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Find the perfect Business Development Managers in Germany in minutes from over 15,000 CVs with the power of AI

From pipeline building and partner outreach to market entry and account growth, find freelance Business Development Managers who know CRM-driven sales work, lead qualification, and commercial negotiations. Get fast, precise matching with vetted, available freelancers.

About the role

What they do

A Business Development Manager turns market potential into real opportunities. They identify target accounts, open doors, qualify leads, build partnerships, and move prospects toward commercial agreements. In freelance roles, they often step in for launches, market expansion, short-term growth pushes, or when the existing sales team needs extra commercial firepower.

Typical work

  • Build prospect lists and outreach plans
  • Qualify leads and manage the funnel in CRM tools
  • Prepare pitches, proposals, and partner decks
  • Negotiate terms and support deal closure
  • Coordinate with sales, marketing, product, and leadership
  • Track pipeline health and report on next steps

Key skills

Strong Business Development Managers combine commercial instinct with structure. They know how to research markets, reach decision-makers, and turn interest into action. They write clear outreach messages, handle objections well, and keep momentum across long sales cycles. A good BDM also understands how to prioritize accounts and when to pass a lead to sales, an account manager, or a founder.

Tools and focus

Common tools include CRM systems such as Salesforce or HubSpot, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, presentation tools, and basic reporting dashboards. Depending on the project, they may also work on channel development, distributor management, or strategic partnerships. In Germany, companies often look for freelancers who can work comfortably in English and, when needed, in German for local client conversations and partner meetings.

When to hire freelance

Companies bring in a freelance Business Development Manager when speed matters, internal coverage is thin, or a specific market needs focused attention. This is common for SaaS, manufacturing, consulting, and B2B services. It also makes sense when a team needs support for a product launch, a new territory, or a temporary gap in commercial leadership.

What makes them strong

The best BDMs are not just good at talking to prospects. They understand the buying process, write with clarity, and stay disciplined in follow-up. They know the difference between a busy pipeline and a real one. They also adapt fast to the company’s offer, sales motion, and target market, which is what makes a freelance Business Development Manager valuable from day one.

Meet FRATCH Business Development Managers

Carolyn Shwash

Carolyn Shwash

Senior Business Development Manager

Frankfurt am Main

Last position:

VP of Business Development at VendueTech

  • Led business development across DACH for a PropTech platform digitising distressed real estate and NPL asset sales — unlocking liquidity for illiquid assets through structured digital bidding processes for brokers, investors and insolvency administrators.

  • Developed and managed enterprise relationships with real estate agencies, banks, servicers and PropTech platforms — driving pipeline generation, commercial negotiations and partnership development across Germany and Europe.

  • Replaced opaque one-to-one negotiations with transparent multi-bidder environments — supporting distressed real estate sales, NPL/REO asset disposals, portfolio sales and high-demand residential listings with speed, compliance and auditability.

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Oliver Juehrendt

Oliver Juehrendt

Founder | Owner at OJIV.Global

Oppenweiler

Last position:

Country Manager DACH & GREECE at LINKAN Ltd

  • Working as Country Manager in Global Sourcing, Production Management, Quality Control, Logistics and (Digital)Trade.
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Manuel Baeumle

Manuel Baeumle

Senior Business Development Manager

Düsseldorf

Last position:

Senior Business Development Manager at DGC AG

  • Responsible for qualifying & upselling new business
  • 360 degree management of sales cycle
  • Development of go-to-market strategies for SMEs and enterprise
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Yashi Srivastava

Yashi Srivastava

Product & Business Development Manager

Lucknow

Last position:

Product & Business Development Manager at Ayushastro Remedy LLP

  • Owned product roadmap, feature prioritization, and user feedback loops for digital wellness solutions
  • Translated customer insights and business requirements into product specifications
  • Worked closely with tech, design, and domain experts to iterate products
  • Supported pricing, positioning, and launch readiness for new features
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Giuseppe Manolio

Giuseppe Manolio

Agile Team Coach

Siegburg

Last position:

Agile Team Coach at Beispielprojekt (REWE-Digital)

