How to Structure a Marketing and Business Development Dream Team

Building an effective team is crucial in today's fast-paced business world. Marketing and Business Development units play a pivotal role in this setup.

They lay the groundwork for success, navigating the competitive landscape. Their synergy fuels corporate growth, paving the way for prosperity. I've been running my own successful marketing agency for years so I speak from experience.

But first, let's talk about the Marketing and Business Development department structures you have to choose from.

Structuring Marketing and Business Development Department

There are two main types of department structures based on company size and resources.

• Marketing and Business Development department structure by discipline
  • Org Type: Traditional corporate departments
  • Best For: Midsize/Enterprise companies
• Marketing and Business Development department structure by function
  • Org Type: Employees are grouped by activities and objectives
  • Best For: Small to Medium Sized Business (SMB)

Let’s go in-depth to each one of them.

1. Marketing and Business Development Department Structure by Discipline

Discipline-based structure involves building teams centered around various marketing disciplines. For example, SEO, Content, Market Research, and Product Strategy could each form separate teams within a department.

Discipline	Key Skills	Potential Roles
Strategy	Strategic Planning, Market Analysis, Competitive Analysis	Chief Marketing Officer, Strategy Manager
Content	Copywriting, SEO, Blogging, Content Strategy	Content Manager, Copywriter
Social Media	Social Media Management, Content Creation, Engagement Analysis	Social Media Manager, Social Media Strategist
SEO	Keyword Research, On-Page SEO, Link Building	SEO Specialist, SEO Manager
Email Marketing	Copywriting, Email Strategy, Analytics	Email Marketing Manager, Email Marketing Specialist
Public Relations	Media Relations, Crisis Management, Event Coordination	PR Manager, PR Coordinator
Data Analysis	Data Mining, Statistical Analysis, Predictive Modeling	Data Analyst, Marketing Analyst
Business Development	Sales, Relationship Management, Negotiation	Business Development Manager, Account Executive

2. Marketing and Business Development Department Structure by Function

Another approach is structuring by function, where teams are formed based on the different functions they perform. For example, promotion, launches, and relationship management could all be separate teams.

Function	Key Skills	Potential Roles
Product Marketing	Product Knowledge, Positioning Strategy, Market Research	Product Marketing Manager, Product Marketing Specialist
Event Management	Event Planning, Vendor Management, Logistics	Event Coordinator, Event Manager
Customer Relations	Customer Service, Retention Strategies, CRM Software	Customer Relations Manager, Customer Service Specialist
Brand Management	Brand Strategy, Brand Awareness, Creative Thinking	Brand Manager, Brand Strategist
Market Research	Data Collection, Market Analysis, Survey Design	Market Research Analyst, Market Research Manager
Partnership Development	Relationship Building, Negotiation, Strategic Planning	Partnership Manager, Business Development Associate

Marketing and Business Development Team Size versus Business Scale

To achieve successful marketing outcomes, you need to align the team size with your business's scale – a strategic approach that helps optimize resources and drive targeted growth.

Business Scale	Ideal Department Size	Explanation
Start-up	2-5	Lesser complexities, limited budget, and fewer tasks.
Small-Medium Business	6-20	Increased tasks, stable capital, and moderate market reach.
Large Enterprise	21+	Global operations, diverse tasks, and extensive market reach.

Factors to Consider When Deciding On a Marketing and Business Development Department Structure

1. Business Goals: Understand your company's objectives. What are you hoping to achieve with your marketing and business development efforts? The structure should align with and support these goals.
2. Skills and Expertise: Consider the skills and knowledge that your team currently possesses. Identify any gaps that need to be filled to effectively execute your marketing and business development strategies.
3. Budget Constraints: Your financial resources will play a significant role in determining the structure. Make sure to balance the need for various roles and services with the budget you have at your disposal.
4. Company Culture: The structure of your team should reflect your company's culture. A collaborative culture might benefit from a flat structure, while a more hierarchical culture might require a traditional top-down structure.
5. Market Dynamics: The business environment and market trends can influence your department structure. Stay adaptable and be ready to evolve your structure to meet changing market demands.

Explore other marketing departments:

• Sales and Marketing Team Structure
• B2B SaaS Marketing Team Structure
• Recruitment Marketing Team Structure

So, there you have it, a detailed overview of a Marketing and Business Development team structure. From the essence of the team and key roles, to structuring and optimizing; every aspect tailored to achieve success on your business blueprint.