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If you’ve Googled “Business Development Manager job description,” you’ve probably scrolled past dozens of articles filled with the same generic content:
Bullet points. Buzzwords. Boredom.
They all follow the same lifeless formula:
Responsibilities. Requirements. Apply here.
But here’s the problem—those posts don’t actually help you attract great candidates. They might fill your inbox, but they won’t fill your team with high performers. Why? Because top talent isn’t applying to robotic job posts—they’re applying to real companies with real missions and real people.
If you want to attract sharp, strategic thinkers who can identify opportunities, build partnerships, and drive long-term growth—you need more than a list of duties. You need a job post that sells the opportunity, reflects your company’s values, and shows people why this role matters.
That’s what this guide is all about.
Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.
But in this article, we’re going deep on one role:
The Business Development Manager.
Let’s break down what the role actually involves, show you real job description templates that work, and explain why they connect with better candidates.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What Does A Business Development Manager Actually Do
A Business Development Manager isn’t just someone who “generates leads” or “closes deals.” That’s a narrow view—and it’s one of the reasons most job posts for this role fall flat.
At its core, a Business Development Manager is someone who uncovers strategic growth opportunities—and then builds the relationships, partnerships, and processes to bring those opportunities to life.
Here’s a plain-English version:
A Business Development Manager helps the company grow by identifying new markets, forming strategic partnerships, and building strong relationships with potential clients. They don’t just sell—they listen, research, and position the company for long-term success. They’re part strategist, part relationship builder, and part deal closer.
This role often sits at the intersection of sales, marketing, and strategy—making it critical for companies that are scaling, launching new offerings, or entering new markets. That’s why the right hire here is someone who’s not only persuasive but also curious, analytical, and business-savvy.
If you’re hiring for this role, focus on initiative, strategic thinking, and the ability to build genuine relationships—not just someone who can follow a sales script.
Two Great Business Development Manager Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Business Development Manager
📌 Job Title: Business Development Manager – Strategic Growth at ClearPath Analytics (Remote, Full-Time)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote | $70,000–$90,000 base + uncapped commission
🕒 Schedule: Monday to Friday | Flexible Hours
🎥 Hear from Our Head of Growth (2-Minute Video)
[Watch this quick video from David, our Head of Growth, about what success looks like in this role and how we’ll support you along the way.]
(Insert Loom or YouTube video link here)
🏢 About ClearPath Analytics
ClearPath Analytics is a fast-growing B2B SaaS company helping logistics and supply chain businesses make smarter decisions with real-time data. Our platform pulls insights from millions of shipping, delivery, and inventory data points—giving mid-sized businesses the clarity they need to cut costs, predict demand, and grow faster.
We’re backed by leading investors, used by over 300 companies across North America, and building a team of thoughtful, driven professionals who are serious about solving real-world problems.
🤝 Our Company Culture
At ClearPath, we value clarity, ownership, and collaboration. We move quickly but thoughtfully. We challenge ideas, not people. And we care deeply about building a workplace where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to do their best work.
You won’t find unnecessary bureaucracy here. Just a team that communicates openly, gives frequent feedback, and celebrates progress.
🚀 What You’ll Do
- Identify and research new markets and partnership opportunities
- Manage outbound outreach and develop a qualified pipeline
- Lead discovery and strategy calls with potential clients
- Customize proposals that speak to real business needs
- Collaborate with product and marketing to shape positioning and campaigns
- Track pipeline performance and report learnings weekly
- Represent ClearPath at select conferences and virtual events
🎯 What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years in B2B business development or consultative sales
- Experience selling SaaS, data platforms, or analytics tools preferred
- Strong communication skills—written and verbal
- Ability to manage long sales cycles and multiple stakeholders
- High ownership mentality—you don’t wait to be told what to do
- You understand business value and can communicate ROI clearly
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- 💰 Competitive base salary + uncapped commissions
- 🏠 Remote-first setup + flexible working hours
- 📚 Annual learning stipend ($1,000 per year)
- 💼 Laptop + home office setup reimbursement
- 🩺 Full health, dental & vision coverage (US-based)
- 🌴 15 days PTO + 10 paid company holidays
- 📈 Stock option plan available after 1 year
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This isn’t a boiler-room sales role. At ClearPath, you’ll work on meaningful deals with smart, mission-driven companies—and play a critical part in shaping how we grow.
