what is a sales manager?
As a sales manager, you have a responsible role. You implement the sales targets set by senior management with your team. To do so, you develop a plan with appropriate measures. You work closely with the marketing department, which ensures the right messaging and necessary sales materials. It’s up to you to ensure that your sales team convinces customers without overwhelming them. You make sure the sales process runs smoothly. When customers are satisfied with the product and service, they will buy again. Therefore, you place great importance on your sales team maintaining good customer relationships. However, a company cannot rely solely on existing customers. You and your team find ways to attract new clients. If you notice weaknesses among team members, you organise training and development. Usually, you maintain direct contact with key clients yourself. This requires regularly checking in on site. If you’ve done everything right with your sales team, you’ll see it reflected in the sales figures. Keep reading to discover what makes a successful sales manager.
sales manager jobsworking as a sales manager.
You are responsible for sales as the sales manager. Your goals are clearly defined: increase revenue and retain customers. To achieve this, you take on various tasks. Find out more about your role as a sales manager
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your area of responsibility
As a sales manager, your main responsibilities are primarily the following:
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Supporting distribution strategies: In large companies, marketing and sales are usually handled by separate departments. The marketing team reaches out to customers through various channels such as e-commerce, newsletters, or social media. For you and your sales team, these are ideal entry points for direct sales.
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Sales reporting: You are closely connected to your sales team and the customers. Through personal contact, you receive feedback on products, services, and marketing. After each customer interaction, your salespeople prepare a report with all the key information. If there are issues with delivery or promotions aren’t reaching the customers, you inform the relevant departments. This way, you can improve the sales process and ensure customer satisfaction.
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Sales analyses: Usually, the business where you work as a sales manager has an ERP system. All customer relationship data is stored there. Through regular analyses, you review the customer data. Are customers purchasing at the same level as before, or are there drops? Are there repeated complaints, and what are the underlying causes? With reliable data, you can target your customer approach effectively.
- Train your sales team: Even the best salespeople occasionally need support. This can be for acquiring new customers, handling conversations, or negotiating prices. When new products are introduced for sale, the salesperson receives training on their features and selling points. The better your sales team is prepared for discussions, the more successful their sales will be.
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who are your colleagues?
When selling a product or service, many people are involved consciously or unconsciously. Your customers learn a lot about the company and its processes through conversations with management, employees, accounting, or logistics. The more coordinated the team is, the easier it is for you as the sales manager. Does the purchasing department order the goods on time, or does production deliver as scheduled? Is logistics preparing the goods for delivery on time? Does the accounting department sometimes turn a blind eye to overdue payments? As the sales manager, you constantly communicate with all departments to ensure smooth customer service. Together with all other areas, you support the company's goals.
types of sales managers.
You find different types of sales managers. They operate either regionally, nationally, or internationally. In doing so, you work across various industries and have different areas of focus, such as:
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Sales manager B2C: In retail, you are responsible for selling directly to end customers (Business to Customer). You are either in charge of a single store or oversee several branches. Typically, you specialise in a specific sector such as cars, fashion, or electronics.
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Sales manager B2B: In the B2B sector, you focus on selling to business customers. These could be wholesalers who resell your products. You can also approach manufacturing companies directly to sell capital goods.
- Sales manager services: In this segment, you're not selling a product with specific features, but rather a service. The approach to customer engagement is usually more emotional. Examples include relaxation at a wellness hotel or financial services for wealth building.
salary as sales manager.
On popular job platforms, you’ll find a wide range of salaries for sales managers. This is mainly because the role doesn’t have the same value everywhere. So, in large companies with a substantial marketing budget, you’ll earn more than in retail. Additionally, your experience and level of responsibility influence your monthly salary. Roughly speaking, you can expect an entry-level salary of around CHF 109,000. Break it down monthly, and that’s about CHF 9,000. Extra benefits like a 13th salary and bonuses are not yet included. Find out more here about your gross salary as a sales manager.
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how much do I earn as a sales manager in a permanent position?
Your median salary as a sales manager is around CHF 123,000 per year, which amounts to about CHF 10,250 per month. However, the range can vary quite a bit. In smaller companies, you might earn well under CHF 100,000 annually. With several years of experience and proven success, you can easily surpass the CHF 200,000 mark. The region where you work has a significant impact on your salary. Companies in Zurich tend to pay more than those in Basel. Your key role can sometimes be quite costly for employers. If you exceed your targets, you can look forward to substantial bonuses. Since you as a sales manager are often on the road, a company car is usually provided. Your base salary is essentially your fixed income. In addition, you receive bonuses, commissions, and benefits in kind.
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in which industry do I earn the most as a sales manager?
The ICT sector and the pharmaceutical industry pay sales managers the most. Salaries in financial services and insurance companies are also quite competitive. You earn significantly less in retail. However, your base salary shouldn't be the only factor when considering a job. Many companies offer attractive additional benefits, which can substantially boost your annual gross income.
training and further education as a sales manager.
As a sales manager, you build on a solid commercial foundation with an EFZ qualification. Ideally, you can demonstrate several years of sales experience. Good prerequisites include professional practice in a leadership role. If you also bring a lot of ambition along with your apprenticeship and work experience, further training to become a certified sales manager is an excellent choice. You will learn everything you need for your responsibilities alongside your job. After two to three semesters, you will complete the training as a certified sales manager. You can choose between two specializations: Sales Manager or Key Account Management. This way, you will be well prepared for a management career.
positions as sales manager.
Sales managers who bring the fundamental skills for successful sales are in demand across all industries. Whether in retail, manufacturing, or service companies, there are interesting opportunities everywhere. Even large corporations looking to expand globally are seeking dedicated professionals with foreign language skills. You decide what suits you best. Through Randstad, you can find open positions in all sectors. Are you looking for an interesting role with prospects? You’ll find such and other job offers right here.
positions for career changers as sales manager.
