Role overview
A business development manager grows a company's revenue by identifying new markets, partnerships and clients, and building relationships that lead to deals. In India they typically research opportunities, generate high-value leads, pitch to decision-makers, negotiate partnerships, and own strategic growth — focusing on the bigger picture of where and how the business expands, beyond individual transactional sales.
A business development manager usually has around 2–10 yrs of experience and earns typically ₹5L–₹20L/yr + incentives in India. The day-to-day blends Lead generation, Negotiation, Strategic partnerships and more — this page gives you a ready-to-use business development manager job description template you can copy, plus the exact skills and salary employers expect.
Key responsibilities
A business development manager is typically responsible for:
- Identify new markets, clients, partnerships and revenue opportunities
- Generate and qualify high-value leads through research and outreach
- Pitch to senior decision-makers and present tailored proposals
- Negotiate contracts, partnerships and long-term deals
- Build and maintain strategic client and partner relationships
- Develop and execute a business-growth strategy and pipeline
- Collaborate with sales, marketing and product on go-to-market plans
- Track pipeline, forecast revenue and report on growth targets
Requirements & qualifications
To succeed as a business development manager, candidates usually need:
- Proven track record of generating leads and closing business deals
- Strong negotiation, relationship-building and presentation skills
- Strategic, market-aware mindset and commercial acumen
- Experience with CRM tools and pipeline management
- Bachelor's degree; an MBA is often preferred
Business Development Manager skills
The most in-demand business development manager skills on listings today:
Not sure which of these you're missing? A free OnJob profile runs your CV against every live business development manager job and shows the exact skill gaps standing between you and a 100% match.
Typical salary & experience
Typical salary (India)
typically ₹5L–₹20L/yr + incentives
Experience range
2–10 yrs
These are typical ranges and vary by city, company and skills. For live, role-specific pay data, see the OnJob salary guide.
Business Development Manager job description — FAQs
What does a business development manager do?
A business development manager grows revenue by finding new markets, clients and partnerships and building relationships that lead to deals. They research opportunities, generate high-value leads, pitch to decision-makers and negotiate strategic deals.
What is the difference between sales and business development?
Sales focuses on closing individual transactions with existing demand, while business development focuses on creating new opportunities — markets, partnerships and strategic relationships — that build a pipeline for sales to convert. BD is more strategic and longer-term.
What qualifications do you need for a BDM role?
A bachelor's degree is typical and an MBA is often preferred, but a proven record of generating leads and closing deals matters most. Strong negotiation, communication and commercial acumen are the core requirements.
How much does a business development manager earn in India?
Junior BDMs typically earn ₹5L–₹9L per year plus incentives, mid-level BDMs ₹10L–₹16L, and senior BDMs ₹18L+ before commission. See our salary guide for current ranges.