You’ll have the freedom to test, iterate, and lead initiatives that make a real impact. You’ll collaborate with people who respect your time, celebrate your wins, and challenge you to keep growing.
If you want autonomy, ownership, and a chance to build something meaningful, this role delivers.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to make our hiring process faster, fairer, and more focused on skill—not just résumés.
👉 Apply here: https://app.workscreen.io/apply/business_dev_17444481
You’ll complete a short evaluation to help us understand how you think and work. Every application is reviewed, and you’ll hear back within 7 days. No ghosting, ever.
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Junior Business Development Manager (Learn-&-Grow Track)
📌 Job Title: Junior Business Development Manager — Build Your Career at BrightWave Digital (Remote-Friendly, Full-Time)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote-Friendly | $45,000–$60,000 base + performance bonus
🕒 Schedule: Mon – Fri | Core hours 10 AM–4 PM (your local time)
🎥 Meet Your Future Mentor (90-Second Video)
[Watch this quick Loom from Lisa, our VP of Revenue, explaining why we created this role and how she’ll coach you through your first year.] (Insert video link)
🏢 About BrightWave Digital
BrightWave Digital is a bootstrapped, fast-rising marketing-automation studio that helps e-commerce brands turn first-time buyers into loyal fans through data-driven email and SMS campaigns. Since 2019 we’ve grown from 3 founders to 40+ team members and manage retention marketing for 120+ online stores across North America and Europe.
Our mission is simple: help independent brands grow sustainably without relying on paid ads alone.
🤝 Our Company Culture
- Growth mindset: We share what we learn and celebrate experiments—win or lose.
- Extreme ownership: Everyone owns outcomes, not just tasks.
- Radical candor: We give direct feedback with kindness.
- Life > work: We work hard during work hours, then unplug. No Slack pings at midnight.
You’ll join a supportive crew that cares about shipping great work and safeguarding each other’s well-being.
🎓 What You’ll Learn & Do
- Market research: Profile new verticals and identify “dream-fit” brands.
- Prospecting: Craft engaging email, LinkedIn, and Loom outreach that sparks curiosity.
- Pipeline support: Track leads in HubSpot, update deal stages, surface insights.
- Discovery calls: Sit in on (then co-host) calls to uncover client pain points and goals.
- Solution shaping: Collaborate with strategy and creative teams to outline proposals.
- Continuous improvement: Run small experiments, analyze results, and share what worked.
(You’ll ramp up gradually—we pair you with a senior BDM who reviews your work, shadows calls, and sets weekly learning goals.)
🙌 What We’re Looking For
- Strong written & verbal communication (your emails sound human, not templated).
- Genuine curiosity about how businesses grow online.
- Organized and comfortable juggling multiple conversations.
- Grit: you follow up without being pushy and learn from every “no.”
- Any customer-facing experience (retail, support, fundraising, etc.) is a plus—not a must.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
Perk | Detail |
|---|---|
💻 Tech setup | MacBook Air + $300 home-office stipend |
🌍 Work anywhere | Remote across GMT-8 → GMT+3 time zones |
🏖️ PTO | 18 days paid leave + your local public holidays |
📚 Learning budget | $1,000/year for courses, books, or conferences |
👩⚕️ Health cover | 100 % premium for medical, dental, vision (US) / stipend elsewhere |
🧘 Wellness | Monthly Calm or Headspace subscription |
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Built-in mentorship: You’ll learn side-by-side with leaders who’ve closed 7-figure deals.
- Real impact, fast: The leads you source today can become paying clients next month.
- Clear growth path: Master the basics → own small deals → step into an Associate BDM seat with higher base + commission.
- Culture of experimentation: Your voice counts—propose a new outreach angle today, test it tomorrow.
If you want hands-on experience, autonomy to test ideas, and colleagues who invest in your success, BrightWave Digital is the place to build your BD career.
📥 How to Apply
We hire with WorkScreen to ensure a fair, skills-first process.
- Click the link below.
- Complete a short, async evaluation (takes ~20 min).
- Hear back from us within 7 days—no ghosting.
👉 Apply here: https://app.workscreen.io/apply/jr_bdm_brightwave
We can’t wait to see how you think, grow, and communicate. See you on the leaderboard!
