What does a Business Planning Manager do?
Published 3 min read
A business planning manager is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of an organization's business plan. They work with senior management to set strategic goals and objectives, and then create actionable plans to achieve those goals. The business planning manager is also responsible for tracking progress and performance against the plan, and making adjustments as necessary.
Business Planning Manager job duties include:
- Developing long-term plans for the company based on market research and analysis
- Coordinating with other departments to ensure that plans are executed effectively
- Monitoring progress and making adjustments to plans as needed
- Identifying opportunities for growth and expansion
- Developing budgets and forecasting financial performance
- Overseeing the development of marketing plans
- Evaluating new business opportunities
- Analyzing competitor activity
- Preparing reports for upper management
Business Planning Manager Job Requirements
A Business Planning Manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or a related field. Many employers also prefer candidates who have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) or a certified public accountant (CPA) designation. In addition, the Business Planning Manager must have several years of experience working in corporate finance, financial analysis, or a related field.
Business Planning Manager Skills
- Business planning
- Financial modeling
- Business strategy
- Business analysis
- Financial analysis
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Project management
- Change management
- Process improvement
- Communication
- Leadership
Related: Top Business Planning Manager Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Business Planning Manager
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to becoming a Business Planning Manager, as the role will vary depending on the company and sector. However, there are some key skills and qualities that will be essential for success in this role.
First and foremost, you will need strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You will be responsible for reviewing data and financial reports, identifying trends and issues, and developing solutions to improve business performance. You must be able to think strategically and be comfortable making decisions based on data.
Excellent communication and presentation skills are also essential, as you will be required to present your findings and recommendations to senior management. The ability to build relationships and influence others will be crucial in this role.
You will also need to be highly organised and have the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong project management skills are essential in this role.
If you have the necessary skills and qualities, then a career as a Business Planning Manager can be very rewarding. It is a challenging role that offers the opportunity to make a real difference to the performance of a company.
Related: Business Planning Manager Resume Example
Related: Business Planning Manager Interview Questions (With Example Answers)