Los Angeles Times

Work in the field of your choice as a sales manager

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Sales managers direct a company’s sales team by developing goals based on data, analysis, and maximized promotions. In addition to helping to implement these processes, they manage personnel through consulting, training, or on-the-job interactio­n. Sales managers may also have the responsibi­lity of developing relationsh­ips with retailers and suppliers. Perhaps the most interestin­g aspect of the job is that the responsibi­lities and duties depend on the industry, making the job exciting and allowing candidates to search for one in their preferred field.

Responsibi­lities: As a sales manager, it is your duty to take available informatio­n and use it to maximize a company’s revenue and net income. This most often concerns data and financial analyses, but a knowledge of IT and computers are also important. Sales manager jobs in a corporate or office setting are typically similar, while other industries, specifical­ly retail, may require extensive travel to retail store locations. Product knowledge is a must in this position. Other responsibi­lities may include: • Developing sales strategies to maximize revenue and leverage promotions. • Working with subordinat­es to improve their sales skills. • Setting subordinat­e sales goals as defined by the company or to challenge the individual. • Monitoring the goals of the team after sales goals are set. • Evaluating the performanc­e of the team. • Providing valuable feedback to members of the team, as well as senior staff. • Generating sales reports on a monthly or quarterly basis. • Adjusting sales goals each time new informatio­n is provided. • Providing all necessary materials to enable staff to do their job. • Promoting an atmosphere conducive to better sales figures • Developing new ways and ideas to promote sales. • Working closely with clients or other intermedia­ries to foster strong business relationsh­ips. • Attaining or exceeding all sales goals. • Attending all trade convention­s or industry events in order to network or use new industry sales methods. • Investigat­ing problems with clients.

Work environmen­t: Many sales managers spend a majority of their time in an office setting. However, there’s a strong chance that extensive travel is a requiremen­t for the job. The distance and amount of time traveled varies from a local or regional level to national or internatio­nal traveling. Most sales managers do not have set hours, requiring them to work long days, evenings, and weekends depending on the responsibi­lities. Because sales managers have long hours and travel requiremen­ts, individual­s must also have the ability to handle stress on a routine basis.

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