Sales managers organize sales and manage sales teams for the company or store in which they work.
Sales managers work in a wide variety of sectors including manufacturing, mass distribution, finance, technology and services, and many more.
They are in charge of the performance of sales teams, by making sure that sales targets are reached. If they work for a small business, sales managers may set the targets themselves, but in large companies, their role is more often to enforce the reaching of objectives set by management.
In addition to product management, one of the job’s main tasks is to motivate the sales teams. Depending on the size of the company or store, sales managers handle a specific product or store, or overall sales for a specific geographic sector.
Again depending on the organizational structure in which they work, sales managers may be involved in product diversification, business development or even work with marketing teams to help develop sales strategies.
Specific requirements
- Education: College diploma in business administration
- Knowledge of sales, management and business administration
- Communication skills
- Ability to manage and motivate teams
- Set sales targets
- Assess sales and business results
- Hire and train salespeople
- Bilingualism (French/English) for Quebec professionals
Qualities
- Organization
- Thoroughness
- Analytical skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Insight and diplomacy
- Listening skills