Business Developer - Career Guide

All of the business developer’s tasks have a specific objective: to develop and monitor a reliable business plan. To achieve this objective, their main tasks include:

Analysis and auditing

• Conducting regular internal audits (analysing internal sales, financial and legal departments to understand processes and identify areas for improvement)
• Conducting external audits (market research, supply and demand analysis, competitive environment analysis, new trends, customer analysis, etc.)
• Analysing performance and adjusting actions accordingly.

Implementation and Development

• Implement solutions to address any malfunctions
• Develop a business plan (design new products, specific commercial strategies, etc.)
• Communicate and oversee the implementation of the strategy
• Develop a client portfolio (negotiate new agreements, build loyalty, etc.)

Business developers occupy a central position within the company, linking the sales, marketing and product development teams. They must collaborate with these different teams in order to understand customer needs, identify market opportunities, develop new products and services, and find ways to increase sales. Their role is therefore crucial to the success of the company, especially as they must also build strong relationships with existing and potential customers. Business development managers must therefore be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders, understand the needs and expectations of the market, and develop coherent and effective commercial strategies.

Business Development is a career with a bright future, highly sought after by many companies, whether they are small businesses, SMEs or large corporations. These professionals occupy a central position, acting as a link between the sales, marketing and product development teams.

They are also often found in start-ups, where their skills are essential in helping these organisations achieve their goals and grow quickly.

To become a business development manager, employers generally look for candidates with a three-year or five-year degree from a business school.

Becoming a Business Developer after high school or a 2-year college degree

After graduating from high school, students can pursue a degree at a business or engineering school, followed by a postgraduate degree in management. It is also possible to start a Bachelor’s degree in Business Development directly, such as the one offered by ISC Paris. This Bachelor’s degree is also available to students with two years of post-secondary education in one year. At the end of the programme, you will obtain a state-recognised three-year degree with a Bachelor’s degree.

Business Development training after a Bachelor’s degree

One of the best paths to take after a three-year degree is to continue with a highly professional Master’s or Master of Science (MSc) degree. You can opt for an MSc in Business Development or aMaster in Management, such as the Master’s in Business Development and Entrepreneurship  at ISC Paris, which incorporates an entrepreneurial dimension that is highly sought after in the job market.

The Sales Director oversees all of a company’s sales activities. He or she is responsible for several strategic areas:

• Improving customer relations
• Sales strategy
• Recruitment
• Sales force management

The Sales Manager is responsible for defining and implementing the company’s sales strategy. They also manage all sales-related commercial activities.

The Account Manager manages a specific portfolio of clients and ensures their loyalty and development.

business development managers can also progress to become Project Managers, responsible for implementing specific projects, such as marketing or sales operations.

Some business development managers also choose to become Business Development Consultants. These experts offer their expertise to companies that need support with business expansion.