Sales Manager
Sales managers plan and direct the sale of an organisation’s goods or services.
Tasks may include:
• preparing budgets and sales plans
• working out price lists, discounts, delivery terms and sales quotas
• advising other managers on public reaction to products or services
• assigning sales targets to sales representatives
• supervising sales representatives and ensuring sales targets are met
• organising training for sales representatives
• promotional work
• reporting to managers
• coordinating customer service standards.
Skills and knowledge
Sales managers need to have:
• knowledge of the products or services being sold
• an understanding of the target market and how to reach them
• knowledge of finance and budgeting, including calculations skills
• good communication and people skills, including the ability to analyse clients' needs and manage sales teams
• planning, organisational and decision-making ability
• computer and administrative skills.
Personal qualities
Sales managers need to be self-disciplined, and be able to lead and motivate people. They must be able to work well under pressure and handle a busy workload.
