Sales Managers
Sales managers set goals, assign sales territories, set quotas and develop training programs for their salespersons. Sales managers work in virtually every industry. Those in sales management evaluate sales statistics to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and to learn about customer's preferences. A sales manager strives to maximize profits.
In large companies that have multiple products a sales manager often manages regional and local sales managers and their staffs. Those in sales management positions also offer strategies and techniques to sales representatives in order to improve their sales performance.
Often, small companies have just one sales manager, however some large companies have managers to oversee each level of the sales operation. A large company might have regional sales managers, general sales managers and home office and overseas sales managers. Some of the job titles are director of sales, regional sales manager, vice president of sales, district sales manager and sales and marketing vice president.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the distribution of products to customers
- Make performance evaluations of sales representatives
- Resolve customer complaints about sales and service
- Determine prices and discount rates
- Analyze reports and operations records to project sales and profitability
- Develop budgets and approve budget expenditures
- Study customer preferences to determine the focus of sales efforts
- Consult with department heads on various subjects
Job Characteristics
Sales managers should have good motivational, organizing and interpersonal skills. They should also be effective leaders and be able to persuasively communicate with others orally and in writing. Those in sales management often work more than a forty hour week. Typically their work is based on a set number of projects and not a set number of working hours.
Employment Outlook
Employment for sales managers is expected to increase by 10% from 2006 to 2016. Those with a college degree, a high level of creativity, excellent communication skills and related experience should have the best job opportunities. Salaries vary substantially, however, the median annual earnings in 2008 for sales managers was $97,260.
The size of their sales territory is an important factor in determining their salary. Many managers achieve bonuses equal to 10 percent or more of their salary and some are given stock options. Regarding the popular industries, the industry with the highest median annual earnings for sales managers is professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers.
Experienced, successful sales representatives that have good leadership abilities have opportunities to advance into a sales manager position. Some sales managers began as sales representatives or started out in advertising, marketing or product management. In addition, some sales managers become top executives.
Education, Certification, and Licensing
Some employers prefer candidates that hold a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing. In highly technical industries such as electronics and computer manufacturing, employers typically seek candidates that have a business and a technical degree.
Helpful college courses include, management, economics, business law, statistics, mathematics, finance and accounting. Computer classes are also helpful. In addition, an internship while the candidate is attending school can be highly beneficial.
In partnership with colleges and universities, a number of marketing and related associations sponsor local or national management training programs. The courses provided include sales management evaluation, brand and product management, international marketing, interactive marketing, telemarketing and direct sales, promotion and market research.
Resources
- National Retail Federation
- American Management Association
- Sales and Marketing Executives International
Major Employers
The major job providing sectors are wholesale trade, retail trade, finance and insurance, and manufacturing.
Schools for Sales Managers are listed in the Browse Schools Section.
