Who is a Business Manager? Job Description, Salary Trends, and Career Growth

A business manager in India is responsible for overseeing operations, finances, and strategic planning to ensure that various departments work toward common company objectives.  In 2025, the average annual salary for a business manager in India is ₹11.5 lakh, with experienced professionals earning up to ₹50 lakh per annum. 

The role offers significant career growth opportunities in specialized areas, such as Six Sigma in manufacturing, driven by digital transformation and globalization.

This blog will examine the key role and responsibilities of a business manager, as well as salary trends in India.

Who is a Business Manager? Roles and Responsibilities

A business manager drives company growth by overseeing operations, finance, HR, marketing, and strategy. By optimizing resources and enforcing policies, they achieve financial and operational goals, such as streamlining inventory management to reduce supply chain costs.

According to McKinsey, strong management results in 20% higher profitability and 25% better employee satisfaction. Business Managers contribute to these outcomes by making data-driven decisions that improve workflows and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Accelerate your business management career with top-tier MBA programs. Choose from specialized courses to develop in-demand skills and enhance your leadership potential: 

• MBA from O.P.Jindal Global University
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• MBA from Golden Gate University, San Francisco

Now, let’s understand the key skills and qualifications you need to succeed in the management field. 

How to Become a Business Manager: Key Skills and Qualifications 

Becoming a business manager involves building experience, leadership skills, and relevant qualifications. As industries shift, demand grows for skills in AI, ML, and data analytics.

For example, electric mobility requires managers to understand OEMs, financiers, operators, and charging infrastructure. While the role varies by industry, it centers on overseeing operations and improving efficiency.

1. Career Progression of a Business Manager 

Here’s a concise guide to the typical career progression of a business manager.: 

• Start in Entry-Level Roles

Business managers typically begin their careers in departments such as operations, marketing, or finance, where they learn core business functions. For example, starting as a marketing coordinator allows individuals to gain experience in campaign management before advancing to a team leadership role.

• Gain Mid-Level Experience

After a few years, individuals typically advance to mid-level managerial roles, where they oversee teams, manage budgets, and drive key initiatives. 

For example, a mid-level manager might be responsible for managing a marketing team’s initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met, and budgets are adhered to. Mid-career professionals in non-technical roles can expect salaries upwards of ₹30 lakh per annum (LPA).

• Move into Senior Management

With more experience, business managers progress into senior roles, overseeing multiple departments or entire business operations. Senior managers make significant decisions, such as market expansion or product launches. 

For instance, a senior manager at a retail company may oversee operations across multiple locations, driving strategies for profitability.

Get the power of data to enhance your talent management skills. Enroll in the Human Resource Analytics Course from IIM-K and learn how to drive team performance and optimize recruitment strategies, crucial for business managers leading successful teams.

Also Read: What is Business Manager Salary in India? Primary Factors Affecting the Salary

2. Key Skills for Career Advancement

To advance in their careers, business managers need a combination of technical proficiency and strong non-technical competencies. 

• Technical Proficiency:

Business managers in tech-driven sectors must be proficient in tools and languages such as JavaScript, Node.js, React, Golang, Kafka, and platforms like Google Analytics, Elasticsearch, GitHub, Kubernetes, and Terraform. 

• Non-Technical Competencies:

Critical skills such as problem-solving, project management, and customer focus are essential for managing complex projects. 

Business managers who excel in these areas can lead teams effectively, drive efficient workflows, and meet strategic objectives in competitive sectors such as technology and electric mobility.

3. Educational Qualifications

A business manager typically needs at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. To further advance, pursuing higher education or certifications in management, finance, or industry-specific areas can be beneficial. 

Many business managers pursue an advanced degree for deeper insights into leadership and strategic management. Some include: 

• Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA)

A BBA provides foundational knowledge in marketing, finance, and operations. Graduates can pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, financial analyst, or operations manager, setting the stage for entry-level managerial positions.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA focuses on strategy, leadership, and financial management, preparing graduates for senior roles such as product manager, business development manager, or operations director. 

Notably, 56% of MBA graduates report receiving a promotion within one year of completing their degree.

4. Certifications and Specialized Training

Certifications and specialized training can also significantly enhance a business manager's career, particularly in fields such as project management, operations, or specific industries.

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP certification is essential for managing complex projects. upGrad’s PMP Certification Training equips business managers with the skills to manage projects successfully across industries.

The training focuses on key project management principles, methodologies, and tools, preparing managers to prepare for diverse business environments. 

Also Read: PMP Certification Cost in India (2025): Exam Fees, Training & Total Investment

• Six Sigma Certification

Six Sigma focuses on process optimization and quality control. Business managers in the manufacturing and automotive industries utilize Six Sigma to reduce defects and enhance efficiency. For instance, a manager in an automotive plant might apply Six Sigma principles to streamline production and lower costs.

