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 requiring an exact education level. However having a high school diploma 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 department of sales to other departments within the business.

Roles & Responsibilities

With 6-9 years of experience as a General Sales Manager in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue targets and maximize profitability. Create effective sales strategies and tactics to meet revenue goals and enhance business profitability.
  • Oversee the sales team and provide leadership, training, and mentoring to drive performance. Take charge of the sales team, offering guidance, training, and support to enhance their performance and achieve targets.
  • Analyze market trends and competitors to identify business opportunities and stay ahead in the market. Monitor market trends and competitors' activities to identify potential business opportunities and maintain a competitive edge.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align sales goals with marketing, product development, and customer service.

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 & Management

13%

Leadership

11%

Customer Relations

5%

Career Prospects

The General Sales Manager role requires extensive experience and expertise in sales management. For professionals in the United Kingdom with 6-9 years of experience, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are following options to explore:

  • Business Development Manager: A role that focuses on identifying new business opportunities, forming strategic partnerships, and driving revenue growth.
  • Key Account Manager: A position dedicated to managing and nurturing key client relationships, maximizing sales opportunities, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Sales Operations Manager: A role that involves overseeing sales processes, analyzing sales data, implementing sales strategies, and optimizing sales team performance.
  • Regional Sales Manager: A position responsible for leading and managing sales activities within a specific geographic region, including setting sales targets, developing sales strategies, and motivating the sales team.

How to Learn

The General Sales Manager role in the United Kingdom is expected to witness steady growth in the market. Over a 10-year analysis, it is projected to experience a rise in demand due to increasing business opportunities and sales targets. With a dynamic and evolving market, this position is likely to offer ample employment opportunities in the future. Google search confirms the importance of General Sales Managers in driving revenue and achieving sales objectives. As the market continues to expand, the need for skilled professionals in this role is anticipated to increase, ensuring a promising outlook for employment prospects.