Description

General sales managers oversee the sales department at a company or business. Their duties often include hiring and training sales employees, working with the sales team to ensure they meet goals and targets, compiling data from the sales team to present to upper management, and ensuring that the company is bringing in enough revenue. Depending on the size of the business, a general sales manager may also be responsible for general marketing duties, such as strategic planning or developing effective sales approaches.A general sales manager position does not usually require a specifc education level. However, a high school diploma or GED is highly recommended, and a bachelor’s degree in a field such as business may be beneficial. A general sales manager will frequently need at least five years of relevant sales experience and a track record of meeting/exceeding their sales goals. Leadership and management skills are also important.A general sales manager often work more than 40 hours a week and regularly communicate with upper management at the company. A general sales manager commonly acts as a liaison from the sales department to other departments at the company.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a General Sales Manager with 6-9 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Oversee the sales team, providing guidance, coaching, and performance evaluations to drive sales growth. Manage and mentor the sales team, ensuring they meet targets and achieve sales objectives.
  • Develop and implement sales strategies and plans to expand market share and increase revenue. Create and execute effective sales strategies to penetrate new markets and maximize sales opportunities.
  • Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to identify new business opportunities. Stay updated on industry trends, competitors, and customer preferences to capitalize on emerging markets and meet customer demands.
  • Collaborate with other departments to optimize customer experience and ensure seamless operations.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a General Sales Manager, 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 Technique

11%

Business Development

14%

Leadership

13%

Customer Relations

4%

Career Prospects

The role of a General Sales Manager is crucial for driving sales and managing a sales team. With 6-9 years of experience in Canada, professionals in this field may consider exploring alternative roles. Here are four options to consider:

  • Business Development Manager: This role involves identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with clients, and creating strategies to expand the company's customer base.
  • Key Account Manager: Focused on managing and nurturing relationships with key clients, this role ensures their satisfaction, drives sales growth, and identifies opportunities for upselling and cross-selling.
  • Regional Sales Manager: Responsible for overseeing sales activities in a specific region, this role involves setting sales targets, coaching and motivating the sales team, and analyzing market trends to develop effective strategies.
  • Sales Operations Manager: This position focuses on optimizing sales processes, implementing CRM systems, analyzing sales data, and providing insights to improve sales performance.

How to Learn

The general sales manager role in Canada is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Based on a 10-year analysis, employment opportunities for this position are expected to increase substantially. According to Google, the demand for skilled general sales managers continues to rise due to the expanding business landscape in Canada. This growth is driven by companies' increasing focus on customer acquisition and retention. As a result, the number of employment opportunities in this field is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, offering promising prospects for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a general sales manager.