What does a Sales Manager do?
A Sales Manager is responsible for developing a sales team, coordinating sales operations and implementing sales techniques that allow the business to meet and surpass its sales targets consistently. They work with big profile customers, evaluate budgets and determine ways to simplify and improve the sales process.
Their tasks often include assigning sales territories, mentoring members of their sales team, setting quotas, assigning sales training, hiring and firing salespeople and building sales plans. They also set goals, identify priorities and eliminate redundant activities to increase sales.
Sales Manager skills and qualifications
A successful Sales Manager candidate is the driving force behind any great sales organisation and will have a variety of skills and qualifications that include:
- Ability to communicate, inspire and motivate
- Proven ability to drive the sales process from plan to close
- Excellent mentoring, coaching and good people management skills
- Excellent time management skills to maximise their ability to reach goals
- Ability to identify, recruit and hire talented sales reps
Sales Manager experience requirements
Prospective Sales Managers should have three to five years’ experience working in the sales field, preferably in the fast-moving consumer goods market. They should also have a successful and verified track record in leading a sales department to achieve its goals.
The right candidate should be able to identify opportunities in sales and profits and possess knowledge about mobilising Sales Representatives to achieve or exceed set sales performance targets. The candidate must be skilled in data analysis and managing customers using customer relationship management (CRM) as this position involves working with a lot of data and prospects.
Sales Manager education and training requirements
A successful applicant needs to have several years of experience in sales, often starting as sales representatives and growing into a managerial position. The ideal candidate should have a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. However, an aspiring Sales Manager must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, mathematics and statistics as a minimum. Computer, technology and media skills are also crucial for advertising and media sales. An A level in business and law is a plus, but not essential.
Sales Manager salary expectations
The average income for a Sales Manager is £37,405 per year. Some managers earn commissions and bonus for exceeding targets. Note that this figure may vary depending on the applicant’s experience, location and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
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