When is a Development Director needed?
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 6:54 am
To create a development strategy, he immerses himself in all areas of the business.
If a director is tasked with developing a specific area, then such a specialist will be more concerned with tactical rather than strategic tasks.
For example, in a trading company the development director:
improves sales policy and increases service level;
seeks new markets and opens branches;
reaches new consumer segments;
improves product range policy - suggests introducing new products or services.
In an industrial company, such a specialist resolves issues related to production:
modernizes it and introduces new technologies;
improves the quality of products and, if possible, reduces their cost;
manages raw material procurement channels;
reduces production cycle ;
optimizes logistics, etc.
In other words, a business development director manages large-scale projects that allow for the qualitative improvement of a company’s operations, increase its profits, and reduce costs.
In small companies, the issues that are usually handled by the development director fall on the shoulders of the heads of other departments: marketing, sales and production. Strategic projects and the development of a general action plan are usually led by the owner of the organization.
But the larger the business, the more attention current operational tasks require. Therefore, there is often not enough time and energy for careful long-term planning and searching for new opportunities. In this case, a separate specialist is brought in - a development director.
A development specialist is most often hired as a full-time employee of a company. However, sometimes external consultants who work in an agency or on an outsourced basis are also invited.
The development director is useful at any stage of the company's work. When india phone number list starting a business, he helps to choose the right strategy that will quickly lead to results with the least expenditure of resources. In an established company, he finds growth points and opportunities for scaling, and in times of stagnation, crisis or decline, he suggests how to reduce risks and get out of a difficult situation.
There are certain cases when it is especially important to hire a development director:
Rapidly changing market conditions. If external circumstances—competitive environment, legislation, or consumer trends—change rapidly, it is better to hire a separate person who will “keep their finger on the pulse.” This way, you will have time to take action if necessary .
Large-scale development plans. If a company has ambitious plans for the future, for example, to conquer a market or expand production, then it makes sense to invite a specialist who will manage these changes .
Confusing and complex organizational structure. If the organizational structure has too many levels and approvals take a lot of time, then the development director will speed them up - help optimize processes and communications.
So, if current managers don’t have the time and attention to systematically and thoughtfully engage in market research, business optimization, and testing new ideas, then it makes sense to hire a development director.
Important point: some of the powers of top managers and line managers will be transferred to the development director. If employees are not ready to share their rights and responsibilities with him, it is better not to invite such a specialist.
If development is not relevant for the company, for example, it is a monopolist in the market and there are no competitors, then there is no need to hire such a top manager.
If a director is tasked with developing a specific area, then such a specialist will be more concerned with tactical rather than strategic tasks.
For example, in a trading company the development director:
improves sales policy and increases service level;
seeks new markets and opens branches;
reaches new consumer segments;
improves product range policy - suggests introducing new products or services.
In an industrial company, such a specialist resolves issues related to production:
modernizes it and introduces new technologies;
improves the quality of products and, if possible, reduces their cost;
manages raw material procurement channels;
reduces production cycle ;
optimizes logistics, etc.
In other words, a business development director manages large-scale projects that allow for the qualitative improvement of a company’s operations, increase its profits, and reduce costs.
In small companies, the issues that are usually handled by the development director fall on the shoulders of the heads of other departments: marketing, sales and production. Strategic projects and the development of a general action plan are usually led by the owner of the organization.
But the larger the business, the more attention current operational tasks require. Therefore, there is often not enough time and energy for careful long-term planning and searching for new opportunities. In this case, a separate specialist is brought in - a development director.
A development specialist is most often hired as a full-time employee of a company. However, sometimes external consultants who work in an agency or on an outsourced basis are also invited.
The development director is useful at any stage of the company's work. When india phone number list starting a business, he helps to choose the right strategy that will quickly lead to results with the least expenditure of resources. In an established company, he finds growth points and opportunities for scaling, and in times of stagnation, crisis or decline, he suggests how to reduce risks and get out of a difficult situation.
There are certain cases when it is especially important to hire a development director:
Rapidly changing market conditions. If external circumstances—competitive environment, legislation, or consumer trends—change rapidly, it is better to hire a separate person who will “keep their finger on the pulse.” This way, you will have time to take action if necessary .
Large-scale development plans. If a company has ambitious plans for the future, for example, to conquer a market or expand production, then it makes sense to invite a specialist who will manage these changes .
Confusing and complex organizational structure. If the organizational structure has too many levels and approvals take a lot of time, then the development director will speed them up - help optimize processes and communications.
So, if current managers don’t have the time and attention to systematically and thoughtfully engage in market research, business optimization, and testing new ideas, then it makes sense to hire a development director.
Important point: some of the powers of top managers and line managers will be transferred to the development director. If employees are not ready to share their rights and responsibilities with him, it is better not to invite such a specialist.
If development is not relevant for the company, for example, it is a monopolist in the market and there are no competitors, then there is no need to hire such a top manager.