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Breakdown of Why These Business Development Manager Job Posts Work
Let’s break down what makes both Business Development Manager templates stand out—especially compared to the generic, lifeless posts you often find online.
Each section is crafted to attract thoughtful, motivated, and high-quality candidates—not just fill seats.
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Human
- Why it works: Instead of “Business Development Manager” alone, each post adds context:
- “Strategic Growth at ClearPath Analytics”
- “Build Your Career at BrightWave Digital”
- “Strategic Growth at ClearPath Analytics”
- Result: This instantly signals what the role is, where it fits, and why it matters—helping the right applicants self-select in.
✅ 2. The Introduction Sells the Mission, Not Just the Role
- Why it works: Most job posts start with dry company intros. These start with a mission-driven hook that answers:
- What is the company trying to do?
- Why does this role matter in that mission?
- What is the company trying to do?
- Result: It creates emotional connection. Candidates don’t just see tasks—they see purpose.
✅ 3. The Loom Video Adds a Personal Touch
- Why it works: Seeing a hiring manager or leader talk about the role builds trust. It humanizes your brand and increases engagement.
- Result: It helps candidates feel what it’s like to work with your team—not just read about it.
✅ 4. The ‘About Us’ Sections Are Company-Specific and Compelling
- Why it works: Instead of vague “we’re a fast-growing startup” copy, each post gives concrete context:
- Industry
- Business model
- Traction
- Mission
- Industry
- Result: Candidates understand what they’re joining and whether it aligns with their values and career goals.
✅ 5. The Culture Section Makes Your Team Feel Real
- Why it works: Stating “we have a great culture” is not enough. These job posts show culture through specific values, working norms, and team behaviors.
- Result: It helps applicants visualize what it’s like to be on your team—and opt in if it feels right.
✅ 6. Responsibilities Are Written Like Real-Life Tasks, Not Bullet Point Checklists
- Why it works: Rather than cold, one-liner tasks, these describe the actual flow of the job and who they’ll collaborate with.
- Result: Candidates can picture what a day or week looks like—and that clarity reduces friction.
✅ 7. Requirements Are Clear—but Not Intimidating
- Why it works: The experienced post outlines must-haves confidently. The entry-level post reassures candidates that passion and potential matter, not just a perfect resume.
- Result: You attract strong candidates without scaring off promising ones who are still growing.
✅ 8. Perks & Benefits Are Called Out Separately
- Why it works: Instead of burying them in a paragraph, perks are clearly labeled and specific—health cover, learning budget, PTO, etc.
- Result: Builds trust and sets clear expectations. Shows that your company values its people.
✅ 9. The “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Sells the Opportunity
- Why it works: It focuses on impact, growth path, and team dynamics—not just a paycheck.
- Result: Makes the reader feel like this isn’t just another job—it’s the right next step.
✅ 10. The Application Process Is Transparent and Skill-Based
- Why it works: By explaining the WorkScreen process, timeline, and what happens next, it builds candidate confidence and reduces application anxiety.
- Result: You get more quality applicants—and fewer drop-offs due to uncertainty or mistrust.
Bad Business Development Manager Job Post Example (And Why It Fails)
To really understand what makes a great job description work, it helps to see a bad one too.
Below is an outdated, uninspired job post for a Business Development Manager. It’s the kind of post you’ll find all over job boards—and it’s exactly the kind of post that top candidates ignore.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
📌 Job Title: Business Development Manager
📍 Location: New York, NY
💼 Type: Full-Time
🗓️ Deadline: August 15, 2025
Company Overview
XYZ Corp is a global company with a presence in multiple industries. We are currently seeking a Business Development Manager to help us expand our client base and meet sales goals.
Responsibilities
- Generate new business leads
- Conduct market research and identify prospects
- Meet sales targets and report on metrics
- Coordinate with internal teams as needed
- Prepare and present business proposals
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field
- 3–5 years of experience in business development or sales
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to work independently
How to Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter to careers@xyzcorp.com by August 15. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Fails
1. The Title Is Generic and Uninspiring
“Business Development Manager” is technically correct—but it says nothing about the company, the industry, or the mission. There’s no hook.
2. The Introduction Says Nothing About the Role’s Impact
“XYZ Corp is a global company…” is corporate fluff. It doesn’t explain what the company actually does, who this hire will be working with, or why the role matters.
