TOP 5

Salespeople in demand

1. Business development managers

This role involves identifying long-term strategic goals, building key customer relationships, and keeping up to date on market conditions. There is high demand but short supply of candidates with both industry and local experience.

2. Account managers

Candidates require a strategic approach with the ability to consider the wider picture, including analysing margins, costs, tenders and service agreements and creating long-term relationship plans.

There is demand for professionals with a proven ability to win new clients while also managing and growing existing clients.

3. Telesales professionals

These roles traditionally suffer from high turnover, with candidates looking to progress into other areas of the business. Finding stable candidates is a challenge for employers.

4. Sales managers

These candidates are in short supply, especially those with a high level of experience.

Degree-qualified candidates remain the preference.

5. Salespeople with specification industry experience

These are needed at representative and senior levels. Employers want qualified professionals with proven successes, ideally with one focused product range. SOURCE: Hays