Business Development is a strategic role that creates long-term value for a company by identifying new markets, customers, and business partners. While their work is related to expansion, the steps that Business Development Managers take impact all aspects of a company, from product development to online marketing.
This is a dynamic job profile where professionals gain practical knowledge of various departments as they fulfil their responsibilities. Career opportunities for a Business Development Manager are available in all major industries in South Africa.
In this article, we will cover Business Development Manager salary in South Africa depending on experience and also discuss how professionals can increase their salary.
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Business Development Manager Salary in South Africa
As companies look to expand operations, increase sales, and reach new markets, it increases the demand for business development managers in South Africa. A Business Development Manager is essential for the growth and expansion needed to meet a company’s objectives. Their work affects various functional departments, such as marketing, sales, production, logistics, and accounting.
A Business Development Manager is a prestigious profile, and the importance and impact of their role are reflected in the Business Development Manager salary in South Africa. These managers earn competitive salaries with an average annual income of R480,000 as of December 2024, according to Talent.com. The national average salary considers the salaries of business development managers of all experience levels and industries.
Salary variations can occur based on the size of the company, the location of the job, educational qualifications, and the manager’s experience.
Average Business Development Manager Salary in South Africa
The Business Development Manager salary in South Africa can vary depending on the industry. A Business Development Manager working in the energy sector earns R1,300,000 annually, according to Talent.com. This figure is updated as of December 2024. This number is significantly higher than the national average salary for a business development manager, which is R480,000.
Another factor that can affect salary variation is the location of the job. Jobs in larger cities usually pay more due to the higher cost of living in these locations. The table below lists the Business Development Manager Salary in South Africa based on location. These figures are from Indeed.com as of December 2024.
| Job Location | Salary |
| Sandton | R475,570 |
| Gauteng | R462,411 |
| Midrand | R360,758 |
| Pretoria | R457,086 |
| Cape Town | R399,508 |
Per Month Business Development Manager Salary in South Africa
According to Talent.com, the business development manager’s average salary in South Africa is R40,000 as of December 2024. However, the average salary for a Business Development Manager who works in the energy sector is R108,300. Certain industries, such as Energy, Oil & Gas, and Finance, pay considerably higher salaries due to the challenging nature of the role.
One of the best ways to enter these high-paying industries is to complete a relevant undergraduate degree, followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA). While enroled in the undergraduate programme, students should work on projects and internships that offer practical experience.
Read more on Why Do An MBA Degree
Entry-Level Business Development Manager Salary in South Africa
While an accredited educational qualification helps students gain entry into the workforce, their promotions and salary increases are dependent on their skills and experience. Therefore, an entry-level Business Development Manager salary in South Africa is R300,000, while experienced managers can make up to R5,428,000.
If MBA graduates can demonstrate expertise and support it with projects they have undertaken, they can be hired as entry- level business development managers upon graduation. On the other hand, most undergraduates typically begin their career as a Business Development Associate or a Business Development Representative.
After a few years of work experience, they can seek promotion to the position of Business Development Manager. This can be followed by the Head of Business Development, the Director of Business Development, and the VP of Business Development.
Junior Business Development Manager Salary in South Africa
A Junior Business Development Manager usually has a few years of experience in the field, followed by some experience in a managerial position. Over time, these managers gain transferable skills and can change industries for professional growth.
According to Indeed.com, a Junior Business Development salary in South Africa is R195,470. However, junior managers can earn up to R358,539 in Johannesburg as of December 2024.
Junior managers gain experience and simultaneously build their professional networks, which can help them generate leads and learn about new markets and trends.
Senior Business Development Manager Salary in South Africa
As professionals gain experience in business development, they work on larger projects and gain more responsibilities. In the role of Senior Business Development Manager, they are involved in the strategic planning process.
They lead their department and are in the process of delegating tasks and projects according to their team’s competencies. They also help mentor junior managers and help them grow into their roles. According to Talent.com, the Senior Business Development Manager Salary in South Africa is R5,553,000 as of December 2024.
