Sales Manager's Job Profile
Sales managers are responsible for the management of a business' sales development. Sales managers ensure proper techniques are used to bring in new customers using direct marketing techniques, business to business sales calls, client visits for marketing and cold calling. The business sales development process is one of the key responsibilities given to the sales manager.
It is the sales manager's responsibility to ensure the maximum possible sales attempts and outbound calls are made. They are in charge of ensuring all team members adhere to sales policies and procedures set by the company. It is the duty of the sales manager to ensure that the team achieves its goal in the best possible way without exceeding the budget set and with available resources.
The basic tasks of a sales manager include recruiting and training sales staff, administering, encouraging and inspiring as well as monitoring the performance of the team members. They are also responsible for the delegation of work and setting targets for each team member to reach.
They are responsible for allocating new team members and making them a part of the team so goals can be reached efficiently. It is the sales manager who is responsible to develop their team member's skills and mentor the team.
Set Skills Required
The sales manager plays a vital role in helping the business be successful. It is essential for sales managers to always be ready for work by maintaining a high energy level with positive attitude.
Having good management skills is essential for a sales manager as they have to manage the sales associate team. A sales manager must keep up with changes that occur. A perfect sales manager is one who enhances and develops various sales strategies that focus on advanced technological solutions.
The sales manager needs to be a self-starter that is ready to travel in order to generate sales. His or her mind must be open to any conditions in order to get a sale. Strong leadership skills are also essential so to ensure proper delivery of business values to customers and the sales force.
Excellent communication skills are a must to lead the sales force and reach the company's goal. A sales manager must be able to build relationships by communicating with team members, sales personnel, upper management and clients.
Training and Qualifications
Sales managers need to have appropriate knowledge of management, sales generation and leadership skills. Many companies prefer to hire sales managers who have at least a Bachelor's degree. The candidates who have a Master's degree are given more preference as they have better knowledge of the marketing and a higher level of skills.
Having prior experience of five or more years is also preferred as it will help with developing strategies to eliminate and prevent problems. The experience they possess helps in the management of a diverse sales team.
Other than the educational qualifications, it is also essential for a sales manager to have the ability to influence people and work in a team environment. It is essential for the sales manager to have knowledge of technology available that may make a sales manager's job and the sales team's job easier and efficient.
It is a must for the sales manager to have technical knowledge and sales skills for creative effective presentations and leading discussions with customer to pull in a sale.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must for the candidate to possess when applying for a sales manager position.
Job Prospects and Salary
It is expected the demand for sales managers will increase in almost every industry. There is a need for sales managers for the expansion of businesses.
Though it is difficult to analyze the salary of a sales manager, the average salary paid to a sales manager is approximately $51,000. Almost all of the sales managers are provided with the compensation on the basis of commissions, bonuses as well as commission overrides.
There is an increase in the demand for competent sales managers. If you have prior experience is sales and are confident about increasing revenue of the sales department by motivating the sales team this position is good for you.
