2393 business development jobs found

about business development.

Business growth is a vital part of a company’s success — every company constantly needs to add more customers, increase sales or win clients, and this is the primary role of business development professionals. Through networking and a variety of other sales and marketing strategies, you will create awareness for company products and services and build relationships with prospective customers. In addition to having strong sales and interpersonal skills, you will need to be a persuasive communicator. Success in building relationships and adding new business in this role can open the door to a business development management role or other senior sales and marketing roles in the future. 

average business development salaries in the U.S.

Average salaries for business development professionals range from $38,000 to $56,000 annually. However, as you gain experience — and especially as you demonstrate your ability to deliver bottom-line growth — you can expect to take home significantly more. Performance bonuses and commissions are commonly part of your overall compensation package, too.

what business development jobs entail

Business development professionals work within the sales and marketing departments of most organizations today. You will work in a typical office setting, with normal business hours. You will spend the bulk of your time prospecting, identifying opportunities and networking with potential revenue sources. Therefore, you can expect to work some evenings and possibly weekends to attend events and meet with stakeholders. Some travel may also be required. In most cases, you will report to the business development manager. 

your day-to-day tasks

As a business development specialist, your main role is to increase sales and secure new business. Here are some of the day-to-day tasks you will be expected to execute as part of your role with the company:

• work in conjunction with the sales and marketing team to identify new business opportunities
• execute business growth strategies to acquire new customers
• conduct research to find new markets and new customer segments
• promote company products and services
• prepare sales contracts
• negotiate with new and existing customers
• upsell current customers
• provide customer service and answer questions regarding the business
• provide post-sale support and service
• stay on top of the latest and most effective business development trends
• work on special projects as assigned
• provide sales and acquisition reports to business development management 

where you can work

Business development professionals work for companies of all sizes across industries, so you’ll find opportunities distributed across the U.S. That said, California, Texas and Florida are the three states with the highest demand for business development professionals at the moment.  In general, you’ll find more opportunities in cities that have large business communities. 

what you bring to the table

Business development professionals blend broad-based business acumen with sales and marketing expertise to aid with business acquisition and customer retention. Here are some of the skills and experience hiring companies are looking for in business development specialists:

• experience using customer relationship management (CRM) systems
• strong sales skills
• experience with customer service and support
• interpersonal skills — especially the ability to build rapport with important stakeholders and cultivate long-term customer relationships
• time-management and organization skills
• effective planning and forecasting skills
• business development experience
• Microsoft Office and web skills
• strategic sales experience 
• the ability to conduct market research
• experience creating marketing communications

training and certifications

Business development specialists typically have undergraduate degrees in business administration, sales, marketing or a related field. However, any additional education, experience or certifications that can help with sales and business acquisition will be viewed as an asset and may give you an edge over other candidates. 

where your career is headed

Business development specialists have a wealth of career opportunities to consider once they gain experience in the field. The natural next step in your career may be a move up to a business development manager role or a related sales and marketing management role. Of course, with companies always looking to acquire new business, opportunities in this area look strong. 

Do you have experience in business development? Are you ready to show what you are made of and take on a new role? Connect with Randstad to explore your career options. We can help you take the next step in your career. 

Is your company looking to add a qualified individual to your business development team? We can help you find the right candidate for the position. Contact us today to kickstart your recruiting efforts.