Sales Manager
Sales managers lead and support a sales team, helping a business attract customers and achieve its sales goals. They combine people management with planning, customer relationships and monitoring commercial performance.
Day-to-day Tasks
- Set sales targets and agree plans for achieving them.
- Allocate customer accounts, enquiries or areas of responsibility.
- Coach team members and help them develop their selling skills.
- Monitor results and provide constructive feedback.
- Identify potential customers and opportunities for further business.
- Support important customer relationships and help resolve difficult issues.
- Analyse sales figures and prepare forecasts and reports.
- Keep up to date with products, competitors and changes in customer demand.
Skills and Knowledge
- Leadership and the ability to motivate and develop others.
- Strong selling, communication and negotiation skills.
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of customer needs.
- Confidence analysing figures and monitoring performance.
- Organisation and the ability to balance team and business priorities.
- Problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
- Resilience and the ability to respond positively when results fall short.
Industry Qualifications
The Institute of Sales Professionals offers recognised qualifications covering professional selling and sales leadership. These can support progression into management alongside practical sales and supervisory experience. ISP can advise on suitable qualifications and approved training providers.
For further information, visit the Institute of Sales Professionals.