Are you considering a career in sales? Salespeople possess a number of skills that make them perfect for their job. They have the ability to accurately identify and react to customer’s behaviours, establish an easy rapport with people and listen effectively. Furthermore, they are goal-orientated and can articulate their goals clearly. They also enjoy the competitiveness the role brings and are driven by targets.
There are a number of different roles within the sales careers category. Here are five sales roles examples ranging from sales representative to sales manager that might interest you.
1.Medical Sales Representative
Medical sales reps act as a link between medical and pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals. Medical reps sell their company’s products, which can include medicines, prescription drugs and medical equipment to medical professionals. The role involves working to increase brand awareness of the medical products. Also, medical sales reps are based in a geographical location and specialize in a particular product or medical area. Depending on the product they may need a background in a science or a medical discipline to work for the company.
2. Sales Executives
Sales executives are the point of contact between an organization and its clients. They answer queries, schedule meetings, offer advice and pass on leads to the business development team. They promote products and services to customers and negotiate contracts with the aim of maximizing profits. Sales executives are customer focused and have the ability to build relationships. They are also and tenacious in their drive to succeed. Employers of sales executives are typically manufacturers transporters, service industries, retailers and industrial organisations.
3. Business Development Manager
The role of the business development manager is to identify sales leads, pitch goods or services to new clients and maintain relationships with new contacts. The role applies to many industries but mainly business to business operations. It involves following up new business opportunities and setting up meetings with prospects. BDM’s have strong entrepreneurial skills, being able to identify business opportunities. Most business development managers are required to have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in business, sales or marketing. They are also expected to have a thorough understanding of the industry they work in, with the ability to communicate and problem-solve effectively.
4. Account Manager
The role of the account manager is to act as the interface between the customer and the sales team. Account managers head up the existing client accounts and develop them over time. Hence, their purpose is to create a long-term relationship with the client and ensure business interactions run smoothly. The responsibilities include both budgetary and administrative. Also, the skills required to be successful in this role include strong communication, people management and negotiation skills. Again, this role encompasses different industries.
5. Area Sales Manager
An area sales manager manages a sales force within a defined regional territory. They are responsible for overseeing sales operations, hitting targets and managing the sales team in the region. For example, the area could be a region within a country or may even be a global continent. The key responsibilities include account management, business strategy and development. They are also responsible for implementing business plans and having a strong industry knowledge. Similar to the other sales roles, area sales managers need to have strong communications, people management and presentation skills.
6. Sales Manager
Sales managers lead a team of sales professionals for a company. They direct the team’s focus, set goals, analyse data and motivate the team. Sales managers are responsible for sales strategies. As well as setting pricing, analysing trends and recruiting new hires into the team. They also have to make sure their team hits their weekly/monthly figures, quarterly targets and yearly goals. They are also responsible for the training and development of their team. Therefore, the skills they need are wide-ranging, including strong organization, business development, strategic and communication skills. Furthermore, most sales management positions require a third level qualification in business, management and/or sales.