Business Development Manager Salary Range in South Africa
When we discuss the salary of a Business Development Manager in South Africa, the available data takes into consideration industries, experience, and location. However, these are factors that can affect the annual salary of a Business Development Manager.
In addition to technical knowledge of the field, companies prefer to hire managers who demonstrate leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, which are essential to this role.
These are some factors that can affect the salary of a Business Development Manager in South Africa.
- Company Size: Larger companies with well-established businesses usually pay more because of more significant capital resources and a greater demand for business development managers.
- Location: A Business Development Manager typically earns a higher salary in larger cities than in smaller towns. This is due to the demand for skilled managers in larger cities and the higher cost of living.
- Industry: The industries in which business development managers operate can also affect overall salaries. Business development managers generally earn significantly higher salaries in the finance, energy, and technology industries.
The table below lists business development salaries in South Africa for various roles and experience levels. The salaries have been sourced from Talent.com and are accurate as of December 2024.
| Job Role | Entry Level | Experienced |
| Business Development Executive | R247,200 | R861,000 |
| Business Development Officer | R258,000 | R707,000 |
| Business Development Specialist | R337,500 | R3,000,000 |
| Business Development Manager | R300,000 | R5,553,000 |
| Junior Business Development Manager | R144,000 | R509,988 |
| Business Development Manager Energy | R210,000 | R8,400,000 |
How to Increase Your Business Development Manager Salary in South Africa?
Business Development is a challenging and dynamic field where professionals require technical and interpersonal skills to succeed. This role helps to identify new avenues for growth and is essential to help businesses expand and increase revenue.
Managers should gain certifications, take leadership roles, and gain experience to help increase their salary as a Business Development Manager. These are some ways in which business development managers can help boost their salaries.
1. Education
While it is possible to gain entry into the field with higher education, an undergraduate qualification is preferred. Completing an MBA makes it faster to progress to senior business development positions.
2. Certifications
To increase the Business Development Manager salary in South Africa, professionals can enrol in short online or weekend courses that provide additional support in their role. These can be a Bids and Proposals certification or a Project Management certification.
3. Quantifiable Achievements
Managers should also have quantifiable achievements, such as the number of leads generated or the percentage of revenue increased, that can demonstrate their contribution and value to the company.
4. Experience
Practical experience has a significant impact on the Business Development Manager salary in South Africa. With experience, managers learn how to negotiate contracts and close lucrative deals swiftly.
Tips to Increase Business Development Manager Salary
- Track achievements
- Learn and adapt
- Be assertive
- Take on leadership roles
- Network
Conclusion
A Business Development Manager is important in driving growth and creating long-term value for a company by identifying new markets, customers, and partners. In South Africa, this role is in high demand across various industries, including energy, finance, and technology. The average salary for a Business Development Manager in South Africa is R480,000 annually. This figure can vary depending on the industry, experience, and location.
To increase their salary, professionals should focus on developing both technical and interpersonal skills by acquiring relevant certifications and gaining hands-on experience. They should also track achievements and aim for quantifiable success to demonstrate value to the company.
If you are interested in fast-tracking your career, check out the details of the MBA programme on the Regenesys website today. It is also available online to offer flexibility to working professionals.
Business Development Manager Salary in South Africa – FAQs
What is the business development manager salary range in south africa?
Business development managers can earn between R300,00 to R5,553,000.
What factors affect the salary of a Business Development Manager?
Some factors that affect salary include education, experience, and location of the job.
What educational qualification is required to become a Business Development Manager?
Business development managers should have an undergraduate degree in business or a technical field. They can follow this with an MBA.
What is the entry-level salary for a Business Development Manager in South Africa?
Entry-level Business Development Managers can expect to earn around R300,000 annually. This can increase with experience.
Can an MBA increase my salary as a Business Development Manager?
Completing an MBA can fast-track career progression and open up higher-paying opportunities in senior roles like Head of Business Development.
