Sales Manager jobs

Are you on the lookout for sales manager jobs? Michael Page can help. We work with top employers across the UK to connect talented candidates with the perfect job opportunities. 

Whether you’re just starting out in your career or are a seasoned professional, we can help you find the right sales manager jobs to match your skills, experience, and interests.

The role of a sales manager

A sales manager oversees a business’ whole sales process, from beginning to end. Sales manager jobs require a wide range of skills, from people management and project management, to strategy, research, and interpersonal. 

Professionals in sales management jobs will need to be capable of designing and implementing a strategic sales plan that grows their company and increases revenue. They need to be able to set goals and KPIs, futureproof their company’s product or service offering, and hire and hire and train a strong team of sales representatives to hit or exceed sales goals.

The sales manager job description also typically includes producing monthly forecasting reports to track how close their team is to hitting their targets, and reporting back to senior business leaders on their progress. They will work closely with the finance director to negotiate budgets and ensure the revenue stream runs smoothly from month to month.

There’s also the traditional sales manager role of rallying the sales team to hit their targets. Working in sales can be a tough but very rewarding job, with plenty of highs and lows, and it’s up to the sales manager to galvanise their sales representatives and ensure they are enthusiastic and capable of going out there and selling.

Many sales managers will also work with high-value clients themselves, so they must also embody the skills of a strong sales representative. They must be able to build long, lucrative relationships with customers, be able to create and present a strong pitch, and close deals.

Furthermore, sales managers must always keep one eye on the trends in their organisation’s industry and ensure the business is set up for future success. They must be aware of new products on the market, and their competition, and ensure their own offering is cutting-edge and competitive.

Our Services

At Michael Page, we offer a range of services to help you find the perfect sales manager jobs, including:

• Access to our vast network of job opportunities with leading employers
• Personalised career advice from our experienced consultants
• Assistance with CV and interview preparation
• Help with salary negotiations and job offers

Our Jobs

We have a variety of sales manager jobs available across the UK, from junior to senior level positions. Whether you’re interested in working in marketing, finance, or technology, we can help you find the perfect job to match your skills and interests.

Browse our current sales manager vacancies and find the ideal role for you today.

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to become a sales manager?

Sales manager roles will typically require a bachelor’s degree - although this may not be necessary for a candidate with enough frontline experience in sales. Aspiring sales managers may want to complete a degree in business, sales, or a similar course - but if they want to specialise in a certain industry it will help to specialise when it comes to qualifications. For sales managers keen to work in complex industries such as engineering or technology, further postgraduate qualifications or professional qualifications will also provide a boost.

What skills does a sales manager need to have?
Strong leadership skills are non-negotiable for sales managers, as are excellent communication skills - both for communicating with customers and sales representatives. They should also be skilled at training, organisation, time management, teamwork, and forecasting. Finally, a sales manager should also have superb sales skills, such as public speaking, persuasion, and relationship building.

What does a sales manager do?

Professionals in sales management jobs create a sales strategy in line with their business’ top level plan, and then bring this to life through the recruitment, training, and effective deployment of a strong team of sales reps. 

Can you get a sales manager job with no experience?

While candidates can get a sales manager job with no experience in a sales manager role, it is highly unlikely they will be successful unless they have experience within sales itself. Fortunately, it is relatively simple to enter a career in sales - as a hierarchical sector, candidates with no experience should aim for trainee or junior sales representative roles and work their way up to a sales manager position.

How can I get a job as a sales manager?

If you’re a sales manager looking for your next role, or a sales representative looking to step up into sales manager jobs, Michael Page can help. Our team of experts can connect you with the best employers in the UK, and help you find the perfect sales manager jobs to match your ambitions. Submit your CV today to take the next step in your development career.

Additional resources for sales managers

https://www.michaelpage.co.uk/advice/career-advice/job-interview-tips/how-prepare-sales-job-interviews

https://www.michaelpage.co.uk/advice/career-advice/growing-your-career/what-skills-and-competencies-do-you-need-become-sales-manager

https://www.michaelpage.co.uk/career-advice/salary-guides/sales