Sales Operations Manager

Sales operations managers are responsible for the training, management and support for the sales team within their organisation. They usually are involved in the interpretation and analysis of the sales and customer data in the software systems that they are responsible for.

Like almost every office job, basic computer skills are essential and they must be able to utilize sales team management software and customer relationship software. In a lot of companies the sales operations manager should also be acquainted with spreadsheet and database software that can analyze patterns and pinpoint areas for improvement. Management and training elements of their job require that sales managers need to possess excellent verbal and written communication abilities. Ability to motivate and reward the sales team is crucial.

Sales operations managers typically operate in an office, and have a number of sales staff members who report directly to them. They be accountable to the executive management and senior management about issues or opportunities within their area. It is usually full-time. Although the majority of customer contact is handled by employees of sales operation managers, they may need contact customers directly in the event of an issue or special requirement.

In a managerial position it is not accessible to applicants at the entry level. Candidates typically require minimum two years' experience in a related job, and also some experience in management. In most cases, applicants should hold a bachelor's degree, though some jobs need only a high school certificate or GED.

Sales Operations Manager Responsibilities

• Accurately forecast sales targets based on past performance, market trends and new opportunities.
• Analyze internal and external data to identify areas for improvement in sales processes and drive effective decision-making.
• Generate periodic reports on sales performance, analyze the results and provide insights to the sales team and senior management.
• Continuously evaluate and improve sales processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve revenue.

Major educational qualifications required for Sales Operations Manager are:

• A bachelor's degree in business or a related area.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Passionate about providing excellent customer service.

Here are 4 alternative roles to Sales Operations Manager with 0-3 years of experience in India:

• Sales Coordinator: supports the sales team by handling administrative tasks such as order processing, communication with clients, and maintaining sales records.
• Business Development Associate: responsible for driving new business opportunities by researching and identifying potential clients and markets, cold calling, and networking.
• Sales Analyst: collects, analyzes, and interprets sales data to help the sales team make informed decisions, such as identifying trends and forecasting sales performance.
• Account Executive: maintains relationships with existing clients, identifies new business opportunities, and communicates with clients to ensure satisfaction with the company's products and services.

The role of Sales Operations Manager in India is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. In the next decade, the job role is projected to grow by approximately 8% and there will be an estimated 150,000 new employment opportunities available in this field. This growth can partially be attributed to the increase in competition among businesses, resulting in a greater need for effective sales strategies. Furthermore, with the rise of e-commerce, businesses are seeking professionals who can manage their online sales operations, which will further boost job prospects in this field.