  • Improved the team’s delivery capability and performance by introducing agile methods and the agile mindset
  • Established and further developed the agile development process, promoted innovation, and optimized processes
  • Ensured the team’s forecastability through suitable tools and methods
  • Identified impediments, created transparency within the team, and supported their removal
  • Organized and facilitated workshops and events
  • Selected, coordinated, monitored, analyzed, and reported on agreed OKRs and KPIs
  • Established a healthy team culture, anchored agile values, promoted team development, knowledge sharing, and self-organization
  • Established an open and constructive feedback culture
  • Built communication bridges between the team, departments, and external roles
  • Supported scaling and coordination of product development, provided methodological support for Product Owners and the team
  • Maintained and communicated product strategy, backlogs, and roadmaps
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Florian Großmann

Florian Großmann

Senior IT Project Manager Security & Infrastructure & Business Development Manager HealthCare

München

Last position:

Senior IT Project Manager Security & Infrastructure & Business Development Manager HealthCare at CGI

  • Responsible project manager for complex international infrastructure projects
  • Coordinator and decision-maker for IT architects in network infrastructure and software with over 100,000 users
  • End-to-end project management
  • Launch and implementation of initiatives
  • Project management of international infrastructure projects with C-level reporting
  • Leading and coordinating IT architects
  • Technical project management for merger and cloud transformation
  • Delivery of international software and hardware rollouts
  • Implementation of IT security projects and compliance
  • Work with key technologies (e.g. 5G/6G standard)
  • Support of complex defense and aerospace projects (e.g. Ariane 6, Eurodrone)
  • Building the healthcare and life sciences business unit
  • Creating and leading internal employee trainings
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Reha Altay Bozgül

Reha Altay Bozgül

Business Devolopment Specialist

Hamburg

Last position:

Business Development Specialist at Dent Laracity Clinic

  • Developed and implemented European market strategy for dental tourism operations between Turkey, Germany, and the UK
  • Designed and managed Meeting Day events across Germany, building a direct lead-to-patient conversion framework
  • Created training manuals, SOPs, and coordinator education programs and trained teams to standardize communication and patient experience
  • Collaborated with digital agencies to optimize Meta Ads and targeting models for international healthcare audiences
  • Collaborated with regional influencers and increased lead generation by 60%
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Manfred Simon

Manfred Simon

Interim Manager Marketing and Business Development

München

Last position:

Managing Partner at Consulting firm for business development, marketing and sales

  • IT solution (Interim Marketing and Product Portfolio Manager DACH): Establishing the brand as the market leader for automated proctoring solutions; building key multipliers in the higher education and corporate learning environments; creating a sales pipeline and targeted lead generation process; executing all online and offline media; developing a PR strategy for regular and crisis communications
  • IT solution (provider of an e-ID solution platform): Conducting market and potential analysis as well as business plan evaluation for the DACH region; segmenting target groups; deriving requirements for product management; generating initial pilot projects; developing a target-group-specific approach; creating a PR strategy for special-interest media
  • IT solution (SME partner of a market-leading CRM solution): Analyzing the DACH market potential; developing the business plan and repositioning; establishing lead generation; doubling revenues within two years by integrating marketing and sales
  • Energy (marketing and product portfolio consultant for a holding with over 200 subsidiaries): Developing a concept to market various service companies under one umbrella brand; executing an event concept for the annual group meeting; advising on the selection of an advertising agency
  • Furniture (product and marketing manager for a mid-sized Italian furniture manufacturer): Conducting market potential analysis and risk assessment for the DACH region; defining the sales plan for Germany and Austria; developing the go-to-market strategy; positioning in the upper mid-price segment; acquiring initial dealers and end-customer projects; creating the brand story, corporate design, and communication materials
  • IT solution (Interim Marketing and Product Manager DACH for an electronic signature portal): Launching the solution to market; formulating key messages for lead generation; defining industry and target-group benefits; implementing online measures and a trade show concept; acquiring initial pilot customers and building the sales pipeline
  • IT solution (Interim Marketing Director and Product Manager for a mid-sized ITSM consulting firm): Repositioning the company; establishing it as a relevant partner for large corporations; setting up lead generation and harmonizing sales and marketing; building the sales pipeline; connecting licensing and professional services; developing a PR strategy; increasing revenues from €2.5 million to approximately €18 million over four years
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Thorsten Bogner

Thorsten Bogner

Interim Manager / International Business Development Consultant / Implementation Expert

Obernburg am Main

Last position:

Executive Chairman at Alptracker AG

  • Development, manufacturing and launch of tracking systems for monitoring herd animals.

