Sales & Business Development

Sales Manager

SOC 11-2022.00 · ESCO 1221 · OSCA 131211

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Role snapshot

Overview

Sets revenue targets and leads a sales team, developing comprehensive sales strategies, coaching representatives, analysing performance data, and building key client relationships to grow the business and achieve organisational goals.

Drives revenue growth, expands market share, and builds strong client relationships, directly contributing to the financial success and strategic positioning of the company.

On the job

  • Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve company goals.
  • Recruit, train, and mentor sales representatives to improve performance.
  • Analyse sales data and market trends to identify opportunities and challenges.
  • Negotiate and close major client deals and maintain key accounts.
  • Prepare and present sales forecasts and reports to senior management.
Sales Manager at work

Tools & technology

CRM Software (e.g., Salesforce)Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint)Sales Analytics PlatformsCommunication Tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack)

Average salary

$120K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$80K Bottom 10%
$180K Top 10%

Job outlook

Growing

Job growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.

Education & training

Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field, often with significant prior sales experience.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Regional Sales Director
VP of Sales

CURRENT ROLE

Sales Manager

Sales & Business Development

ADJACENT MOVES

Business Development Manager
Sales Representative
Account Manager
Junior Sales Manager

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

E

enterprising · ECS

People who enjoy leading teams, persuading others, and developing structured plans to achieve business objectives often excel in this role.

Personality characteristics

Outgoing

Thrives on interacting with clients and motivating a sales team.

Organised

Maintains structured sales processes and tracks team performance diligently.

Strategic

Enjoys developing long-term plans to capture market share and drive revenue.

Persuasive

Skilled at influencing decisions and closing deals with key stakeholders.

Supportive

Dedicated to coaching team members and fostering a collaborative environment.

Resilient

Handles setbacks and competitive pressure with a positive and determined attitude.

Best for

  • Individuals who are driven by results and enjoy leading a team to success.
  • Those who thrive in a dynamic, client-facing environment.
  • People skilled at both strategy development and hands-on team coaching.

Watch out for

  • Role can be high-pressure with demanding sales targets.
  • Requires constant adaptation to market changes and competitive landscapes.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Sales Manager — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Sales Team Standup
Strategic Sales Planning
1:1 Sales Representative Coaching
Market Research & Competitor Analysis
Tue
Client Relationship Building Calls
Pipeline Review & Forecasting
New Business Development Strategy
Respond to Client Inquiries
Wed
Sales Performance Data Analysis
Team Training Session
Management Meeting
Develop Sales Presentations
Thu
Key Client Account Review
Sales Operations Sync
Review & Approve Sales Proposals
Industry News & Professional Development
Fri
Weekly Performance Report Preparation
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Strategic Outreach Planning
Administrative Tasks & Email Management
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

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