Business development roles in the UK cover a wide range of responsibilities. Salaries vary depending on level, location and experience. This guide shows current pay rates for Business Development Managers, Business Development Directors, and Heads of Business Development. It also explains how location and sector influence earnings.

Business Development Manager Salary UK

The typical salary for a Business Development Manager (BDM) in the UK varies by data source. According to Jobted, the average base salary is around £43,520 per year, with a range from about £27,840 up to £70,000. (uk.jobted.com)

Indeed’s reported average is slightly lower at approximately £41,961 per year, based on salaries submitted by real workers. It also shows location differences, with higher pay in cities such as Warrington and London. (uk.indeed.com)

IT Jobs Watch tracks median UK pay for BDM roles at about £50,000 per year based on live vacancy data, reflecting advertised rates rather than self-reports. (itjobswatch.co.uk)

Typical range (approximate)

• Entry / lower end: ~£27,800–£35,000

• Mid-level: ~£40,000–£50,000

• Experienced / senior BDM: ~£55,000–£70,000+

Salaries often increase with bonuses or commission, especially in high-growth sectors and sales-driven organisations.

Business Development Director Salary UK

A Business Development Director generally earns more due to strategic responsibility and seniority. Salary data from UKTaxCalculators shows a broad range, with an approximate average of £72,288 per year, and upper ranges exceeding £117,000. (uktaxcalculators.co.uk)

Salary.com reports a similar pattern with average pay around £82,552 per year, reflecting higher senior pay levels. (salary.com)

Typical range (approximate)

• Mid range: ~£70,000–£90,000

• Senior / experienced: ~£90,000–£120,000+

This role often includes leadership bonuses, profit share or equity in senior business functions.

Head of Business Development Salary UK

Pay for a Head of Business Development role is generally above manager level, reflecting leadership across teams or major business streams. Reported figures vary by data source, and some salary tools focus on very senior executive pay.

Glassdoor data for London shows that reported Head of Business Development salaries cluster around £93,350 per year, with wide ranges up to around £136,000 based on experience levels. (glassdoor.co.uk)

Other reports (e.g. sector surveys) indicate that Head of Business Development roles can command salaries around £100,000 or more, often dependent on enterprise size and revenue responsibility.

Regional Salary Differences

Location matters for Business Development pay:

• London and the South East often show higher advertised salaries for both BDM and director roles.

• Cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol typically offer competitive pay but generally below London rates.

• Smaller towns and rural areas often sit at the lower end of national ranges.

How Pay Varies With Experience and Sector

Experience

• Junior and newly promoted BDMs are typically at the lower end of pay ranges.

• Mid-level and senior management roles move towards the mid and upper ranges.

Sector and Industry

• Technology, finance, professional services and scalable B2B sectors often pay more than smaller or niche industries.

• Commission, performance bonuses and profit share can significantly increase total compensation.

Business Development Jobs and Hiring 

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FAQs – Business Development Salary UK

What is the average salary for a Business Development Manager in the UK?
The average is around £41,900–£43,500 per year, with variations by location and experience.

How much does a Business Development Director earn?
Director pay ranges widely, often £70,000–£120,000+, depending on seniority and company size.

What about a Head of Business Development?
Head positions can range from the low-£90,000s up to around £130,000+ in senior leadership roles.

Do bonuses and commission matter?
Yes. Many business development roles include commission, bonus or equity components that increase overall earnings, especially in sales-linked roles.

Does location affect salary?
Yes. London and larger cities often pay more than regional or rural areas for similar roles.