3. No Culture, No Mission, No Personality
There’s zero sense of what the team values, how they operate, or what success looks like. Top talent isn’t just looking for work—they’re looking for meaning and alignment. This gives them none.
4. Responsibilities Are Copy-Paste Bullet Points
The tasks are vague and interchangeable. There’s no mention of tools, workflows, priorities, or collaboration—just “do sales stuff.”
5. There’s No Mention of Compensation or Benefits
This lack of transparency raises red flags for top candidates. If you don’t include salary, perks, or leave, they assume the worst—or move on.
6. The Application Process Feels Cold and Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is a guaranteed way to frustrate applicants. There’s no clarity on what happens after applying, no timelines, and no respect shown to those taking the time to apply.
7. The CTA Is Lifeless
“Send your CV to an email address” is not a modern or motivating way to invite applications. There’s no sense of urgency, no encouragement, and no structure.
🚨 The Takeaway
This post might still get applicants—but not the kind you want. It doesn’t attract thinkers, builders, or relationship-driven problem solvers. It attracts desperate job seekers casting a wide net.
In today’s hiring market, if your job post doesn’t inspire—someone else’s will.
Bonus Tips That Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve nailed the basics—clear title, strong intro, transparent pay, great structure—these advanced tips will help take your job post from good to truly compelling.
These details are often overlooked, but they make a big difference in how trustworthy, human, and attractive your job post feels to top-tier candidates.
✅ Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Many candidates worry about scams or data misuse, especially when applying online.
Add a short line like:
🔒 We take your privacy seriously. We’ll never ask for payment, bank details, or sensitive personal info at any stage of the hiring process.
This small notice builds immediate trust.
✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave, Flex Time, or Mental Health Days
Great candidates value time off and balance—it’s a signal of how a company treats its people.
Add something like:
🌴 Enjoy up to 18 paid leave days a year, plus your local public holidays.
🧘 We offer “reset days” for when life gets busy or burnout starts to creep in.
Being specific about time off humanizes your company—and makes your offer more attractive.
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Ambitious candidates want to grow. Show them you’re investing in their future.
Example phrasing:
📚 We offer a $1,000 annual learning budget, internal mentorship, and promotion paths mapped to every role.
This signals that your company doesn’t just fill positions—it builds careers.
✅ Tip 4: Add a Loom or CEO Video
A 1–2 minute video can make a huge difference. It shows real people behind the company, not just corporate text.
Consider including:
- A quick intro from the hiring manager
- A tour of the team or company story
- A heartfelt message from the CEO
It doesn’t need to be polished—it just needs to be honest.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Tip 5: Use WorkScreen for a Modern, Skill-Based Application Flow
Replace outdated “upload your résumé and wait” forms with a structured, fair evaluation.
Add this line in your CTA:
✅ We use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants fairly based on skills and communication—not just résumés or buzzwords.
This tells candidates you’re serious, modern, and respectful of their time.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and even job platforms like Workable and Manatal now offer “one-click job description” features. But here’s the reality:
Using AI the wrong way gives you a generic post that repels top candidates.
Using AI the right way gives you a massive head start.
Let’s break it down.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
You type: “Write a job description for a Business Development Manager.”
AI spits out something like this:
“We are seeking a highly motivated Business Development Manager to identify new business opportunities and drive revenue growth…”
Sound familiar?
That’s the same robotic, copy-paste language used by thousands of other companies—and it doesn’t reflect your team, your values, or your mission. It’s forgettable.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
The trick is to treat AI like a collaborator, not a replacement. You provide the ingredients—AI helps shape the recipe.
Here’s what to feed into the prompt:
🔧 AI Prompt Template:
“Help me write a job post for our company, [Company Name]. We’re hiring a [Job Title] to help with [Key Goals or Problems to Solve]. Our company helps [Your Audience/Customers] do [Benefit You Provide].
Our culture is [e.g., collaborative, mission-driven, flexible]. The ideal candidate is [Describe soft skills, mindset, and experience].
Here are the benefits we offer: [List perks, salary range, PTO, etc.]. Here’s our hiring process: [e.g., async evaluation via WorkScreen, timeline, interviews, etc.]
Can you help me write a compelling job post that reflects our tone and values?”
🧠 Bonus Tip:
You can even paste in a job description you like (such as one of the examples from earlier in this guide) and say:
“I want something like this—friendly, structured, and clear. Here are my notes on what to change.[paste notes here]..”
