Business Development Manager

research and identify new business opportunities - including new markets, growth areas, trends, customers, partnerships, products and services - or new ways of reaching existing markets

seek out the appropriate contact in an organisation

generate leads and cold call prospective customers

meet with customers/clients face-to-face or over the phone

foster and develop relationships with customers, clients, partners, sponsors and donors so that you can generate repeat business as well as finding new opportunities

understand the needs of your customers and be able to respond effectively with a plan of how to meet these

think strategically - seeing the bigger picture and setting aims and objectives in order to develop and improve the business and reach new audiences

work strategically - carrying out necessary planning in order to implement operational changes

draw up client contracts - depending on the size of company, this task may be completed by someone else or agreements may not be as formal

lead on and support bid-writing for new grants and contracts where appropriate

have a good understanding of the businesses' products or services and be able to advise others about them

ensure staff are on board throughout the organisation, and understand the need for change and what is required of them

train members of your team, arranging external training where appropriate

discuss promotional strategy and activities with the marketing department