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Business Development Manager job description template

A business development manager identifies new growth opportunities through partnerships, new markets, and strategic accounts. They build relationships, structure deals, and work with leadership to turn opportunities into long-term revenue. Copy this template, replace the bracketed parts, then run it through the free JD Analyzer.

Check it for bias

Business Development Manager

About the role

[Company Name] is seeking a Business Development Manager to find and build new paths to growth. You will identify partnerships, new markets, and strategic accounts, then structure and close deals that create long-term value. You will work closely with leadership, sales, marketing, and product to make sure every new opportunity is set up for success. This role is ideal for a strategic relationship-builder who also likes to get deals done.

Responsibilities

  • Identify and evaluate new partnership, channel, and market opportunities
  • Research markets, competitors, and potential partners
  • Build and maintain relationships with partners and strategic prospects
  • Develop business cases and present recommendations to leadership
  • Negotiate partnership, reseller, or strategic agreements with legal support
  • Coordinate internal teams to launch and support new partnerships
  • Define and track success metrics for each partnership
  • Represent [Company Name] at industry events and meetings
  • Manage a pipeline of business development opportunities in the CRM
  • Report on progress and results to leadership

Requirements

  • Experience in business development, partnerships, sales, or a related role
  • Proven ability to build relationships and close agreements
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Excellent presentation and written communication
  • Experience negotiating commercial terms
  • Ability to work across teams and influence without direct authority
  • Comfort with CRM tools and pipeline reporting

Nice to have

  • An existing network in our industry
  • Experience with channel or reseller programs
  • Experience entering a new market or region
  • Financial modeling skills

Pay

[Pay range] · [Benefits summary]

Pay transparency

Many states, including CA, CO, NY, WA, and IL, require a good-faith pay range in job postings, which may include describing bonus or commission; check your state's rules.

See the rules for your state in HR laws by state.

Write a more inclusive posting

  • Avoid requiring an 'established Rolodex' unless essential; it favors candidates from narrow backgrounds and can be replaced by describing relationship-building skills.
  • State the actual travel percentage instead of 'extensive travel', so candidates can judge fit and request accommodations.
  • Replace 'aggressive deal-maker' with 'skilled negotiator who builds mutually beneficial agreements'.

Hiring a business development manager?

Prepare the interview too: 15 questions, red flags and questions to avoid.

Business Development Manager interview questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between business development and sales?

Sales focuses on closing customers within an existing model, while business development looks for new growth paths such as partnerships, channels, or markets. Your job description should be clear about which mix you need.

How do I test a business development manager's strategic thinking?

Give them a short case, such as choosing between two partnership options, and ask them to explain their criteria and recommendation. Their reasoning matters more than the final answer.

Should I require an existing network for a business development role?

A relevant network can help, but listing it as a nice to have keeps the role open to strong relationship-builders who are new to your industry.

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