National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011

• 4 - Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services
• 41 - Professional occupations in law and social, community and government services
• 416 - Policy and program researchers, consultants and officers

4163 - Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants

Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants conduct research, formulate policies and manage programs to stimulate industrial and commercial business investment or tourism in urban and rural areas, or to promote commercial or industrial products and services. They are employed by government departments, international organizations, marketing firms and business associations or may be self-employed.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • business development officer
  • community economic development consultant
  • economic development officer
  • industrial development officer
  • market researcher
  • marketing analyst
  • marketing consultant - market research
  • regional development analyst
  • tourism development officer
  • tourism industry consultant

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Economic development managers (See 0412 Government managers - economic analysis, policy development and program administration)
  • Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts (4162)
  • Financial and investment analysts (1112)
  • International development or aid officers (See 4164 Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers)
  • Marketing managers (See 0124 Advertising, marketing and public relations managers)
  • Other financial officers (1114)
  • Urban and land use planners (2153)

• Main duties

  Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Develop policies and administer programs to promote industrial and commercial business investment in urban and rural areas
  • Design market research questionnaires
  • Conduct social or economic surveys on local, regional or national areas to assess development potential and future trends
  • Plan development projects and co-ordinate activities with representatives of a wide variety of industrial and commercial enterprises, community and business associations and government agencies
  • Assess business opportunities and develop strategies to attract venture capital
  • Respond to enquiries from members of the business community and general public concerning development opportunities
  • Review and evaluate commercial or industrial development proposals and provide advice on procedures and requirements for government approval
  • Conduct surveys and analyze data on the buying habits and preferences of wholesale or retail consumers
  • Evaluate customer service and store environments
  • Conduct comparative research on marketing strategies for industrial and commercial products
  • Develop social and economic profiles of urban and rural areas to encourage industrial and commercial investment and development.
  • Prepare reports, research papers, educational texts or articles
  • Plan and develop E-commerce strategies
  • Provide consultation on planning and starting of new businesses.

• Employment requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in economics, commerce, business administration or public administration is required.
  • Certification as a certified economic developer (Ec.D.) may be required.

• Additional information

  • Progression to managerial positions is possible with experience.