what is a sales manager?
As a sales manager, you direct and manage a company’s sales teams. Sales representatives, field sales teams, and sales associates report to you. Your role involves hiring and training sales teams on the company’s sales processes. You also set sales quotas and targets for individuals and teams, providing them with the necessary resources to achieve their goals. Your main objective is to generate revenue for the business and develop strategies to increase sales. You may also implement incentive programs such as cash bonuses, gift cards, and prizes to motivate your team.
Your responsibilities as a sales manager typically focus on people management. This includes recruiting, training, and overseeing a team of sales representatives. You are also responsible for fostering customer relationships and ensuring client satisfaction. Additionally, you make strategic decisions that affect the company’s revenue streams.
Sales managers work in various industries that sell products or services to customers or clients. For example, you may work in manufacturing industries to oversee the sale of finished products to customers. The role requires exceptional leadership skills, as you will be responsible for motivating employees to meet and exceed sales goals. Strong collaboration skills are also important to work effectively with various sales professionals.
Would working as a sales manager suit your leadership and collaboration skills? Read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to succeed in this role.
sales manager rolesaverage sales manager salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sales managers earn an average salary of approximately $127,490 per year. Entry-level sales managers typically start with a lower salary due to minimal experience and qualifications, earning around $63,000 per year. Experienced sales managers, particularly those in high-revenue industries, can earn over $208,000 per year.
how to increase your earnings as a sales manager
Your salary as a sales manager depends on factors such as performance, skills, experience, and industry. When starting, your earnings may be lower due to limited experience, but as your expertise and performance improve, so does your salary. Obtaining additional qualifications or certifications can also give you leverage to negotiate a higher salary.
Industry and company size play a role in determining salary. Sales managers in industries that sell high-value products, such as automotive, finance, or technology, tend to earn more than those in industries selling lower-cost consumer goods. Larger companies also tend to offer higher salaries due to greater resources and larger sales teams.
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access our tooltypes of sales managers
Sales managers can specialize in different areas based on their responsibilities and target customers:
- Business-to-Business (B2B) Sales Managers: Oversee sales to other businesses, often working for manufacturers or wholesalers. For example, a B2B sales manager might oversee the sale of office supplies to corporations.
- Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Sales Managers: Oversee direct sales to individual consumers, typically in retail environments such as department stores or automotive dealerships.
- Product-Line Sales Managers: Focus on managing the sales of a specific product line within a company that offers multiple product categories. These managers develop sales strategies for a particular product range.
working as a sales manager
Working as a sales manager is an exciting career with numerous growth opportunities. Here are some common sales manager tasks.
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what does a sales manager do?
Some common responsibilities of a sales manager include:
- Supervising Sales Teams: As a sales manager, you lead a team of sales representatives within a specific region or territory. You mentor, coach, and monitor their performance to ensure revenue targets are met.
- Recruiting and Training Salespeople: You oversee hiring new sales team members, ensuring they understand company sales processes and best practices.
- Managing Customer Needs: You maintain client relationships and resolve customer issues escalated by sales representatives to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Setting Sales Goals and Forecasting Revenue: You determine sales quotas and revenue targets for different regions. You also track performance metrics and adjust strategies to close performance gaps.
- Managing Budgets and Approving Expenditures: You oversee your department’s budget, ensuring expenses align with revenue projections.
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work environment of a sales manager
Sales managers typically work in offices within manufacturing companies, retail corporations, or wholesale distribution centers. Most of the workday is spent at a desk reviewing reports, attending meetings, or developing sales strategies. Some travel may be required to meet with clients or attend industry events.
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who are your colleagues?
As a sales manager, you collaborate with sales associates, sales representatives, and account managers. You may also interact with HR managers, customer service representatives, and administrative assistants. In distribution settings, you may work with warehouse associates and procurement officers.
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sales manager work schedule
Sales managers typically work full-time, following a standard 40-hour workweek. However, longer hours may be required during peak sales seasons or when attending client meetings and industry conferences. Part-time managerial positions are rare, but contract-based opportunities may be available.
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career opportunities as a sales manager
A sales manager role prepares you for higher-level leadership positions. With experience, you can advance to roles such as:
- Regional Sales Manager: Oversees sales for a larger territory with multiple teams under management.
- National Sales Manager: Responsible for managing sales teams across an entire country.
- Director of Sales: Develops and implements company-wide sales strategies.
- Vice President of Sales: Holds executive-level responsibilities for the entire sales department.
- Marketing Manager or Operations Manager: Some sales managers transition into related fields such as marketing or operations leadership roles.
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advantages of finding a job as a sales manager through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
sales manager skills and education
- Bachelor’s Degree: Most sales manager positions require a bachelor's degree in sales, business administration, marketing, or a related field.
- Work Experience: Gaining experience through internships or entry-level sales roles is crucial for career progression.
Key Competencies for Sales Managers
- Analytical Skills: Assess market trends and sales performance data to make strategic decisions.
- Communication Skills: Effectively interact with sales teams, executives, and customers.
- Coaching Skills: Train and mentor sales staff to improve team performance.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a sales manager.
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what does a sales manager do?
Sales managers oversee sales teams, hire and train staff, set sales targets, and monitor performance. They also maintain client relationships and develop sales strategies.
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what is the minimum salary of a sales manager?
The minimum salary for entry-level sales managers is around $63,000 per year, with top earners making over $208,000 annually.
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is being a sales manager a good career?
Yes! Sales managers enjoy high job satisfaction due to competitive salaries, career growth opportunities, and direct contributions to a company’s success.
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is being a sales manager a hard job?
Working as a sales manager is a challenging position since you manage a team of sales agents. Becoming a sales manager isn't easy, but you will enjoy the position if you have passion and the right personality.
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are sales managers higher up than marketing managers?
As a sales manager, you manage the sales processes and guide the sales teams. A marketing manager is in charge of marketing operations. In some companies, sales and marketing managers work in different departments but are at the same hierarchy level. Sometimes, the marketing manager holds a higher-ranking position, managing both sales and marketing operations.
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how do I find a job as a sales manager?
Looking for a sales manager job near you? Browse our job listings and apply online. No listings available? Submit your resume, and we’ll connect you with a recruiter when an opportunity opens up.
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