What does a Business Development Manager do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A Business Development Manager has overall responsibility for developing and promoting business within a municipality, region, or larger organization. Tasks include strategic planning, collaboration with companies, authorities, and other societal actors, as well as leading projects aimed at strengthening the local or regional economy. The role often requires balancing different interests, especially between public and private actors, and much of the work involves networking, analyzing market trends, and identifying new business opportunities. The work environment is generally office-based but also involves many external meetings, representation, and participation in industry forums.
Salary development over time
The salary for Business Development Managers has shown varied development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 70,200 SEK per month. In 2023, this increased to 73 700 SEK, corresponding to approximately 5% growth. For 2024, the average salary has slightly decreased to 72 900 SEK, a reduction of about 1% from the previous year. This decline can partly be explained by changes in demand for leadership roles and an increased number of applicants with higher education and experience. Salaries are also influenced by regional differences and the sector of employment. Despite the slight decrease last year, salary levels remain very high compared to many other managerial roles.
Business Development Manager salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 72 900 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 50,000 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education)
- Highest salary: 156,100 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, research education)
- Lowest salary (female): 53,900 SEK/month
- Highest salary (female): 131,700 SEK/month
- Hourly wage (average): 439 SEK
- Women/men (average): Women 73 200 SEK, men 72 700 SEK (women earn 101% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on region and sector, with higher levels in larger cities and within the municipal sector.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a Business Development Manager usually involves university studies in economics, social sciences, or similar fields. Many also have experience from leadership positions within business, public administration, or business promotion activities. Relevant further education and networking are important factors for reaching managerial positions in the field.
- University degree: Economics, social sciences, or equivalent (3–5 years)
- Further education: Leadership, project management, public administration
- Certifications: Project management (e.g., PMP) can be advantageous
- Experience: Several years of work experience within business or public sector
- Networking: Active participation in industry and company networks
Many Business Development Managers have backgrounds from both private and public sectors, providing a unique understanding of collaboration between different actors. Building and maintaining relationships is a central part of the profession, and participation in national and international collaborations is common to promote regional development.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to the high base salary, Business Development Managers often receive benefits such as company cars, additional pension contributions, wellness allowances, mobile phones, and opportunities for remote work. Additional compensations may include performance-based bonuses and access to professional development.
Competition and challenges
The competition for roles as a Business Development Manager is very high, with a limited number of vacancies and many qualified applicants. The role requires broad knowledge and deep understanding of business conditions and changes, along with significant responsibility for strategic decisions. Navigating between political goals and corporate needs can be challenging, as well as quickly adapting to economic and societal shifts. Furthermore, a Business Development Manager is often expected to deliver measurable results in a short time, demanding strong leadership and analytical skills.
Tips for aspiring Business Development Managers
To succeed as a Business Development Manager, it is beneficial to develop strong analytical skills and to build a broad network within the business community early on. Demonstrating initiative and taking responsibility for projects provides valuable experience and enhances leadership qualities, which are crucial in managerial roles. Good communication skills are essential, as the role involves many meetings and negotiations with various stakeholders. Being solution-oriented and flexible facilitates working in a rapidly changing environment. Experience from both public and private sectors often provides advantages and increases understanding of different perspectives. Continual professional development in leadership and environmental analysis is recommended to stay competitive. Finally, perseverance and result orientation are important, as the path to managerial positions is often long and requires determination.
Key facts about a Business Development Manager
- Average salary: 72 900 SEK/month
- Educational level: University degree (often in economics or social sciences)
- Work environment: Office-based with many external meetings
- Demand: 175 job openings in Sweden (2024, SSYK data)
- Gender difference: Women earn an average of 101% of men's salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a Business Development Manager, there are opportunities to advance to higher management roles, such as municipal director, regional manager, or CEO within business organizations. It is also common to move into strategic advisory roles or work on development projects within larger companies and authorities. Employment agency forecasts indicate that demand for experienced leaders in business development remains stable, although the number of vacancies is limited and competition is intense. Those combining extensive experience with specialized skills, such as sustainability or innovation management, have particularly good prospects. Regional differences exist, with the greatest demand in growth regions and larger cities.
Frequently asked questions about Business Development Managers
- What is the average salary of a Business Development Manager?
- The average salary is 72 900 SEK per month.
- How does the salary differ between women and men?
- Women earn an average of 73 200 SEK, men 72 700 SEK, which means women earn 101% of men's salaries.
- What education is required to become a Business Development Manager?
- Usually, a university degree in economics, social sciences, or similar, along with several years of leadership experience, is required.
- Are there significant regional salary differences?
- Yes, higher salaries are often found in larger cities and growth regions, as well as within the municipal sector.
- What is the job market like for Business Development Managers?
- There are 175 job openings in Sweden, but competition is high.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for the profession?
- The highest salary is 156,100 SEK (male, municipal sector, research education), and the lowest is 50,000 SEK (male, public sector, high school education).
- What personal qualities are important?
- Analytical ability, leadership, strong communication, and networking skills are particularly important.
