A strong growth role for commercially-minded professionals building their BD skills — combining the excitement of deal-making with structured career progression.”
About This Role
Identifying market opportunities to grow a company's revenue.
A Day in the Life
Executes business development activities — managing a defined market segment, supporting senior BD staff, coordinating proposals, and maintaining client relationships to contribute to revenue growth.
- Research and profile target clients in an assigned market segment
- Assist in preparing proposals, presentations, and pitch decks
- Follow up with prospects and maintain CRM pipeline records
- Coordinate with product, marketing, and operations on BD requirements
- Attend client meetings and networking events with senior BD staff
- Track competitor activities and market developments
- Support senior BD Manager with reporting and analysis
- Manage existing account relationships for upselling opportunities
- Process enquiries and convert warm leads to qualified prospects
- Assist with onboarding new clients post-deal closure
Work Environment
Hybrid office and field environment. Works under the guidance of BD Manager while building independence. Involves regular client interactions and some travel for meetings.
Typical hours: 48h/week · WLB score 6/10 · OCCASIONAL overtime
More structured than senior BD roles but still involves occasional evening networking and client commitments. Work-life balance is better than BD Executive at aggressive sales-first companies.
Skills Required
Required
Preferred
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Tools & Software
Salary in Sri Lanka (LKR / month)
Typical progression: 2yr to mid · 5yr to senior
BD Officer serves as a structured mid-point between executive and manager. Typically progresses to Senior BD Executive in 2–3 years and can advance to BD Manager within 5–6 years with consistent performance.
Global Salary (USD / year)
Top Markets
Market Outlook
GROWING
Consistent demand across FMCG, logistics, financial services, and tech sectors in Sri Lanka. Companies structure BD teams with Officers as the core execution layer below managers.
Hiring: HIGH
GROWING
BD Officers are in demand globally across all growth-oriented companies. The role title varies (Account Executive, Business Development Representative) but the function is universally required.
Entry Requirements
Sri Lanka
Preferred
Global
Preferred
Helpful Certifications
Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
Business Ideas
- BD consulting for small businesses
- Sales outsourcing services for SMEs
- Lead generation agency
- Freelance sales representative for multiple brands
Side Income Ideas
Growing opportunities for BD professionals to offer sales-as-a-service to Sri Lankan SMEs that lack dedicated BD teams.
Risks & Challenges
AI Replacement Risk
LOW
LONG TERM
Burnout Risk
MEDIUM
Job Security (SL)
HIGH
AI tools assist with prospecting and CRM management but the relationship-building and negotiation core of BD remains human. BD Officers who embrace AI tools become more productive, not redundant.
Burnout Causes
Physical Health Risks
Mental Health Risks
How to Mitigate
- Pursue SLIM or CIM qualifications to strengthen professional credibility
- Master CRM and sales analytics tools to demonstrate data-driven value
- Build a strong portfolio of closed deals and client relationships
- Develop presentation and public speaking skills for senior progression
Is This Career For You?
Commerce or business graduates who are sociable, persuasive, and want to build a career in sales and business development without the full pressure of a senior BD manager role yet.
Personality Types
Core Motivations
What You'll Love
- Clear performance metrics and reward structure
- Exposure to diverse clients and industries
- Strong learning curve in commercial skills
- Good stepping stone to senior BD or management roles
What's Challenging
- Rejection is frequent and must be managed emotionally
- Mid-level position means less autonomy than senior roles
- Sales target pressure is constant
How to Qualify in Sri Lanka
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Frequently Asked Questions
Executes business development activities — managing a defined market segment, supporting senior BD staff, coordinating proposals, and maintaining client relationships to contribute to revenue growth.