what is a business development executive?
As a business development executive, you improve the supply of products and services to customers. You work with the company or clients to determine the current sales shortfalls and build ideas for a smooth selling process. Your primary role is to promote business growth and expansion. That means you develop strategies to improve sales in the current market and find opportunities for business expansion. Unlike sales teams, you focus on lead generation by helping the business attract new clients and manage prospects.
Since you promote the company’s products to prospective buyers, you require extensive knowledge of the products and services. When you understand the product features, you can match them to customer needs. You also build relationships with current and new customers to ensure they are satisfied with the company's services. As a business development executive, you develop a prospective client list and help them move down the sales funnel.
As a business development executive, you increase the value of a company. That's why you work in any industry sector to help improve revenue streams and build lasting relationships. For instance, you can work in construction, education, healthcare, finance and telecommunications companies. Some business development roles are sales-oriented, like developing leads and creating a sales pipeline. However, some business development positions focus on building business strategies for expansion.
Would working as a business development executive suit your commercial awareness? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a business development executive role.
see job vacanciesaverage business development executive salary
According to ONS, a business development executive takes home an average salary of £30,000 per year. The compensation package varies depending on the experience and qualifications in the role. That’s why business development executives in entry-level positions receive a salary of £25,000 annually. As you improve your skills and expertise, your salary also improves, and you can take home over £45,000 yearly. If your business development executive role is focused on generating sales for the company, you receive additional incentives. Some companies have commissions based on sales or bonuses.
what affects the salary of a business development executive?
As a business development executive, your compensation package depends on your expertise. When you have a few years of experience in the role, you are likely to earn more due to your expertise. Experienced business development executives are experts in generating new business for the company. Your qualification also improves your salary prospects.
The location also influences your earnings. When you work in large cities like London, you are likely to earn more due to the high demand for the role. Large cities also have high living costs, and employers pay more to ensure employees live comfortably.
types of business development executives
The types of business development executives depend on the customers they handle, including:
- B2B business development executives: as a business development executive, you seek business opportunities from other businesses. You sell products to companies as opposed to selling to customers directly. You close sales with large companies and businesses to expand your company's business relationships.
- B2C business development executives: as a B2C business development executive, you sell company products to customers directly. Your job is to generate product leads and guide clients through the sales funnel. You explain the business products or services to customers and draw up contracts to sell products to them.
working as a business development executive
Working as a business development executive requires a lot of research and strategic planning to identify new business opportunities. Discover the duties, responsibilities and work environment of business development executives.
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business development executive job description
Some of the duties of a business development executive include:
- finding new clients: as a business development executive, your primary role is sourcing clients. You identify potential clients, which can be businesses or individuals. You rely on your expertise in the company products and prepare a business offering for prospective clients. Your goal is to capture the attention of prospective clients and convince them that the products you are selling meet their needs.
- maintaining relationships with clients: as a business development executive, you are responsible for account management. You work with existing clients to ensure they are satisfied with the products. By building relationships, you can increase sales through cross-selling and upselling. You also maintain strategic relationships that help the company retain its position in the market.
- negotiating contracts: as a business development executive, you work with a legal professional to draw up contracts for businesses and individuals. You customise the contract documents to meet the specific needs of a company. As a business development executive, you negotiate good terms for the company and ensure both parties are satisfied.
- networking and attending industry events: as a business development executive, you attend industry events and interact with other professionals. You build valuable connections with entrepreneurs and industry experts that can create new expansion opportunities.
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work environment
As a business development executive, you work both indoors and outdoors. You work at the office when researching new companies and developing strategies for expanding business opportunities. You also meet clients in their offices or homes. Sometimes, you meet clients in outdoor locations like golf clubs or hotels. As a business development executive, you also attend industry events and conferences that require some travelling.
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who are your colleagues?
Business development executives work alongside sales and marketing teams to improve business revenue. You work alongside media sales advisor, media sales executives, sales representatives, quality engineers, sales executives and field sales agents. You also collaborate with managers and executives to develop strategies that improve business expansion. For instance, you are likely to work with HR business partners, business development managers, operations managers and product managers. Other professionals you interact with in your role include marketing managers, sales managers and chief executive officers.
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work schedule
The typical work schedule of a business development executive is 40 hours a week in full-time positions. You work the regular 9 to 5 work schedule. Sometimes, you work evenings to complete work or meet with clients. You also attend industry events and conferences held during weekends and evenings. Part-time positions are available, and you can work from home or remotely.
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job outlook
As a business development executive, you have a clear path for career progression. You can explore managerial positions like becoming a business development manager and operations manager. Some business development executives become product managers or sales managers, while others improve their qualifications and become business consultants.
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advantages of finding a business development executive job through randstad
Finding your business development executive job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a business development executive is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
While you can become a business development executive without a degree, having the following qualifications improves your career prospects:
- undergraduate degree: join the business development executive role by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management, economics, marketing or business development. Aside from an undergraduate degree, a college course in sales and business also prepares you for the role. For instance, a Level 3 Award of certificate in business development skills or sales and account management prepares you for the role.
- work experience: employers prefer business development executives with a customer-facing or sales role. Complete an internship in sales or marketing or work part-time in a retail or sales position that involves plenty of contact with customers.
business development executive skills and competencies
The following skills improve your career outcomes as a business development executive:
- sales skills: as a business development executive, your primary role is to find and attract new clients to the company. You rely on your sales skills to source clients and build relationships with existing customers. Your sales skills help you meet your targets and grow the company’s revenue.
- technical skills: as a business development executive, you rely on computers to manage clients and generate leads. Having the technical expertise in using job-specific software like customer relationship management and cloud computing solutions is helpful.
- analytical skills: as a business development expert, you perform multiple tasks that require creativity and extensive research. For instance, you rely on your analysis of the financial processes to develop strategies that improve business growth. Your analytical skills give you better results in market research.
- communication skills: as a business development executive, you interact with clients and business partners of a company. You rely on your communication skills to promote good relationships and develop a rapport with your team. Your communication skills also help you oversee projects in the company.
FAQs about working as a business development executive
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a business development executive.
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what is the role of a business development executive?
As a business development executive, your primary role is to increase sales leads. Your job is to find and retain new clients to increase revenue and business growth. You also develop strategies to attract new clients and build relationships with current clients. Since you have extensive knowledge of the products, you explain the benefits to prospective clients and match them to their needs.
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what is a business development executive salary in the UK?
As a business development executive, you earn an average salary of £30,000 annually in the UK. Entry-level BDE positions attract a low compensation package of £25,000 per year, while experienced business development executives receive a salary of £45,000 yearly. The salary depends on the experience level and qualifications.
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is a business development executive a tough job?
Working as a business development executive is challenging since you are always under pressure to meet sales targets. You require exceptional financial planning and commercial awareness to identify the perfect time for a business to expand to new markets and generate profits. While the role is challenging, you can excel and get results with the right skills and expertise.
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is a BDE a good career option?
Working as a business development executive (BDE) is an exciting career with promising career prospects. You will enjoy lucrative salaries and various benefits as you improve your skills and experience. While the role has a set of challenges, having the right skills improves your success rate. You also have numerous opportunities for career growth, from managerial roles to consultancy.
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what is the next position after business development executive?
Depending on the company, a business development executive role can be an entry-level position or a mid-management level. When you are a business development executive with a few years of experience, the next stage of your career is the business development manager.
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how do I apply for a business development executive vacancy?
Applying for a business development executive job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!