation package meets their expectations. Including details about flexible working arrangements or professional development can also be appealing.
Add a brief section about your company. Share your values, mission, and workplace culture so candidates can see if they align with your organization’s vision. This will help attract people who resonate with your company’s ethos and are more likely to be a good cultural fit.
Read Related Article : Job description: Definition, how to write one, and templates
Here are five example of Business Development job description templates that can be customized to suit your company’s needs:
Job Title: Business Development
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary:
We’re on the lookout for a passionate and proactive Business Development to drive our B2B growth efforts. You’ll play a key role in building relationships with corporate clients and identifying opportunities that support sustainable, long-term growth. In this role, you’ll work closely with marketing and sales teams to create solutions that make a real impact. If you’re ready to take on new challenges and help shape our future, we’d love to hear from you.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation and Benefits:
Job Title: Business Development Manager – Technology
Location: Singapore
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary:
Are you passionate about technology and driven to find growth opportunities? We’re looking for a Business Development Manager to help us expand our footprint in the tech industry. You’ll be responsible for identifying new business channels, building strategic partnerships, and creating growth strategies that deliver lasting value. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, innovative environment, this role is for you.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation and Benefits:
Job Title: Business Development Manager – SMEs
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Employment Type: Full-time
Job Summary:
We’re looking for a highly motivated Business Development to lead our efforts in the SME sector. You’ll be responsible for identifying opportunities, building relationships with small and medium enterprises, and helping them achieve growth through our solutions. If you enjoy working with a diverse range of businesses and want to make a meaningful impact, this role offers the perfect opportunity.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation and Benefits:
Job Title: Business Development Manager – Startups
Location: Manila, Philippines
Employment Type: Full-time
Join us as a Business Development Manager and help startups grow! You’ll be focused on identifying business opportunities, building relationships with fast-growing startups, and offering solutions that address their unique challenges. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic, high-growth environment and wants to make a lasting impact on the startup ecosystem.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation and Benefits:
Job Title: Business Development Manager – E-commerce
Location: Batam, Indonesia
Employment Type: Full-time
We’re seeking a Business Development Manager with a passion for e-commerce to help us grow in this dynamic sector. You’ll identify opportunities, build partnerships with online businesses, and create strategies that drive revenue growth. If you have experience in the e-commerce industry and are excited about making a real impact, we want you on our team.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Compensation and Benefits:
Crafting a well-structured business development job description is essential in attracting top talent. Make sure to clearly communicate the responsibilities and expectations, while also highlighting your company’s values and the benefits you offer. By doing this, you’ll be in a better position to find candidates who are not only qualified but also align with your organization’s long-term growth strategy.
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