Business Development Manager Duties and Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities of a Business Development Manager are mainly concerened with sales, management and client relations, but they also cover many other different aspects. Their common job functions include: * Identifying new business opportunities, including new markets, new clients, new partnerships or new products and services * Creating strategies to successfully reach new business opportunities * Building relationships with new clients, gauging their needs and developing proposals to address these needs * Maintaining and developing relationships with current clients * Pitching sales and products to new and existing clients * Attending conferences and events to build relationships with industry partners and staying up to date with new trends * Creating sales forecasts and actively working towards reaching them * Possessing a strong understanding of the company’s products, the competition in the industry and positioning * Managing and training a business development team Business Development Manager skills and qualifications As this role involves working with people at almost every level, whether it’s managing a team, networking with industry partners, reporting to senior management or building relationships with clients, Business Development Managers have to enjoy working with people and should have excellent interpersonal skills. A successful Business Development Manager candidiate requires specific prerequisite skills and qualifications including: * The ability to sell ideas, products and services * Excellent time management skills and the ability to multitask * A strategic and creative mind * Strong leadership qualities to lead a team * Excellent customer service skills * Technical skills to understand and propose products or solutions by focusing on the client’s requirements * Solid IT skills and knowledge of necessary software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other statistical analysis software. * The ability to motivate themselves and others * A solid understanding of business and marketing principles Business Development Manager experience requirements To succeed in their job, Business Development Managers need extensive sales experience and a strong sales record. Employers usually require candidates to have proven ability to hit sales targets, bring in new business and build and sustain good business relationships. Experience within a relevant business sector will be advantageous and some employers may also require some management experience. Interested Please apply