Description

National sales managers must have worked as successful salespersons. In addition to being good salespersons, they must have leadership and managerial skills. Most of the time, they oversee area managers, regional managers, territory managers, district managers, and product specialists. They may also be required to perform direct sales. They must be knowledgeable with the products or services that their company sells. They must be proficient in sales performance analysis. Since one of their duties is the oversight of regional sales offices, they must be willing to travel all over the country regularly. They must conduct regular video conferences in lieu of meeting with regional sales managers face to face. National sales managers must give timely feedback to people who are reporting to them. They must conduct job performance reviews on a regular basis, in accordance with their company’s guidelines, policies, and procedures. They must be ethical. They must have excellent presentation and interpersonal skills. They must have good oral and written communication skills. They must keep themselves up to date with relevant product trends in their industry. They may be required to mentor or coach junior sales managers.Many employers hire only candidates with a bachelor’s degree in management, business, finance, marketing, or accounting. However, some companies may accept candidates with significant years of experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree. They are often required to be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, as well as marketing software to be used for product and sales analysis.

Roles & Responsibilities

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

  • Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve revenue targets and drive business growth. Create and implement effective sales plans, including setting sales targets and monitoring performance.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders. Foster long-term partnerships with clients, addressing their needs and providing exceptional customer service.
  • Lead and motivate the sales team to achieve sales objectives. Provide guidance, training, and support to the sales team, ensuring they have the necessary tools to succeed.
  • Analyze market trends and competitor activity to identify new business opportunities.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a National Sales Manager, the following qualifications are required:

  • Demonstrated success in driving sales and achieving revenue targets, preferably in a national or regional sales management role.
  • Ability to develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies to penetrate new markets, expand market share, and maximize sales growth.
  • Strong leadership qualities to build and motivate high-performing sales teams, provide guidance and support, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Effective communication abilities to interact with key stakeholders, build relationships with clients, and negotiate contracts and deals to achieve sales objectives.

Essential Skills For National Sales Manager

1

Sales

2

Sales Strategy

3

Business Development

Skills That Affect National Sales Manager Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Sales Strategy

10%

Sales & Management

1%

People Management

2%

Leadership

11%

Customer Relationship Management

4%

Career Prospects

The role of National Sales Manager in Canada requires 6-9 years of work experience. If you have the relevant experience but want to explore alternative roles, here are four options to consider:

  • Regional Sales Manager: Take charge of sales operations within a specific region, overseeing a team of sales representatives and driving revenue growth.
  • Business Development Manager: Focus on identifying new business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and expanding the company's customer base.
  • Key Account Manager: Manage relationships with key clients, ensuring their satisfaction, and maximizing sales opportunities through effective account management.
  • Sales Operations Manager: Handle the operational aspects of the sales function, including sales analytics, process improvement, and sales support to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness.

How to Learn

The projected growth of the National Sales Manager role in Canada is optimistic. Based on a 10-year analysis, the job role is expected to experience substantial growth in the market, driven by an ever-expanding economy and increased competitiveness. According to the latest data from Google, the demand for National Sales Managers is likely to remain high, leading to a steady growth in employment opportunities in the coming years. This positive outlook underscores the significance of this position and highlights the potential for individuals seeking career advancement in the field of sales in Canada.