If you’re unsure of what the Sales Manager job involves – we’re here to help!
The Sales Manager job involves organising, coaching and leading teams of sales representatives to work towards agreed targets.
Salary: £22,000 to £70,000 average per year
Hours: 40 per week
Bournemouth – average is £40,600
Sales Manager Job Overview:
Most of the time, the average salesperson will report directly to the general sales manager, who will constantly be overseeing his work. Sales managers are generally judged by the performance of their sales representatives, and they may be rewarded for sales successes or punished for sales failures. The general sales manager will often work with sales representatives on an individual basis to find areas of weakness and improve their results. People in this position are also usually responsible for training new sales staff members while teaching them the company’s basic approach and policies.
One of the most important parts of a general sales manager job is often strategic planning, and developing an effective overall sales approach for the company will generally fall under the list of duties. This often requires a good grasp of the entire company business model and a strong understanding of marketing principles. It is also usually important that people in this role develop an effective approach for using manpower, so that the best staff members are put to work on the most important tasks for maximum efficiency.
1. Entry requirements
You’ll need proven experience in sales, with a good record of achieving targets.
Once you reach management level, most employers will consider your sales and management experience, market knowledge and track record to be more important than your academic qualifications.
You could be considered for specialist sales management jobs if your expertise comes from a background in the designing or manufacturing of the products your team are selling.
You may need an HND or degree for some jobs that involve selling hi-tech scientific or engineering equipment, or a second language for sales jobs that involve travelling around the world to meet customers.
You could also develop your management skills by studying towards a professional qualification, like the ones offered by:
• the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM)
• the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
• the Managing and Marketing Sales Association (MAMSA)
You may need a full driving licence.
2. Skills required
You’ll need:
• IT, budget and report writing skills• excellent sales and negotiation skills• the ability to motivate and lead a team• excellent communication and ‘people skills’• good planning and organisational skills• the ability to work calmly under pressure
3. What you’ll do
You’ll be responsible for a team of sales representatives (‘reps’) that sell a particular type of product, or work with a certain type of customer, like business to business sales.
You could also be the area manager for sales across a set area or sales patch. Your day-to-day duties might include:
• recruiting and training sales staff
• allocating areas to sales reps
• developing sales strategies and setting sales targets
• providing feedback and coaching to team members
• monitoring the team’s performance and motivating them to reach targets
• compiling and analysing sales figures
• reporting back to senior managers
• keeping up to date with products and competitors
In some jobs you might also handle major customer accounts, or be involved with marketing as well as sales.
4. Salary
Starter: £22,000 to £30,000
Experienced: £30,000 to £60,000
Highly Experienced: £70,000
Most companies offer a basic salary with expenses and commission scheme, which can vary widely depending on experience and the industry or market sector.
These figures are a guide only
5. Working hours, patterns and environment
You’ll usually work standard office hours, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although travelling to visit customers and your sales team may often make your working day longer.
You may also need to attend conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions, which could involve working in the evening and at weekends.
Your job may involve some overnight stays, or travel abroad.
6. Career path and progression
With experience and a good track record, you could take on larger sales areas or be promoted to regional or national sales manager.
View our current Sales vacancies
Sources:
National Career Services
Glassdoor
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