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Business Development Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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.

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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:

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

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Business Development Officer job description FAQs

Who does a Business Development Officer report to?

A Business Development Officer reports to a Business Development Manager or a Senior Business Development Officer. This depends on the hiring organisation.

What is the difference between a Business Development Officer and a Business Support Officer?

While a Business Development Officer identifies and pursues new business opportunities for an organisation, a Business Support Officer provides administrative support to various departments within an organisation. Like Business Development Officers, Business Support Officers maintain relationships with business stakeholders and may conduct business research. However, they also perform administrative tasks such as reception support, data entry and customer support.

Do Business Development Officers have the same responsibilities across industries?

While Business Development Officers have basic responsibilities which are shared across industries, there are other specific duties which will depend on the needs of the business they work for. For instance, Business Development Officers in the technology industry will have niche responsibilities from a Business Development Officer who works in the fashion industry.

What should I look out for in a Business Development Officer's CV?

Look for relevant education and training in the field of business management, sales and marketing. You should also pay attention to quantifiable achievements at previous jobs and the skills they have acquired over the course of their career.

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