Then let AI polish the structure, tighten the wording, or help with formatting.
⚠️ The Golden Rule
Don’t let AI write your job post from scratch.
Let it improve the draft you shape.
Why? Because your job post is more than text. It’s a reflection of your:
- Brand
- Culture
- Candidate experience
- First impression
Top candidates can tell when it’s real—and when it’s AI filler.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description? Start Here.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Template
📌 Job Title: Business Development Manager — Help Us Grow Smarter, Not Just Bigger
📍 Location: [Remote] or [City, State]
💼 Type: [Full-Time] | [Salary Range] + Commission
🕒 Schedule: [Working hours or flexibility note]
🎥 Hear from Our [Team Lead or Hiring Manager]
Watch this short video from [Hiring Manager’s Name] about how this role fits into our mission and why it matters.
[Insert Loom or YouTube link]
🏢 About [Company Name]
[Company Name] is a fast-growing [industry type] company helping [target customers] solve [core problem] with [your product/service]. We’re on a mission to [insert your mission], and we’re building a team that’s curious, capable, and aligned around outcomes—not egos.
We work with [#] clients across [regions or industries], and we’re just getting started.
🤝 Our Company Culture
We care deeply about how work feels—not just how it performs.
At [Company Name], we believe in:
- Radical ownership and clear communication
- Progress over perfection
- Collaboration without micromanagement
- Treating people like people—not resources
🚀 What You’ll Do
- Research and identify new opportunities in target markets
- Lead outbound outreach campaigns and discovery conversations
- Build and manage a healthy pipeline of prospects
- Collaborate with marketing and product teams to refine messaging
- Represent the company at select events (virtual or in-person)
🎯 What We’re Looking For
- [X+] years of business development or consultative sales experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience working with [insert tools, platforms, or industry specifics]
- Organized, proactive, and accountable
- Curious and coachable—you want to learn and grow
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- 💻 Remote-friendly work setup + flexible schedule
- 💰 [Salary Range] + performance-based bonus or commission
- 🏖️ [X] paid vacation days + public holidays
- 📚 $1,000 annual learning stipend
- 🩺 Health, dental, and vision insurance (where applicable)
- 💼 Laptop or tech setup reimbursement
- 🌱 Clear growth path with regular reviews and mentorship
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you’re looking to join a team that values thinking, ownership, and impact—not just closed deals—you’ll fit right in. You’ll have the autonomy to run experiments, pitch ideas, and see your work move the company forward.
This is a rare opportunity to help build something meaningful from the inside—and grow with it.
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants fairly and focus on what really matters—how you think, communicate, and solve problems.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
You’ll complete a short, async evaluation. We’ll review every submission and get back to you within 7 days. No ghosting.
✅ Option 2: Structured Format Template
Job Title: Business Development Manager
Location: [Remote] or [City, State]
Type: [Full-Time] | [Salary Range] + Commission
🎥 Meet the Team Behind This Role
Watch this short video to hear from [Hiring Manager Name or Department Head] about what we’re building and what success looks like in this position.
[Insert video link]
About [Company Name]
We’re a [industry type] company that helps [target audience] achieve [core result] through [product or service]. We’re growing quickly and looking for a Business Development Manager to help us expand our reach and deepen relationships with high-potential clients.
Responsibilities:
- Research, target, and qualify new leads
- Drive outbound and inbound business development efforts
- Lead discovery and consultative sales calls
- Manage CRM pipeline and track metrics
- Coordinate closely with marketing, product, and client success teams
Requirements:
- years in B2B sales, partnerships, or business development
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Familiarity with tools like [CRM / sales platforms]
- Proven ability to meet and exceed revenue goals
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Perks & Benefits:
- 💰 [Salary range] + performance incentives
- 🧘 Wellness & mental health support
- 📚 Learning & training reimbursement
- 🏖️ PTO, sick leave, and flexibility
- 🩺 Comprehensive health coverage (if applicable)
- 💻 Remote work stipend or coworking allowance
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to help us assess candidates fairly and efficiently. The evaluation focuses on your real-world thinking and communication—not your résumé format.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
It’s quick, respectful, and skill-based. We’ll respond to every applicant within 7 days.
