The Definitive Guide: How To Become A Sales Manager
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If you are persuasive, determined, dedicated, driven, hungry for success and extremely hard working, then read on….
What is a Sales Manager?
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Job Description
If you have your sights set on becoming a sales manager, you will have to do more than just meet your goals, you will have to exceed expectations and go above and beyond! A sales manager is responsible for overseeing the sales team and ensuring that all sales targets are hit. A successful sales manager will set reachable goals within the department, build a sales plan and provide guidance and encouragement to all staff so that they are able to reach those goals. As a sales manager you will be responsible for both disciplining and rewarding members of the team. You will have to have the skills to be a great salesperson, as well as have the ability to run a team and lead them with confidence. This job role will give you the opportunity to work in any sector – after all every company needs a sales team. So, if there’s a specific industry or company you are interested in, whether its fitness, hospitality or beauty, then go for it!
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Hours of Work
You will probably be required to work office hours, which could be anything from 8:30-6:30, Monday to Friday. However, you may have to work overtime in order to ensure you meet the sales targets.
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Main Responsibilities
What are the main duties? Here is a list of tasks that will be expected of you:
- Setting sales targets and objectives
- Devising strategies and implementing a sales plan
- Training team members and monitoring performance
- Coaching staff on how to achieve their targets
- Interviewing and recruiting new members of the team
- Motivating and rewarding staff
- Budgeting
- Maintaining relationships with clients
- Networking
- Working with senior management and reporting results
- Analysing sales figures
Key Sales Manager Qualifications
What qualifications do you need to land yourself a Sales Manager job?
As an aspiring sales manager, you should have many years’ experience in sales and a proven track record in reaching sales targets. Previous management experience would be a huge advantage. A degree isn’t usually necessary however it might be preferred to have a sales or management degree. Here are some courses you could look into before applying for the job:
- Diploma in Professional Sales
- Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISM) Diploma in Strategic Sales Management
- Advanced Diploma in Sales Management
Depending on the industry you will be working in, you might be required to have qualifications or a background in that specific field – for example fitness, as it would help to have knowledge in the field that you are working in! However, this isn’t always the case.
Vital Sales Manager Skills
Do you have what it takes?
Aside from having excellent sales and negotiation skills, a good sales manager will have the following skills:
- Great leadership skills
- Authoritative
- Excellent communication skills
- Understanding
- Ability to motivate others and be enthusiastic
- Good planning and organisational skills
- Ability to remain calm under stress and pressure
- Hardworking
- Being bilingual is not necessary but is increasingly a skill sought out by employers
- A driving license may be required in some companies
What is a Sales Manager salary?
Now we’re getting down to the nitty gritty…
You will be earning a salary, plus commission based on sales figures each month. You could earn between £25,000 and £40,000 before commission. Now you know the reason for being so hardworking – the harder you work the more money you and your team will take home.
How to become a Sales Manager
One way to become a sales manager is by beginning your career in a sales team, working extremely hard and showing your potential, which could lead to progressing to a team leader.
After you’ve gained some experience as a team leader and getting a taste of managing a small team, you could complete in-house management training and progress to sales manager. Although this seems like a long route to take to get to your desired job, hard work pays off and you will learn all of the relevant skills along the way. Once you are there, it will all be worth it, and success doesn’t come overnight!
How to develop your Sales Manager career
You’ve got the job, but what’s next?
After successfully working as a sales manager, the next position to work towards is sales director. If you are keen to climb the ladder, you can make it happen by working hard every day, never giving up and keeping your eyes open for opportunities.
If by now you are looking for a change of direction, you could apply for jobs within the company; for example in marketing or human resources. It is easy to move around inside a company once you make connections with people and prove that you are willing to learn and take on new challenges.
Career Opportunities
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You can find the best Sales Manager jobs with brands such as Hollywood Bowl Group, DW Fitness First, Patisserie Valerie and many more.
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