Sales Manager

Your Fit

Income

$138K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

4.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Sales Manager?

Sales Managers are responsible for directing and overseeing an organization's sales teams and strategies. They play a critical role in achieving sales targets, building customer relationships, and driving business growth.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Sales Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Sales Manager earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$67K per year	$96K per year	$138K per year	$201K per year	NA per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $89K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Sales Manager do?

Work environment

Sales Managers typically work in an office setting but may also spend time traveling to meet clients or manage sales teams across different locations. Their work environment is often fast-paced, focused on meeting sales goals and responding to market trends. They may work in various industries, from retail to technology and services.

Quick task list

Develops sales strategies and sets sales targets.
Manages and trains sales teams.
Analyzes sales data and market trends.
Builds and maintains relationships with key clients.
Oversees sales performance and adjusts strategies as needed.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

B2B Sales Management: Specializing in business-to-business sales strategies.
Retail Sales Management: Overseeing sales in retail environments.
Global Sales Leadership: Managing international sales operations.
Digital Sales Strategy: Focusing on online sales and e-commerce strategies.

Description

Sales Managers are the driving force behind a company's revenue generation. They must possess a deep understanding of their product or service, the market in which they operate, and customer needs. Their role involves strategic planning to identify sales opportunities, target demographics, and effective sales techniques. This requires not only business acumen but also strong analytical skills to interpret market data and trends.

Leadership is a critical aspect of this role. Sales Managers are responsible for motivating and guiding their teams, setting achievable yet challenging targets, and fostering a productive sales environment. They must be adept at conflict resolution, team building, and coaching individuals to reach their full potential.

Effective communication skills are essential, as Sales Managers need to articulate their vision and strategy clearly to their team and stakeholders. They also need to be skilled negotiators, both in setting sales targets with senior management and in securing deals with clients. The role can be highly rewarding, offering opportunities to directly impact a business's success and growth.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Directly contributing to the growth and profitability of the business.
Leading and developing a successful sales team.
The challenge and excitement of meeting and exceeding sales targets.

You might make a good Sales Manager if you are...

A motivated individual with a passion for sales and business growth.
A natural leader with strong team-building and motivational skills.
Analytical and strategic in your approach to problem-solving.
Excellent at communication and relationship-building.
Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Pros:

Leadership Role: Sales managers have the opportunity to lead and motivate sales teams, which can be highly rewarding.
High Earning Potential: Includes the potential for high earnings, especially with bonuses and commissions based on team performance.
Variety and Challenge: Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to strategize and innovate in sales techniques.
Networking Opportunities: Extensive interaction with clients and other businesses can lead to a rich network of professional contacts.

Cons:

High Pressure: Sales targets and managing a team can create a high-pressure environment, with performance directly impacting compensation.
Long Hours: The role often requires working beyond standard hours, including weekends and evenings, especially in target-driven environments.
Economic Sensitivity: Sales figures can be heavily impacted by economic fluctuations, affecting job stability and stress levels.
Customer Challenges: Dealing with difficult customers or client rejections can be challenging and sometimes demoralizing.

How to become a Sales Manager

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field is commonly required. Some positions might prefer a master's degree, especially in highly competitive sectors or for high-level managerial roles.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business Studies: Provides foundational knowledge in business operations and management.
Economics: Helps understand market dynamics and consumer behavior.
Psychology: Useful for learning about human behavior, which is crucial in sales and negotiations.
Mathematics: Beneficial for understanding sales analytics and financial management.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participate in Debate or Public Speaking Clubs: Develops communication and persuasive skills.
Join Business or Entrepreneurship Clubs: Provides early experience in understanding business and sales concepts.
Volunteer in Fundraising Events: Offers practical experience in selling and promoting causes.

Preparation after high school

Bachelor's Degree: Pursue a bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, finance, or a related field.
Internships: Gain practical experience through internships in sales or related business areas.
Networking: Join professional associations and attend industry events to build a professional network.
Sales Training Programs: Enroll in sales training programs to develop advanced sales techniques and strategies.

More resources

Sales Management Association - Provides resources, training, and a community for sales management professionals.
National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) - Offers certification programs and networking opportunities for sales professionals.
Harvard Business Review – Sales - Features articles and resources on the latest trends and strategies in sales.
American Association of Inside Sales Professionals (AA-ISP) - A community dedicated to advancing the profession of inside sales.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Provides comprehensive information about the Sales Manager occupation, including skills, job outlook, and educational requirements.
LinkedIn Learning - Offers various online courses and learning paths in sales and sales management.
HubSpot Sales Blog - A resource for sales tips, trends, and best practices.

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