All About Sales Managers
Sales Manager Example 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.
Sales Manager Responsibilities
- Monitor customer preferences to determine focus of sales efforts.
- Confer with potential customers regarding equipment needs and advise customers on types of equipment to purchase.
- Advise dealers and distributors on policies and operating procedures to ensure functional effectiveness of business.
- Determine price schedules and discount rates.
- Plan and direct staffing, training, and performance evaluations to develop and control sales and service programs.
- Resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service.
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Skills Needed to be a Sales Manager
Below is a list of the skills most Sales Managers say are important on the job.
Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Export Manager
- Division Manager
- Importer Exporter
- Regional Sales Manager
- Sales Representative
Is There Going to be Demand for Sales Managers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 385,500 jobs in the United States for Sales Manager. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 28,900 new jobs for Sales Manager by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 36,300 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Sales Manager are Utah, Nevada, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Sales Manager Make?
The typical yearly salary for Sales Managers is somewhere between $58,940 and $208,000.
Sales Managers who work in New York, Delaware, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Sales Managers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $115,750 |
| Alaska | $109,210 |
| Arizona | $113,430 |
| Arkansas | $119,090 |
| California | $134,010 |
| Colorado | $160,320 |
| Connecticut | $152,760 |
| Delaware | $174,940 |
| District of Columbia | $132,870 |
| Florida | $125,050 |
| Georgia | $140,820 |
| Hawaii | $101,480 |
| Idaho | $103,780 |
| Illinois | $131,400 |
| Indiana | $129,020 |
| Iowa | $117,170 |
| Kansas | $147,230 |
| Kentucky | $121,260 |
| Louisiana | $106,850 |
| Maine | $121,130 |
| Maryland | $147,530 |
| Massachusetts | $151,010 |
| Michigan | $142,340 |
| Minnesota | $132,420 |
| Mississippi | $108,100 |
| Missouri | $133,570 |
| Nebraska | $107,030 |
| New Hampshire | $152,120 |
| New Jersey | $168,950 |
| New Mexico | $105,240 |
| New York | $198,390 |
| North Carolina | $147,690 |
| North Dakota | $108,500 |
| Ohio | $134,600 |
| Oklahoma | $111,360 |
| Oregon | $126,340 |
| Pennsylvania | $151,620 |
| Rhode Island | $161,970 |
| South Carolina | $118,750 |
| South Dakota | $128,760 |
| Tennessee | $111,700 |
| Texas | $148,000 |
| Utah | $122,190 |
| Vermont | $140,260 |
| Virginia | $170,760 |
| Washington | $140,700 |
| West Virginia | $102,280 |
| Wisconsin | $135,940 |
| Wyoming | $117,350 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Sales Managers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Sales Managers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Structured query language SQL
- SAS
- Microsoft Dynamics
- IBM Notes
Becoming a Sales Manager
Learn what Sales Manager education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Sales Managers Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Mike Moore via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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