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Business Development Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A Business Development Officer, or Business Development Associate creates new business strategies to boost a company’s revenue. Their primary duties include maintaining relationships with clients, identifying new business opportunities and creating business forecasts.

Business Development Officer duties and responsibilities

While some Business Development Officers are responsible for creating business development strategies, others may work closely with sales and marketing to sell new products to customers. Some of their main duties and responsibilities include: 

  • Creating market strategies for the business
  • Developing new products and services to meet the needs of existing clients
  • Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with business stakeholders, including clients, partners or vendors
  • Conducting periodic market research and analysis
  • Implementing strategies to minimise operating costs and increase profits
  • Training other business development staff in the organisation
  • Attending conferences and events on behalf of the business

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Business Development Officer Job Description Examples:

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
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What does a Business Development Officer do?

A Business Development Officer develops and implements strategies to improve an organisation’s business performance. Their primary goal is to increase revenue and maximise profits. A Business Development Officer identifies viable business opportunities, closes partnership deals and promotes the business’ products.

A Business Development Officer works on the business development team in an organisation. They could also be part-time or full-time consultants outsourced from a business development agency. They need to have a full understanding of their organisation’s business model and product or service offerings so they can create tailored solutions that will have the desired impact.

Business Development Officer skills and qualifications

Successful Business Development Officers possess a combination of business management, financial analysis and marketing skills. They are able to sell products to a wide range of consumers, can work in a fast-paced environment and are good negotiators. A successful Business Development Officer will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications, that typically include: 

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • In-depth understanding of business management and operation
  • Excellent organisation and project management skills
  • Research and analysis skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Working knowledge of word processing tools
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Numeracy skills

Business Development Officer experience requirements

A Business Development Officer must have two to three years of experience in the role. This can be acquired through internships, apprenticeships or work experience programmes. Prior experience in a sales or marketing role is also acceptable. Experience finding business deals and partnerships, acquiring new clients and creating strategies is required.

Other experience requirements vary based on the hiring company or industry. Senior Business Development Officers require at least five years of experience and some leadership experience.

Business Development Officer education and training requirements

A Business Development Officer must have a bachelor’s degree in business studies, economics, finance or a related field. Some employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in business administration. Other employers do not require a university degree, but candidates must have a Level 2 Diploma in skills for business and a Level 3 certificate in business development skills, both offered by the Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE).

Business Development Officer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, Business Development Officer in the UK earns an average salary of £25,847 per year. This figure varies depending on the level of experience, educational qualifications, geographical location, industry and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Business Development Officer is not quite what you’re looking for, here are other job description samples that may fit your needs:

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Business Development Officer job description FAQs

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