Business Development Manager Salary
See what UK Business Development Managers typically earn in 2026, and get an instant estimate of base salary, bonus, and total compensation for your experience level, location, and company size.
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Select your experience level, location, and company size to see an estimated base salary range, typical bonus, and total compensation for a Business Development Manager role in the UK.
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Estimated Compensation
Based on experience, location, and company size
UK Salary by Experience Level
Typical UK national-average base salary ranges for Business Development Managers at each career stage.
| Experience Level | Low End | Average | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | £24,000 | £28,000 | £33,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–5 years) | £36,000 | £42,000 | £49,000 |
| Senior (6–9 years) | £50,000 | £58,000 | £68,000 |
| Director / Head of BD (10+ years) | £68,000 | £78,000 | £95,000 |
Salary by UK Location
How location typically adjusts Business Development Manager pay relative to the UK national average.
| Location | Adjustment vs. National Average | Typical Mid-Level Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | +25% | £52,500 | |
| Manchester | +5% | £44,100 | |
| Birmingham | Baseline | £42,000 | |
| Remote / UK-wide | −5% | £39,900 | |
Business Development Manager Salary FAQ
Everything you need to know about pay, bonus structures, and career progression for Business Development Managers.
A Business Development Manager identifies new business opportunities, builds relationships with prospective clients and partners, and works to grow revenue through new markets, partnerships, or sales channels. The role often sits between sales, marketing, and strategy.
Experience level is the biggest driver, followed by location (salaries in London are typically higher than the UK average), company size and sector, and whether the role includes performance-based bonus or commission on top of base salary.
Bonus and commission structures vary widely by industry, but typically range from around 5 percent of base salary at entry level to 20 percent or more at senior and director level, especially in sectors with direct sales targets like technology, finance, and B2B services.
Earning potential typically grows by moving into larger organisations or higher-value sectors, taking on larger client portfolios or sales targets, developing specialist industry knowledge, and progressing into senior or director-level business development roles.