With further training to become a sales manager, you have the best chances to succeed in a company. But career changers also have good prospects for a job in sales. With work experience and commitment, you'll gain confidence. If you're missing specific expertise, you can acquire it through seminars or on the job training. While some companies value practical experience more highly, others place greater importance on a Bachelor's or Master's degree. If you're aiming for a management career, it's worth looking into the available professional development opportunities.
career opportunities and development potential for sales managers.
As a sales manager, you already hold a leadership position. You serve as the link between executive management, the sales team, and customers. After a few years in your role, you might want to develop further. There are several options available to you. Professional associations, industry organisations, universities of applied sciences, and universities offer various forms of further education. Your chances of advancing into a management career within a large corporation increase with a degree. As a Bachelor of Science with experience in sales or a diploma in international trade, you are well prepared. You might even consider switching to a neighbouring field, such as becoming a Digital Manager in marketing. Are you unsure whether you already possess all the skills required as a sales manager? Take a look at our tests and tips.
competencies as a sales manager.
As a successful sales manager, you inspire others and bring out the best in people. Other important skills include:
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Mastering sales techniques: As a sales manager, you have the full range of sales skills at your fingertips. You apply all the methods of conversation management and can handle objections effectively. In short, you negotiate successfully. For your sales team, you are a great role model.
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Communication skills: Sales is all about communication. You exchange ideas with your sales team, keep management informed, and talk to customers. Whether in person, over the phone, or electronically, you know when to speak with whom.
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People skills: As a sales manager, you're not a lone wolf but rely on your team. Thanks to your understanding of people, you select suitable salespeople and develop them. Customers quickly appreciate your ability to read them accurately and see how you can persuade them.
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Leadership qualities: Your main task as a sales manager is to drive your team to peak performance. This means motivating each individual team member. It’s up to you to ensure that your sales team not only meets the targets but also pushes beyond their limits.
- Language skills: If you're planning a career in a global corporation, language skills are essential. If you’re working with clients in Switzerland, French and Italian are sufficient. If you have a particular company in mind, find out where they have offices and clients. Missing languages like Mandarin, Japanese, or Spanish can be learned through courses.
benefits of working as a sales manager at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as a sales manager:
✓ exciting jobs with well known companies
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice really matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ continuing education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed term contract? Often, there’s a chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.
your professional development budget as a sales manager at randstad.
If you work as a sales manager for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the TempTrainings program from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad advisor is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job specific knowledge all during your working hours as a sales manager.
application tips for sales managers at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as a sales manager? Not only qualifications and certificates determine the success of your applications. Careful, error free, and personalized documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances.
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1. finding a sales manager position
Search through the Randstad job offers. If you don’t find a position that’s exactly right for you, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation or to create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as sales manager
The job ad continues right away: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete:
✓ CV with photo
✓ work references & diplomas
You don't have a CV yet or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a Free Online Template.
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3. preparing for a sales manager job interview
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the conversation as a sales manager.
Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about the profession of sales manager.
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what does a sales manager do?
As sales manager, you bring out the best in your sales team. You motivate them to perform at their highest level to achieve sales targets. Together with marketing, you persuade people about a product or service. You're not just focused on short term sales success; your goal is to satisfy customers and build long term loyalty to the company. You achieve this by nurturing customer relationships with your team and ensuring a smooth sales process. Curious? Find out more about your responsibilities as a sales manager here.
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how much do I earn as a sales manager?
Your gross annual salary as a sales manager is on average 123,000 CHF. That means you receive around 10,250 CHF each month in your account. Several factors have a significant impact on your salary. For example, your level of experience and the company you work for can help increase your base salary. Additional benefits such as bonuses, commissions, and perks also boost your total annual earnings. Read more here about your gross salary as a sales manager.
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is sales management a good profession?
If you love connecting with people and enjoy motivating others, a career as a sales manager is your dream job. With passion and expertise, you convince customers of products and services. You rely on a well prepared sales team to support you. You measure your success by the sales figures. That makes you happy and benefits your company as well. Would you like to work as a sales manager? Then read on to find out what awaits you.
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is the sales manager position difficult?
In your role as sales manager, no two days are the same. The demands from customers and your sales team constantly challenge you anew. On top of that, you're under constant pressure to succeed. Your bosses want to see results, preferably skyrocketing sales figures. Selling and motivating staff come naturally to you. You enjoy your job and don’t see it as a tedious obligation. Instead, you’re looking forward to an exciting, varied profession that pays off. Find out what makes the role of sales manager so appealing right here on this page.
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do you need experience to become a sales manager?
In order to succeed as a Sales Manager, you need practical work experience. You gain technical knowledge through basic training or university studies. Sales experience is only acquired through hands-on practice. Everything you need to know about sales tools and techniques can be learned through further training. Career changers also improve their chances with several years of experience in sales or in leading teams. Are you unsure whether you have the necessary qualifications as a sales manager? Read more here about the skills and competencies required for a sales manager.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become a sales manager?
The biggest opportunities as a sales manager are with a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Work experience in sales and in leading teams are additional advantages. Proven sales successes make you a strong candidate. With enthusiasm for the job and ambition, nothing stands in the way of your success as a sales manager. Also, motivated career changers will find interesting opportunities. Discover our current openings for sales managers here.
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how do I apply for a sales manager position?
Your application for the sales manager position is straightforward. Create a Randstad profile and browse our job portal for open positions in your area. Found an interesting offer? Then send us your cover letter, CV, and certificates right away. Need help with your application? Our application tips will guide you to put together a compelling application.