Why You Should Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Phase of Hiring
Writing a great job post is only half the battle. Once the applications start coming in, the real challenge begins:
- Who’s actually qualified?
- Who’s just good at resumes?
- Who copy-pasted their answers with AI tools?
- Who will show up, contribute, and grow with your team?
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
👉 WorkScreen helps you go from “inbox full of applicants” to “shortlist of top performers”—automatically.
Here’s how it works:
✅ 1. Quickly Identify Your Most Promising Candidates
Once your job post is live, candidates apply through a WorkScreen link. They complete a short, skill-based evaluation designed to test how they think, write, and problem-solve in realistic scenarios—not just how well they write cover letters.
Candidates are scored and ranked on a performance-based leaderboard.
You see who’s worth your time—without hours of résumé screening.
✅ 2. Test for Real Skills with One-Click Evaluations
Want to test for communication, research ability, or strategic thinking? WorkScreen lets you do that with one click—no need to set up complex assessments.
Each role has custom evaluation flows tailored to what actually matters for success.
This gives you a clearer picture of who can do the job—not just who claims they can.
✅ 3. Eliminate Low-Effort and AI-Generated Applications
Let’s face it: a growing number of applicants use AI tools to auto-generate their resumes and responses. Many apply to dozens of jobs with zero effort—and zero fit.
WorkScreen filters out:
- Candidates who copy-paste generic answers
- One-click appliers
- Applicants who fail to complete the evaluation
- Résumé bluffers who underperform on real-world questions
You focus only on genuine, committed, high-quality candidates—and avoid costly hiring mistakes.
🔁 The Result?
You spend less time reviewing fluff.
You move faster.
And you hire smarter.
Start by creating your job post with WorkScreen.io. Once it’s live, you’ll get a unique link to share on job boards, LinkedIn, or anywhere else. Every applicant goes through the same evaluation—so you’re not just hiring the loudest résumé… You’re hiring the best fit for the job.
FAQ
When hiring a Business Development Manager, look for a combination of strategic thinking, relationship building, and execution ability.
Here’s a breakdown of core skills to prioritize:
- Outbound Prospecting: Ability to identify, research, and initiate contact with potential clients.
- Consultative Communication: Can lead conversations that uncover pain points and align your solution with real needs.
- Commercial Awareness: Understands how businesses operate and where your product fits into a prospect’s priorities.
- Pipeline Ownership: Comfortable managing deal flow, from cold outreach to closing.
- CRM Proficiency: Knows how to log activities, track metrics, and spot bottlenecks in tools like HubSpot or Salesforce.
- Resilience: Can handle rejection, stay motivated, and bounce back with fresh energy.
Soft skills also matter: curiosity, adaptability, writing skills (for outbound), and a self-starting attitude.
Salary ranges can vary depending on your industry, company size, and location. But here are general benchmarks:
- United States (2025 average):
👉 $65,000–$90,000 base salary
👉 With commission: total comp often reaches $100,000–$130,000+ for strong performers - United Kingdom:
👉 £40,000–£60,000 base + uncapped OTE - Remote/Global teams:
👉 Companies hiring internationally often adjust compensation based on region, experience, and role scope
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to attract serious candidates, include your salary range in the job post. Transparency increases application quality.
While both roles focus on revenue growth, they’re not the same:
- Business Development Managers focus on opening doors—finding new markets, partnerships, and clients.
- Sales Managers typically oversee existing pipelines, lead sales teams, and focus on closing deals and hitting quotas.
Think of BDMs as strategic hunters and Sales Managers as process-oriented closers.
In smaller companies, one person may wear both hats. But as you grow, the distinction becomes more important.
The best time to hire a BDM is after you’ve found product-market fit and want to scale reach beyond your immediate network.
Signs you’re ready:
- You’ve closed your first 10–20 customers manually
- You’re entering new markets or verticals
- Your founders are too stretched to manage outbound
- You have messaging, case studies, and a proven sales process to hand off
If you hire too early—before you’ve validated your offer—you risk wasting time on outreach that leads nowhere.
Top BDMs stay when they:
- See clear career growth (into Sales, Partnerships, RevOps, etc.)
- Are paid fairly (base + competitive commission)
- Feel trusted to test and iterate
- Get feedback, mentorship, and visibility into impact
Retention starts at hiring: don’t oversell the role. Be honest about the challenge—and highlight the upside.