• Certified Business Manager (CBM)

The CBM certification validates leadership skills in finance, strategy, and operations. It helps business managers enhance their capabilities, particularly in sectors like FMCG or retail, to improve decision-making and leadership effectiveness.

• Industry-Specific Qualifications

Certain sectors require specific certifications. For example, healthcare business managers may pursue Hospital Administration certifications to navigate regulations and improve efficiency. Finance managers often pursue the CFA or CFP to refine their financial strategy expertise.

Also Read: How to Become a Financial Advisor: Qualifications, Skills & Steps

Transform your approach to managing healthcare teams. Join the Human Behavior and Management in Healthcare course and develop the skills to understand human dynamics and lead teams more effectively in the healthcare industry.

Having explored the path to becoming a business manager, it's essential to understand the growth opportunities and salary insights in this field.

Growth Opportunities and Salary Insights for Business Managers

The career progression of business managers is influenced by factors such as experience, industry demand, and leadership capabilities. For instance, a business manager who excels in managing cross-functional teams may progress more quickly to a senior role overseeing multiple departments. 

In India, the salary range for business managers typically falls between ₹3.2 L and ₹28 L annually, depending on experience and other factors.

A deeper understanding of how these factors influence compensation can help professionals better navigate their career paths and optimize earning potential.

Business Manager Salary by Experience Level

Salaries for business managers increase significantly with experience.

Entry-level managers typically earn less due to their limited responsibilities. In contrast, mid- and senior-level managers are compensated more due to their increased responsibilities and leadership roles.

Source: AmbitionBox

Here is the graph depicting the salary range by experience level for business managers in India:

Also Read: What Are the Levels of Management: A Comprehensive Guide

Business Manager Salary by Department

Different departments offer varying salary ranges for business managers based on the nature of the work, required skills, and departmental contributions to company goals. Managers in finance or marketing generally earn higher salaries due to the strategic importance of their roles.

Source: AmbitionBox

Here is the graph showing the salary range by department for business managers. 

Also Read: 14 Essential Business Management Skills: Key Competencies for Managerial Excellence in 2025

Business Manager Salary by Industry

Industry specialization has a major impact on salary. High-demand industries such as IT, finance, and the internet often offer higher wages due to the complexity and strategic importance of business management roles. 

Managers in these sectors are expected to have specialized knowledge and the ability to manage larger, more dynamic teams.

Source: AmbitionBox

Here is the bar graph representing the salary range by industry.

Business Manager Salary by Geography

Geography plays an important role in salary variation. Business managers in major metropolitan cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi typically earn higher salaries, reflecting the higher cost of living and the concentration of global firms and high-growth industries in these areas.

Source: AmbitionBox

Here is the bar graph showing the salary range by location.

Business Manager Salary by Company

Salaries for business managers can vary greatly depending on the company’s size, industry, and market position. Larger, global firms in high-demand industries typically offer higher salaries to attract top talent, especially in competitive sectors like tech and e-commerce.

Source: AmbitionBox

Here is the bar graph representing the salary range by company.

Also Read: Top 50+ MBA Interview Questions and Answers for 2025

Business Manager Salary in India vs. Other Countries

Business manager salaries in India are generally lower than those in developed countries, where the cost of living is higher and compensation packages reflect market conditions. 

Business managers in countries like the United States or the UK typically earn more, due to the global nature of business operations and demand for specialized managerial expertise.

Source: Indeed

Here is a bar graph illustrating the salary ranges by country.

Also Read: MBA Abroad for Indian Students: Universities, Fees, Eligibility, Admission & More

After exploring the salary trends for business managers, it’s time to look at how upGrad can help you in your management journey.

How upGrad Can Help You in Your Business Management Journey

As business management roles expand in India, particularly in IT, finance, and retail, salary trends show experienced managers earning upwards of ₹20 L annually. However, many professionals struggle with skill gaps and outdated qualifications.

To succeed, focus on mastering core business skills, gaining cross-functional experience, and building a network. While an MBA can enhance career prospects, traditional programs often don’t meet the demands of modern business environments.

upGrad bridges this gap with flexible, industry-focused courses that offer practical learning and placement opportunities, ensuring you stay ahead in your career.

Some additional courses include:

• MBA from Edgewood College
• Post Graduate Diploma in Management (BIMTECH)
• Certification Program in Financial Modelling and Analysis with PwC Academy
• Post Graduate Certificate in Product Management from Duke CE

upGrad offers personalized career advice and coaching, enhancing mentorship for aspiring professionals. Our offline centers help bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing career growth in business management.

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