What does a business development officer do?
A business development officer helps the company grow by finding new opportunities, building relationships, and increasing revenue. They often research market trends, generate leads, and negotiate contracts to expand the business. Their duties might also include working with marketing teams, analyzing financial performance, and attending industry events. They track sales data, adjust strategies based on market insights, and work with internal teams to meet business goals.
Business development officer skills and qualifications
Business development officers typically require a mix of hard and soft skills to succeed, including:
- proficiency in CRM software, such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho, to track leads and manage client relationships
- strong negotiation and sales skills to secure contracts and close business deals
- market research and analytical abilities to identify trends and assess growth opportunities
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills for networking and relationship management
- strategic thinking and problem solving to develop and refine business expansion plans
- financial literacy to analyze sales data, forecast revenue, and align strategies with company goals
- adaptability and resilience to work with changing market conditions and business challenges
- time management and organization to balance multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines
Business development officer experience requirements
Employers in Canada typically expect business development officers to have prior experience in roles such as business development associate, analyst, or coordinator. Leadership experience in managerial or supervisory positions is often preferred, as these roles involve leading teams and driving business growth. Some employers may consider extensive industry experience as a substitute for formal education.
Business development officer education and training requirements
Business development officers in Canada typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, commerce, or public administration. While not required, certifications like Certified Economic Developer (Ec.D.) or Certified Marketing Research Professional (CMRP) can strengthen a candidate’s qualifications. Ongoing learning in marketing, sales, client services, or project management can also be valuable for career growth.
Business development officer salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a business development officer in Canada is $63,167 per year. Salaries may be contingent on location, experience, and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
If a business development officer is not exactly what your business needs, consider these related job descriptions:
Business development officer job description FAQs
What should you look for in a business development officer job resume?
A strong business development officer resume typically highlights experience in sales, market research, and strategic planning. Employers often look for candidates with a history of driving revenue growth, building partnerships and managing client relationships. Proficiency in CRM software, negotiation skills, and industry-specific knowledge can add value. Sales, marketing, or economic development certifications may also indicate a well-rounded candidate with the right expertise.
Which industries hire business development officers?
Business development officers generally work across finance, technology, healthcare, real estate, and manufacturing industries. Companies in these fields may depend on them to grow their client base, form strategic partnerships, and find new market opportunities. Depending on the industry, knowledge of regulations, supply chains, or specific sales strategies can be essential for driving long-term business growth.
Which qualities does a good business development officer have?
A good business development officer is typically proactive, strategic, and great at building relationships. Strong communication and negotiation skills help close deals and create long-term partnerships. Their ability to think analytically and research market trends enables them to spot growth opportunities and keep ahead of trends. Adaptability, persistence, and the ability to work independently or as a team are also qualities for success in this role.
How do you make your business development officer job description stand out?
An effective business development officer job description often emphasizes the role’s impact on growth and innovation. It clearly defines primary responsibilities, required qualifications, and skills like market analysis and relationship management. Highlighting your company’s mission, industry presence, career advancement opportunities, and salary ranges and benefits can also make the listing more attractive to top talent.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.