  • New development of a proprietary LoRaWAN radio network for alpine and urban use.

  • World's first and only monitoring system for herd animals including panic detection.

  • Acquisition of 200 new customers within the first two years.

  • Funding approvals in Switzerland and Germany

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Petr Zvolský

Petr Zvolský

Business deleloper Sales B2C and B2SME

Rheinberg

Last position:

Business deleloper Sales B2C and B2SME at Stadtwerke Karlsruhe GmbH

  • Project Manager of a B2C and B2SME digital sales plattform development project
  • Migration of the plattform to SAP S/4HANA
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Thomas Bretthauer

Thomas Bretthauer

Manager Business Development, Product Management, Product Owner

Gersthofen

Last position:

Manager Business Development, Product Management, Product Owner at Netze BW GmbH

  • Conducted win/loss, market and competition analyses and defined requirements to create new cybersecurity and IP network services
  • Developed modular and harmonized services including cyber-risk checks, vulnerability scans, ISMS consulting, NOC monitoring, WiFi optimization and network mapping
  • Defined transparent cost and pricing structures with ROI for each service
  • Created marketing and sales materials: presentations, pitch decks, flyers, service descriptions, offer and contract templates
  • Developed go-to-market plan and target group definitions, delivered sales training
  • Planned and executed webinars and cold calling, managed customer meetings and offers
  • Exceeded target metrics: 14 new services, +40% order entry planned for 2026, ROI >200%
  • Established structures and processes for further portfolio expansion
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Uwe Cohrs

Uwe Cohrs

Principal Business Development Manager

München

Last position:

Principal Business Development Manager at Keepler Data Tech GmbH

  • Develop business solutions in data analytics and AI, including anomaly detection, demand forecasting, and Vision AI based on AWS, Azure, and GCP
  • Make customers more competitive, agile, and resilient by integrating data into corporate processes
  • Responsible for acquisition and financial success of client projects in the DACH region
  • Manage projects and maintain close communication between all partners involved
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Jan Arfwedson

Jan Arfwedson

Sales Director / Business Developer

Freigericht

Last position:

Sales Director / Business Developer at Enterprise AG

  • Strategic responsibility for building and further developing the Healthcare & Security business unit
  • Focus on go-to-market strategy, sharpening the portfolio in a regulated environment, scaling the sales structures, and executive-level customer and partner relationships
  • Sparring partner to senior management on growth initiatives and strategic direction
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Irenee Shevy

Irenee Shevy

Sales and Business Development Manager (EMEA)

Fürth

Last position:

Sales and Business Development Manager (EMEA) at STREIT GROUP

  • Developing sales activities for the leading worldwide military transport manufacturer within the Middle East and Africa providing various vehicles, drones and defense tools.
  • The product portfolio goes from customized armored APC to MRAP equipped with various Battle Management Systems such as Jamming systems.
  • Assessing and monitoring regional market and competitors in the premium customized class for armored vehicles.
  • Reviewing requirements and writing the functional specification for required changes.
  • Participated actively in the IDEX 2023, 2024 and Eurosatory 2023.
  • Visiting customers in the region.
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Tudor Palaga

Tudor Palaga

Senior Business Development Manager

Bergisch Gladbach

Last position:

Senior Business Development Manager at Handy Car Park Solutions CPS GmbH

  • Developed a successful strategy to acquire new clients, increasing market share by 30%.
  • Implemented strategic partnerships with key customers, boosting revenue by 50%.
  • Opened up new business opportunities, growing the client base by 100%.
  • Designed and executed a business expansion plan, entering new markets and generating €100,000 in revenue.
  • Built and led a high-performing sales team, achieving 20% annual revenue growth.
  • Established important client relationships, increasing repeat orders by 20%.
  • Monitored expenses and identified cost-saving opportunities.
  • Maintained client relationships through excellent customer service.
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Discover over 15,000 top freelancers

Business Development Managers statistics

Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.

