What does a Business Development Manager do?

A Business Development Manager finds and develops new revenue opportunities beyond the day-to-day sales motion, such as entering new markets or building strategic partnerships. They research opportunities, build relationships with decision-makers, and structure deals that support long-term growth.

What are the main responsibilities of a Business Development Manager?

The core duties are identifying new markets and opportunities, building and negotiating partnerships, and growing a pipeline of long-term deals. Most BDMs also represent the company at industry events, shape offerings with product and leadership, and analyze market trends.

What skills does a Business Development Manager need?

Relationship building, market research, and deal structuring are the essentials, along with the strategic thinking to spot opportunities before they are obvious. Strong negotiation skills and patience with long sales cycles help turn early conversations into lasting partnerships.

What should a Business Development Manager job description include?

A good Business Development Manager job description opens with a definition and brief, then covers the key duties, full responsibilities, and required experience. Clarifying whether the role focuses on partnerships, new markets, or channel sales helps attract the right kind of candidate.

Who does a Business Development Manager work with?

Business Development Managers work with leadership on strategy, product on new offerings, and marketing on positioning for new segments. Externally they build relationships with partners, resellers, and prospects, and they hand signed deals to account or delivery teams.

Sales

Business Development Manager Job Description

Sales Executive Account Executive Sales Manager Sales Development Representative Inside Sales Representative Regional Sales Manager Key Account Manager Sales Operations Manager VP of Sales

About the role

We need a Business Development Manager to open new doors and build the partnerships that unlock our next stage of growth. You will research untapped markets, court potential partners and clients, structure deals, and turn early conversations into lasting commercial relationships. This role fits a strategic relationship-builder who is comfortable with long sales cycles and can spot opportunity where others see a cold start.

Key responsibilities

Identify and pursue new markets, segments, and partnership opportunities
Build and negotiate strategic partnerships and commercial deals
Grow a qualified pipeline of long-term revenue opportunities

Responsibilities

Research target markets, industries, and accounts to find new opportunities
Identify and qualify strategic partners, resellers, and channel prospects
Build relationships with decision-makers through outreach and networking
Structure and negotiate partnership and commercial agreements
Develop business cases and proposals for new market entry
Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and trade shows
Work with product and leadership to shape offerings for new segments
Track pipeline, partner activity, and deal progress in the CRM
Analyze market trends and competitor moves to guide strategy
Coordinate handoff of signed partners to account or delivery teams

Requirements

4 or more years in business development, partnerships, or B2B sales
A track record of closing partnerships or opening new markets
Experience structuring and negotiating commercial agreements
Strong network-building skills and comfort with long sales cycles
Bachelor's degree in business or a related field, or equivalent experience

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