Sales Manager

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  Management Occupations

Sales Manager

Also Called: District Sales Manager, National Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager, Sales and Marketing Vice President (Sales and Marketing VP), Sales Director, Sales Manager, Sales Supervisor, Sales Vice President (Sales VP), District Sales Manager, National Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager, Sales and Marketing Vice President (Sales and Marketing VP), Sales Director, Sales Manager, Sales Supervisor, Sales Vice President (Sales VP)

What they do

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$63,700
Starting Salary (2023)
$135,160
Median Salary (2023)
4.0%
Projected Job Growth
575,880
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Determine price schedules and discount rates.
Direct and coordinate activities involving sales of manufactured products, services, commodities, real estate, or other subjects of sale.
Plan and direct staffing, training, and performance evaluations to develop and control sales and service programs.
Prepare budgets and approve budget expenditures.
Resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Enterprising
Business based Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Initiative
Integrity
Adaptability/Flexibility
Dependability
Leadership
Stress Tolerance

What key skills are needed for this job?

Persuasion
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Negotiation

Expected Knowledge

Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Selling or Influencing Others
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

More Info

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