Business Development Manager CV Example
Highlight your ability to identify growth opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, and drive new business acquisition for organisations.
Recommended template: FreshPro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Include specific revenue figures and deal values you have secured through business development.
- Highlight your strategic approach to identifying and pursuing new market opportunities.
- Mention your experience with proposal writing and tender processes.
- Detail successful partnerships or client relationships you have established.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Business Development Manager CV
A business development manager CV must demonstrate strategic thinking, commercial drive, and a track record of generating revenue growth. Employers look for BDMs who can identify opportunities, build relationships, and convert prospects into paying clients. Your CV should show that you can think strategically about market opportunities while also executing at the tactical level — prospecting, presenting, negotiating, and closing.
CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format with a powerful profile that immediately communicates your revenue track record and sector expertise. For each role, describe the company, your market focus, and your revenue target. List three to four responsibilities covering your strategic approach, followed by two to three quantified achievements. Consider a key achievements banner near the top for maximum impact. Keep the CV to two pages.
CV Format
Choose a bold, professional template that conveys commercial confidence. Business development CVs can be slightly more dynamic than traditional corporate CVs — a strong visual hierarchy that draws attention to your revenue figures is appropriate. Ensure key metrics are scannable at a glance.
CV Profile Examples
Experienced BDM
Strategic business development manager with seven years of experience driving new revenue growth in the technology and professional services sectors. Skilled in identifying market opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and managing complex sales cycles from lead generation to contract closure. Personally responsible for generating over £5M in new business revenue across the last three years through a combination of direct sales, channel partnerships, and tender wins.
Senior BDM
Commercially focused senior business development manager with a proven track record of entering new markets, building channel partner networks, and securing enterprise-level contracts. Experienced in leading cross-functional bid teams, developing compelling proposals, and negotiating multi-year agreements with decision-makers at board level. Known for combining strategic vision with hands-on execution to deliver sustainable revenue growth.
BDM — Sector Specialist
Business development manager specialising in the healthcare and public sector markets, with five years of experience navigating procurement frameworks, building stakeholder relationships, and winning competitive tenders. Strong understanding of NHS procurement processes, framework agreements, and public sector buying cycles. Combines sector expertise with consultative selling skills to position solutions that address complex organisational challenges.
Open with your BD experience, sector focus, and total revenue generated in recent years. Mention the types of deals you work on, the seniority of buyers you engage with, and one headline achievement. Keep it punchy and results-focused.
Key Skills for Your Business Development Manager CV
Business Development
Identifying, pursuing, and converting new business opportunities that drive organisational revenue growth and market expansion.
Strategic Partnerships
Building and managing commercial partnerships with channel partners, technology vendors, and complementary service providers.
New Business Acquisition
Generating new client relationships through direct sales, networking, referrals, and competitive tender processes.
Market Analysis
Researching market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs to identify opportunities and inform business development strategy.
Proposal Writing
Preparing compelling commercial proposals and tender responses that articulate value propositions and differentiate the organisation.
Negotiation
Negotiating commercial terms, pricing, and contract structures that balance client requirements with organisational profitability.
Pipeline Management
Building and managing a structured sales pipeline with sufficient volume and progression to achieve revenue targets consistently.
Revenue Forecasting
Providing accurate revenue forecasts based on pipeline analysis, conversion rates, and deal stage probability weighting.
Work Experience Examples
For each role, state the company, your market, and your revenue target. Describe your strategic approach to business development alongside tactical execution activities. Quantify everything — revenue generated, pipeline built, deals closed, partnership contributions. Include specific deal examples that demonstrate the scale and complexity of your commercial activity.
Business Development Manager
Vanguard Consulting Group
Led new business acquisition for a £15M management consultancy firm, targeting mid-market and enterprise clients across financial services, retail, and public sector organisations.
Responsibilities
- Developed and executed the business development strategy for the firm's digital transformation and operational improvement service lines.
- Identified and qualified new opportunities through market research, networking events, industry conferences, and direct outreach.
- Led tender responses and competitive bid processes, managing cross-functional teams to produce compelling proposals.
- Negotiated contract terms and commercial arrangements for engagements valued between £50K and £500K.
- Maintained a structured sales pipeline using Salesforce, providing accurate monthly and quarterly revenue forecasts to the managing director.
Achievements
- Generated £2.1M in new business revenue in the most recent financial year, exceeding the annual target of £1.6M by 31%.
- Won a competitive tender for a £480K digital transformation programme with a top-five UK retailer, the firm's largest single engagement.
- Established a partnership with a technology vendor that opened access to three new framework agreements, contributing £350K in pipeline within six months.
Business Development Executive
Prism IT Solutions Ltd
Drove new client acquisition for a £6M managed IT services provider, targeting SME businesses across the South East with 50-500 employees.
Responsibilities
- Generated new business leads through cold calling, LinkedIn outreach, and attendance at local business networking events.
- Conducted discovery meetings to understand prospects' IT challenges and present tailored managed services proposals.
- Prepared proposals, service level agreements, and commercial quotations for managed IT support, cloud migration, and cybersecurity services.
- Managed a pipeline of 40-60 active opportunities at any time, progressing leads through a structured sales process.
Achievements
- Closed £680K in new annual recurring revenue in the first year, representing 22% of the company's new business intake.
- Achieved the fastest pipeline build in the company's history, reaching a £1M qualified pipeline within eight months of joining.
Education & Qualifications
List your degree and any relevant sales or business development certifications. Include proposal writing, tender management, or negotiation training. Industry-specific qualifications that demonstrate sector credibility are also valuable.
Degree in Business / Marketing
Academic foundation in commercial strategy, market analysis, and business growth principles.
APMP Certification
Association of Proposal Management Professionals qualification demonstrating bid and proposal writing expertise.
Salesforce Certification
Demonstrates proficiency in CRM-based pipeline management, forecasting, and reporting.
Negotiation Skills Training
Formal training in commercial negotiation techniques applicable to complex deal environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I show business development success on my CV?
Should I include tender and bid experience on my CV?
How important is market analysis on a BDM CV?
What is the difference between a BDM CV and a sales manager CV?
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