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Position's Name Issue

functional areas startup
New answer on Aug 31, 2022
5 Answers
567 Views
Anonymous A asked on Aug 18, 2022

Dear All,

I am a Business Development person working at a fast-growing industrial startup. We have 100+ employees at the moment and my CEO would like to deliver strategy function to me. I am curious about how to name properly my new role. It would encompass the below responsibilities.

 

1. Expansion to new (international) markets (client-facing work, exhibitions).

2. Relations with clients, partners, and suppliers. (incl. strategic partnerships).

3. Conducting strategic initiatives (sustainability best practices, customer satisfaction policy), customer retention initiative).

4. Supply Chain (develop and control over brand new delivery scheme).

5. Company growth strategy and Business expansion plan creation; control on their implementation throughout the company.

6. Creation of the training program for personnel.

7. Product line revision (with the possibility to remove something).

 

There are no financial responsibilities, no M&A things, so, to my taste, it is not Corp Dev. But, there is clearly Strategy. Would it be correct to call my position Strategy and Business Development? Or simply Strategy and Development? 

 

What about Business Development & (Strategic) Initiatives?

 

Many thanks in advance! 

(edited)

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Best answer
Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 19, 2022
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi there, 

‘Strategy and Business Development' is perhaps the most all-encompassing one. Since this is a start-up your role is likely to change as the company grows, so it's better to go for something wider. 

Best,

Cristian

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Anonymous A on Aug 19, 2022

I thought about it as well. But doesn't this title sound a bit awkward, Cristian?

Antonello
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 19, 2022
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi,
I would go for “go-to-market manager”

Best,
Antonello

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Anonymous A on Aug 19, 2022

Antonello, thank you for the idea!

Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 19, 2022
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I think these all work…but, ultimately you should ask the person putting you in this position!

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Anonymous A on Aug 19, 2022

This person was the one who asked me to choose the right name. Startup culture differs from corporate.

Pedro
Expert
replied on Aug 31, 2022
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

This is mostly business development, with a touch on strategic initiatives and on operations, but my guess it that other people will have a more proeminent operations responsibilidade. 

Just Business Development, or your suggestion (as you have more than BD) seems to be adequate.

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Lucie
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 18, 2022
10+yrs recruiting & BCG Project leader

you have a nice “problem” to have, I would recommend to call it in the way that can allow you to grow in the future :-) For example you would like to move to CCO role, then call it related to “Business development”, if you think more about Strategic role, then call it something like “Head of global strategy”.. 

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Anonymous A on Aug 18, 2022

Many thanks for your points!

Anonymous A on Aug 18, 2022

It makes sense to me as well.

Anonymous A on Aug 18, 2022

Another title could be Head of Strategy & Operations.

Cristian gave the best answer

Cristian

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