A sales manager must possess the knowledge and skills required to supervise a sales team. His team will introduce customers to new services and products and, in doing so, will help the business register profits and become more successful. The manager will be required to set sales targets and make sure these targets are met within the stipulated time.
Responsibilities of the position include consulting with senior management to put objectives and goals in place, as well as introducing a plan of action on how to achieve them. In the role, it is also necessary to be in contact with current clients and also forge new relations with potential new clients.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are crucial for the role, as is the ability to be well-mannered and persuasive. Good negotiation skills are expected, in addition to having the capabilities to lead and motivate a team.
Experience in the sales industry is generally a requirement, but a business management degree specialising in sales and marketing would be a benefit. The average salary of a sales manager in Canada can vary greatly, with C
$35,000 generally being the minimum, with anything up to C
$125,000 at the upper end of the scale.