In a constantly evolving world, innovative companies have a real need for managers capable of creating added value from their technological resources through innovative commercial solutions. A specialist in B to B (Business To Business), he or she often has a scientific background and a degree from an engineering or business school. Both a sales manager and project initiator, the Business Engineer manages technological projects in coordination with clients, decision-makers and the company's sales team.
What are the responsibilities of a Business Engineer?
High added value commercial and technical project management
The business engineer differs from a simple salesperson in his or her ability to deliver added value to external and internal clients: solutions that fully meet the needs of the client company. As an agile project manager, the Business Engineer assesses the company's expectations and carries out an initial analysis of the project's challenges, which enables him/her to anticipate the terms of reference and make recommendations to the client. He then draws up the business plan, determines the deadlines and implements the schedules, feedback, roadmaps and monitoring tools. As a pragmatic business manager, his excellent prioritisation skills enable him to allocate the right amount of time and resources to each assignment.
Business development
After analysing the added value, the Business Engineer reviews and sets targets for the optimisation of the company's turnover. He or she detects the stakes, makes arbitrations and gives priority to the most cost-effective projects. He then sets the goals while allowing himself flexibility in the face of foreseeable reactions from the client, to whom he will detail the chosen strategy. As a team leader in charge of steering the project, he or she informs the internal teams of the priorities and strategies to be deployed, and oversees the activities of the various stakeholders by ensuring an excellent flow of information.
The key skills of a Business Engineer
Innovate and create added value
Highly curious, enterprising and keen to innovate, Business Engineers must, after their studies at school or university, be able to demonstrate boldness and creativity in their area of expertise. This entrepreneurial mindset gives him the necessary strength and initiative to come up with new innovative concepts for clients and to initiate strategic changes. An excellent motivational lever, the contribution of new ideas spurs the creation of added value by the staff of highly specialised technological companies.
Navigating from the tangible to the complex
Far from sailing by sight, the Business Engineer has a 360° vision of the most cutting-edge subjects to the most down-to-earth. As a hands-on person, they know how to quickly switch from one to the other and do not flinch from more practical work. Managing cross-functional and simultaneous projects requires both flexibility and discipline, as well as excellent time-management and priority-setting. Concentration, self-control and energy management: the Business Engineer does not scatter.
Devising solutions, convincing, negotiating
The Business Engineer designs technical and complex commercial solutions and must convince teams to adopt them. An interest in negotiation and genuine persuasiveness are thus crucial, together with the ability to handle pressure and client objections. Similarly, an in-depth knowledge of their area of expertise and of the relevant sector enables Business Engineers to overcome the client's reluctance and to conclude negotiations by constructively meeting their demands.
Asserting leadership and bringing people together
In the course of their work, Business Engineers are required to manage cross-functional projects and lead change. He or she must therefore as good listener and empath as an efficient decision-maker. In his or her daily work as team leaders, they must be able to adjust their leadership and question it if needed. In order to streamline the use of procedures by their teams, they can mobilise such levers as Non-Violent Communication (NVC), active listening, questioning techniques, etc.
A relational approach to the job
Given their commercial vocation, Business Engineers have a solid relational capacity which enables them to strengthen client relations, supervise their teams and nurture their business network. They must be able to easily grasp the codes, the implicit aspects and the relational subtleties of the host company and the sector. His courtesy, open-mindedness and accessibility mean that he is capable of creating long-term, solid bonds with the clientele he wishes to retain.
What kind of training is required to become a Business Engineer?
Employment criteria for Business Engineers
Job offers for a position in business engineering at manager or director level generally require a postgraduate qualification. Business engineering training is mainly provided in management schools, engineering schools or in some universities.
- a MSc, Master of Science in Business Engineering
- a Master's degree (Bac +5 - RNCP level 7): the Programme Ingénieur d'Affaires
These two programmes are accessible via an entrance exam and an individual interview. The MSc, Master of Science in Business Engineering is offered full-time in English. The Programme Ingénieur d'Affaires is taught in French and can be followed in work-study mode within our business school. Access to these two courses is open to candidates with a 3, 4 or 5 year degree in science, technology, technical-commercial studies or an engineering degree. Direct access in L3 to the Programme Ingénieur d'Affaires can also be offered to candidates with a 2 years degree.
What careers can I start after a degree in business engineering?
Business Engineers work in a wide variety of sectors such as: aeronautics, defence, mechanics, electronics, energy, environment, telecommunications, digital, industrial services, chemicals, bio-industries, construction, etc. Depending on the employment sector, the average annual starting salary is €38,600. After the studies, the employment offers are aimed at jobs linked to the following activities:
- Business development: Business engineer, Sales engineer, Pre-sales engineer, Key account manager, Business Developer
- Major project management: Project manager, Technical support, Lot manager
- B-to-B solutions marketing: Product manager, Service level manager, Services marketing manager, Customer relations manager, Contract manager
- Industrial purchasing: Industrial buyer, Project buyer, Supply chain manager, Logistics manager
- Consulting: Business consultant, Engineering consultant, Digital transformation consultant, Digital experience consultant, Change management consultant
