When exploring the world of business development, itโs common to encounter two roles that sound similar but arenโt exactly the same: Business Development Executive and Business Development Manager.
These roles are often used interchangeably in the Philippines, especially in small to mid-sized companies. But suppose youโre building a long-term career or switching roles. In that case, itโs essential to understand how these positions differ, especially in industries like Web 3, where responsibilities can quickly shift with market trends.
Letโs break it down clearly for you.
Business Development Executive vs Business Development Manager: Similarities
While there are differences, executives and managers often work side-by-side. Their shared mission? Growing the business. Hereโs where they align:
1. Goal: Company Growth
Both roles focus on identifying opportunities to bring in new clients, increase sales, and strengthen partnerships. Whether youโre an executive or a manager, your job is to move the business forward.
2. Skill Set
Communication, negotiation, research, and CRM knowledge are essential for both. You must know how to speak with decision-makers, understand customer needs, and present solutions persuasively.
3. Industry Flexibility
Both roles are in demand, whether itโs tech, healthcare, finance, or the emerging Web3 sector. You can transfer your BD skills across industries as long as youโre quick to learn and adapt.
4. Team Collaboration
Even if the executive is more hands-on and the manager oversees strategy, both often work together. Managers depend on executives for field insights, and executives look to managers for guidance and decision-making support.
Key Differences Between the Two Roles
Things start to split here: titles, responsibilities, expectations, and salaries.
1. Scope of Responsibility
Business Development Executive
This is usually an entry-to mid-level position. Executives are on the ground, coldโcalling, attending meetings, sending proposals, and building relationships. They’re often the first point of contact with potential clients.
Business Development Manager
Managers are more strategic. They may still meet with clients, but their primary role is to design sales strategies, manage teams, analyze performance metrics, and push for higher-level business partnerships.
2. Decision-Making Power
Managers have more authority in decision-making. They may approve pricing models, partnership terms, or team goals. Executives, on the other hand, execute those decisions under managerial guidance.
3. Salary Expectations
While compensation varies based on experience and company size, business development managers typically earn higher salaries due to their expanded responsibilities and leadership roles.
Curious about what specific duties a business development manager handles daily? Visit Business Development Manager Duties: Things You Should Know for more information.
4. Reporting Structure
Executives often report directly to managers. Managers, meanwhile, may report to directors, senior executives, or company founders, depending on the company hierarchy.
Growth Path from Executive to Manager
You’re on the right track if youโre currently working as a business development executive and eyeing the manager position.
1. Gain Hands-On Experience
Start by mastering the sales processโfrom prospecting and pitching to closing deals and retaining clients. Use every interaction as a learning opportunity.
2. Develop Strategic Thinking
Managers arenโt just about doingโthey plan. Try to understand the bigger picture: What markets are worth entering? Which partnerships will last long-term? Practice thinking like a manager, even before you are one.
3. Learn to Lead
Whether youโre mentoring interns or sharing tips with teammates, leadership starts small. Take on tasks like managing CRM data accuracy or organizing team huddles. It shows you can handle responsibility.
4. Upskill
Consider courses in sales management, project leadership, and industry-specific knowledge, especially in fast-moving sectors like Web3. Bossjob offers plenty of job listings that require or prefer these qualifications.
5. Network Intentionally
Surround yourself with managers and directors. Join local business clubs, attend webinars, or even follow thought leaders on LinkedIn. Learning from others’ experiences accelerates your journey.
Job Tips: Opportunities for the Two Roles in the Web3 Industry
Now hereโs where things get exciting.
The Web3 industry, which includes blockchain technology, NFTs, decentralized finance (DeFi), and more, is booming in Southeast Asia, and the Philippines is at the heart of this transformation.
In this space, the roles of business development executives and managers often intersect more than in traditional industries.
1. Collaboration is Key
In Web3, BD executives and managers may collaborate in real-time to adapt to new trends, build global partnerships, and keep up with tech changes. The market moves fast, and so should your team.
For example, a BD executive might identify a potential blockchain startup needing a partner. The BD manager then creates a long-term collaboration strategy and oversees the integration.
2. Skill Adaptability
In Web3, knowledge of crypto, NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts becomes crucial. Executives are expected to explain these to potential clients, while managers may use them in designing full-scale growth strategies.
3. Cross-Functionality
These roles also touch on marketing, product development, and user community managementโsomething you donโt often see in traditional business dev roles. Thatโs why many BD professionals in Web3 wear multiple hats.
4. Where to Find These Jobs?
You guessed itโBossjob.ph has a growing list of Web3-related BD job opportunities, tailored for Filipino professionals. Whether youโre a fresh grad looking to enter Web3 as a BD executive or a seasoned sales leader ready to manage partnerships in a decentralized tech firm, Bossjob can help you take that step.
Explore Web3 BD jobs here: https://bossjob.ph/en-us/web3
FAQs of Business Development Executive & Manager
What tools should I learn to succeed in these roles?
While CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot are standard, familiarity with platforms like Notion (for team collaboration), ZoomInfo (for lead sourcing), and even Discord (for Web3 community engagement) can give you an edge, especially in tech-driven industries.
Can I transition from marketing to business development?
Many marketing professionals find the transition smooth since both roles focus on customer needs and revenue growth. However, expect to handle more client-facing activities and sales negotiations in BD roles.
Conclusion
Choosing between becoming a business development executive or a business development manager depends on your career stage and the kind of responsibilities youโre ready to take on.
If you love being on the front lines, building new relationships, and constantly learning, the executive role might be the perfect place to start. But if you’re ready to lead teams, drive strategies, and make high-stakes decisions, aiming for a managerial role is the way forward.
And if youโre serious about growing your career, especially in the fast-evolving Web3 world, donโt wait.