Experience

23 years

Position duration

3.2 years

Positions per freelancer

10

Top business areas

Sales, Strategy, Marketing

Top industries

Information Technology, Professional Services, Manufacturing

Certification focus areas

Human Resources, Project Management, Information Technology

Bachelor's degree or higher

88%

Master's degree or higher

64%

Doctorate

21%

Certifications per freelancer

2

Most common languages

German, English, French

Speak two or more languages

93%

Daily Rate Distribution

0 10 20 30 40
<€400 €400-800 €800-1200 €1200+

The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this role are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.

Average rates for Business Development Managers & Seniority distribution

Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.

1000
750
500
250
Rate comparison chart
Daily rate avg. 857 €

The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.

1000
750
500
250
Rate comparison chart
Median rate 800 €

The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.

Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Need clarity? Check out our simple overview of FRATCH

A Business Development Manager builds commercial opportunities for your company. That usually includes prospecting, lead qualification, partner outreach, pipeline development, and support with proposals or negotiations. On freelance projects, the scope is often very focused, such as opening a new market, backing a launch, or strengthening a weak pipeline.

Look for someone who can combine outreach, market thinking, and clean follow-up. A strong Business Development Manager should be comfortable with CRM work, stakeholder communication, objection handling, and basic commercial reporting. Industry knowledge helps, but the ability to learn your offer quickly is often just as important.

A Business Development Manager usually works earlier in the commercial process than an Account Manager. The focus is on creating new opportunities, not mainly on managing existing clients. Compared with a Sales Manager, the role is more hands-on and execution-focused unless the person is also leading a team.

A freelancer is often the better choice when you need momentum now, not after a long hiring process. That is common for market entry, launch support, temporary coverage, or when you want to test a new sales motion before committing to a permanent headcount. A freelance BDM can bring structure without locking you into a long-term setup.

Yes, most Business Development Managers can work remotely, especially for research, outreach, CRM management, and partner development. For Germany-based clients, a mix of remote work and on-site meetings can be useful when the role involves local partners, trade fairs, or senior stakeholder discussions. Language expectations should match the target market and customer base.

A business development manager should usually start with a clear target account plan, outreach messaging, and a defined funnel process. Depending on the assignment, you may also expect lead lists, meeting notes, partner shortlists, proposal drafts, or a simple weekly pipeline report. Good deliverables are practical and easy for your team to use.

Judge the person by the quality of the opportunities they create, not by the number of messages they send. Strong BDMs qualify properly, document progress in the CRM, and move the right deals forward with clear next steps. You should also see that they understand your value proposition and can explain it in a way buyers respond to.

Not always, but the terms are often used loosely. BDM usually means a role that owns outbound growth, partnerships, and early-stage sales work, while Sales Development is often narrower and focused on lead generation. Commercial Manager can be broader and may include pricing, operations, or revenue planning, so check the actual scope before you hire.

The average hourly rate for Business Development Managers in Germany is 107 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 857 € based on an 8-hour working day.

Of the freelancers working as Business Development Managers in Germany, 88% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 64% hold at least a Master's degree, and 21% hold a doctorate.

On average, freelancers working as Business Development Managers in Germany have 23 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 3.2 years.

The most common languages among freelancers working as Business Development Managers in Germany are German (96%), English (95%), and French (25%).

The most common industries among freelancers working as Business Development Managers in Germany are Information Technology (63%), Professional Services (55%), and Manufacturing (34%).

The most common business areas among freelancers working as Business Development Managers in Germany are Sales (82%), Strategy (80%), and Marketing (71%).

FRATCH Business Development Managers main locations

Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.

Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Stuttgart Dusseldorf Leipzig Dortmund Essen Bremen Dresden Hanover Nuremberg

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Philipp Thomaschewski

FRATCH CEO

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