Part of sales and business development work.
Sales accounts and business development managers
As a Business development manager, you drive the deals that shape the future of the company.
This isn't just about making calls. You're the architect of growth, identifying opportunities and crafting strategies that make a real impact. Your decisions directly influence the company's trajectory.
- Experience
- Mid-senior (5-8 years)
- Direct reports
- 1-3
- Typical level
- 5
What you own
- Identifying new business opportunities and markets
- Building and maintaining client relationships
- Negotiating contracts and closing deals
- Developing strategic plans for growth
- Collaborating with marketing and sales teams
A day in the life
What the work actually looks like
Review overnight emails and prioritise the day's tasks.
Meet with the sales team to align on upcoming pitches.
Join a video call with a potential client to discuss partnership opportunities.
Analyse market trends and adjust business strategies accordingly.
What you decide, and what you will decide next
| Decision | Coming in | You, now | The role above |
|---|---|---|---|
| Client targeting | Suggest potential clients to approach. | Decide which clients to pursue and how. | Set overall client acquisition strategy. |
| Deal structuring | Assist in structuring deals. | Negotiate and finalise deal terms. | Approve high-value or complex deals. |
| Market entry | Research new markets. | Decide on market entry strategies. | Oversee expansion into new regions. |
The skills this job needs
Each of these is a UK National Occupational Standard, matched to this occupation and then confirmed by a reader that checked both records.
- Making successful deals Understanding Enterprise
- Develop Strategic Relationships with Major Clients Marketing, Sales
- Contribute to the development of new sales products and services Sales 2010
- Contribute to the Development of Business Plans Advertising Sales
- Develop strategic relationships with major customers Sales
- Make deals to take your business forward Business Enterprise
- Knowing the market and satisfying customers Understanding Enterprise
- Generate new opportunities and qualify sales leads Sales
- Generate new opportunities and qualify leads Sales
- Build relationships to build your business Blacksmithing, Business Enterprise, Providing Legal Services
How you will be measured
Revenue growth
The increase in revenue generated from new business.
e.g. Securing a major contract that boosts quarterly revenue.
Client acquisition
The number of new clients brought on board.
e.g. Signing a contract with a leading industry player.
Client satisfaction
The level of satisfaction expressed by clients.
You can tell when: Clients consistently renew contracts and provide positive feedback.
Strategic influence
Your ability to shape and influence company strategy.
You can tell when: Your ideas are regularly adopted in strategic planning sessions.
What is changing, and what to do about it
AI-driven market analysis
Understanding how to leverage AI tools for market analysis is crucial to stay ahead of trends and competition.
- Find your feet. Explore AI tools with your Explorer to understand their capabilities in market analysis.
- Put it to work. Work with your Coach to apply AI insights to your current market strategies.
- Make it yours. With your Navigator, integrate AI-driven insights into your strategic planning.
A broad read on this kind of work, not an analysis of this occupation on its own.
Fading: Routine data analysis and report generation are increasingly automated.
Rising: Strategic judgement and relationship-building become more crucial as AI handles data-heavy tasks.
How Zavmo would teach you this
The Navigator
Your Navigator helps you chart the course for market entry strategies and defend your choices to stakeholders.
The Coach
Your Coach sets up simulations based on your real negotiations, offering feedback to refine your pitch and approach.
The Explorer
Your Explorer encourages you to test bold, new business models without fear of failure, learning from each attempt.
No two people are taught the same way
NavigatorLast time, we discussed your approach to entering the renewable energy market. How are your strategies shaping up?
YouI've identified some key players, but I'm unsure about the best entry point.
NavigatorLet's refine your entry strategy by evaluating the competitive landscape and identifying unique value propositions.
Where this role sits
How people get here
Sales Executive
2-3 years
Building strong client relationships and closing sales deals.
Where it leads
Head of Business Development
2-4 years
This role involves leading the business development team and shaping the company's growth strategy.
Beyond Head of Business Development, you could transition into a Director of Strategy role, overseeing broader company growth initiatives or even pivot into entrepreneurship, leveraging your skills to start your own venture.
The hard parts
- Deals falling through at the last minute
- Navigating complex client demands
- Balancing short-term targets with long-term strategy
- Keeping up with market changes and competition
Your path, personalised
You have the map. Walking it is the part we do together.
This route runs to 10 national skill standards. That is a real journey.
Zavmo shapes a learning experience as unique as you are. It fits how you learn, your pace and the work you already do. Every step stays benchmarked to recognised national standards. That’s the plan for becoming a Business development managers: personal to you, and it still counts. Your first Future Fluency module is free.
Independent research finds well-designed intelligent tutoring performs nearly as well as one-to-one human tutoring: VanLehn (2011), Educational Psychologist.
A private tutor in the UK averages £35–40 an hour . Zavmo is £70/month.
Free tools
Want a read on where you stand?
Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.