Description

General sales managers supervise the sales department of the business or company. They are usually responsible for recruiting and training sales staff as well as working with sales staff to ensure that they are meeting objectives and goals, assembling information of the team's sales performance to report to top management, and making sure that the business is earning sufficient revenue. Based on how big the company the general sales manager could be also responsible for marketing-related duties in general including strategizing or implementing effective strategies for sales.

A general sales manager job is not typically a requirement for an exact education level. However having the graduation certificate from a high school or GED is strongly recommended and having a bachelor's degree in a field like business could be advantageous. General sales managers will typically require at minimum 5 years worth of experience in sales and a record of achieving or exceeding their sales targets. Management and leadership abilities are equally important.

General sales managers typically spends longer than 40 hours per week and frequently communicates with the upper management of the company. General sales managers typically serves as a link from the sales department to the other departments within the business.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a General Sales Manager with 9+ years of experience in the United States, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee the sales team's performance, providing guidance and support to achieve sales targets.Monitor sales activities, track progress, and implement strategies to improve sales performance.
  • Develop and implement sales strategies to drive revenue growth and increase market share.Identify new business opportunities, analyze market trends, and devise sales plans to maximize profitability.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.Attend client meetings, negotiate contracts, and resolve any issues to maintain long-term partnerships.
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to the sales team, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional development.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a General Sales Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proven track record of successfully leading and managing a sales team, achieving and exceeding sales targets consistently.
  • Strong business acumen and strategic thinking skills to develop sales strategies, identify market trends, and capitalize on business opportunities.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and the sales team.
  • Ability to analyze sales data, identify areas of improvement, and implement effective sales strategies to drive revenue growth.

Essential Skills For General Sales Manager

1

Sales Strategy

2

Sales Technique

3

Leadership

Skills That Affect General Sales Manager Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Sales

25%

Sales Strategy

2%

Business Development

9%

People Management

60%

Strategic Planning

22%

Career Prospects

The role of General Sales Manager is crucial to driving sales performance and managing sales teams effectively. With extensive experience of 9+ years in the United States, professionals in this field can consider alternative roles to diversify their career path. Here are following options to explore:

  • Business Development Manager: A position that focuses on identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and expanding market share.
  • Regional Sales Director: A role that involves overseeing sales operations in a specific region, managing sales teams, and developing sales strategies to meet targets.
  • Key Account Manager: A position centered around nurturing and maintaining relationships with key clients, ensuring customer satisfaction, and driving revenue growth from existing accounts.
  • Sales Operations Manager: A role that involves optimizing sales processes, implementing sales tools and technologies, and providing analytical insights to improve sales performance.

How to Learn

The role of General Sales Manager in the United States is expected to experience steady growth in the market. Over a 10-year analysis, employment opportunities for this position are projected to increase. According to the latest data points available from Google, the demand for General Sales Managers is expected to remain strong, with various industries seeking professionals to lead and manage their sales teams. This trend indicates a positive outlook for individuals pursuing or currently occupying this role, as the job market is expected to provide ample employment opportunities in the future.