CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a Development Manager: Australian Careers in Business Management

1 Course

On this page

What is a Development Manager?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Development Manager?

A Development Manager plans, leads, and oversees R&D work within a business. They move new ideas from concept to delivery and keep projects on track with business goals.

Development Managers work across many fields, including health, education, consulting, and manufacturing. Around 20,100 people work in this role in Australia, with strong future demand (Your Career, 2025). The median age is 43, and 60% are women.

Day to day, they set research goals, direct teams, and track costs and progress. They review findings, advise on R&D options, and share results with senior leaders. This shapes product and service updates.

This role suits people who enjoy planning and hands-on project work. You can find management courses to build the skills needed. The pay is strong and job demand is high.

Icon

Career snapshots For Development Managers

Development Managers plan and oversee research and development activities in organisations across Australia. The role falls under ANZSCO 132511 (Research and Development Manager).

  • Average weekly earnings: $2,448 (about $127,300 a year) (Your Career, 2025)
  • Total employed nationally: 20,100
  • Full-time share: 83%
  • Average hours per week: 44
  • Future demand: Strong
  • Median age: 43
  • Female share: 60%

Salaries range from about $80,000 to $163,000 depending on experience and industry (PayScale, 2026). Key sectors include professional services, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and financial services.

What will I do?

A Development Manager guides R&D work from planning to delivery. They direct teams, manage resources, and make sure projects serve the business.

  • Setting R&D plans and checking them often to keep all work aligned with business goals.
  • Setting up and ranking research projects to support business and policy goals.
  • Leading major research projects and directing teams to meet deadlines and budgets.
  • Checking the costs and gains of R&D work to use resources well.
  • Reading research results and turning findings into advice on new products or services.
  • Advising people on R&D options and the best path for the business.
  • Tracking industry trends and checking what they mean for the business strategy.
  • Publishing key research findings to build trust and share new knowledge.

What skills do I need?

A Development Manager needs a mix of leadership, data, and people skills. They must run complex projects, read data, and work with a wide range of people.

Smart planning is key. Development Managers set goals and check which R&D work offers the most value. They need solid project skills to keep teams on track and costs in check. A good grasp of industry trends rounds out the full skill set.

Skills/attributes

  • Leadership and team management
  • Strategic planning and decision-making
  • Project management
  • Research and data analysis
  • Budget management
  • Clear communication and stakeholder engagement
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Knowledge of industry trends
  • Ability to interpret research results
  • Adaptability in a changing environment
  • Time management and prioritisation
  • Commitment to professional development

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Related Careers

About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.