What Factors Contribute to Sales Manager Being One of the Most Sought Full-Time Jobs in the UK?

Are you looking for a career opportunity that offers the potential for both professional and personal growth? Sales Manager is one of the most requested full-time jobs in the UK. Sales managers play a crucial role in ensuring the profitability of a company. They lead sales teams, develop and implement sales strategies, train sales staff, set goals, and analyze consumer data. 

Sales managers are responsible for hitting sales quotas, mentoring and training sales reps, recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new salespeople, creating sales forecasts, and designing and implementing a scalable sales strategy. They also need to have strong communication skills, work well with others, remain calm under pressure, and have general sales and recruitment skills.

In this article, we will explore the factors that contribute to a Sales Manager being one of the most requested full-time jobs in the UK.

Overview of the Job Outlook for Sales Managers in the UK

The job outlook for Sales Managers in the UK is positive, with employment projected to grow over the next decade as companies place an even greater emphasis on customer service. Sales managers work in virtually every industry, including retail, finance, transport, manufacturing, estate agents, travel agents, and more. 

The Occupational Outlook Handbook also projects a 5% growth rate for the employment of sales managers from 2021 to 2031, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The average salary for a Sales Manager in the UK is £45,000 – £50,000 per year. As the sales manager role is a senior position in the hierarchy of a sales team, employers value experience in creating and implementing sales plans as well as a proven track record of performing well in a sales role.

Core Responsibilities of Sales Managers

Here are the main responsibilities of Sales Managers in the UK:

  • Hitting sales quotas: Sales Managers are responsible for achieving growth and hitting sales targets by successfully managing the sales team.
  • Mentoring and training sales reps: Sales Managers are responsible for hiring, training, and providing professional development for their teams.
  • Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new salespeople: Sales Managers are responsible for recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new salespeople to expand the company’s customer base and ensure its strong presence.
  • Creating sales forecasts: Sales Managers are responsible for designing and implementing a strategic sales plan that expands the company’s customer base and ensures its strong presence.
  • Analyzing performance data: Sales Managers are responsible for generating reports tracking how well each individual achieves seasonal targets and evaluating all aspects that generate new business while maintaining client relationships.
  • Designing and implementing a scalable sales strategy: Sales Managers are responsible for establishing monthly and annual quotas for the team and implementing a scalable sales strategy.
  • Building and promoting strong, long-lasting customer relationships: Sales Managers are responsible for establishing and maintaining strong, long-lasting customer relationships by partnering with them and understanding their needs.
  • Excellent mentoring, coaching, and people management skills: Sales Managers must have excellent mentoring, coaching, and people management skills to ensure that everything runs smoothly from month to month.

Essential Skills Required for Sales Managers in the UK

​Here are the essential​​ skills required​​ for Sales Managers​​ in the UK:​

  1. General sales skills
  2. Recruitment skills
  3. Leadership and management skills
  4. Communication skills
  5. Planning and organizational skills
  6. Analytical skills
  7. Customer relationship skills
  8. Business acumen
  9. Time management skills
  10. Problem-solving skills
  11. Team building skills
  12. Analytical/problem-solving skills
  13. Technical skills
  14. Adaptability

Challenges Faced by Sales Managers 

Sales managers in the UK face various challenges, including:

  • Pressure to meet revenue targets.
  • Leading and managing their team effectively.
  • Collaborating with other departments and navigating internal dynamics.
  • Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of the industry.
  • Building the right team.
  • Building trust with customers online.
  • Integrating marketing and sales teams.
  • Keeping the sales team engaged.

Qualifications Required to Become a Sales Manager 

Here are some pointers on the qualifications required to become a sales manager in the UK:

  • A degree is not always required, but candidates with advanced education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, may negotiate higher salaries.
  • Previous experience in the field and sales-specific skills are essential to progress.
  • Many employers look for a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or a degree in Retail Management or Marketing (SCQF level 9/10).
  • On average, a sales manager has a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience as a sales rep.

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Opportunities for Career Growth for Sales Managers in the UK

Sales managers in the UK have opportunities for career growth, including:

  • Progressing to sales management, where they can lead and coach a team of sales representatives to work towards agreed sales targets.
  • Developing their skills in man-management, confidence, patience, good business acumen, and the ability to work well under pressure.
  • Pursuing further education, such as a degree in Retail Management or Marketing (SCQF level 9/10) or a Diploma in Sales (Online).
  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of professionals working as sales managers could increase by 7% from 2020 to 2030.
  • Sales managers can also progress to other roles within the sales discipline, such as sales executive career progression

Top Companies Hiring Sales Managers in the UK

Top companies hiring for sales manager jobs in the UK include: 

  1. IBM
  2. Oracle
  3. Amazon
  4. Vodafone. 

There are also various job opportunities for sales managers in the software industry. Other companies hiring sales managers in the UK can be found on job search websites such as 

  1. Totaljobs
  2. Upwork 

Additionally, there are sales-related jobs available in estate agencies, travel agencies, and recruitment consultancies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the factors that contribute to sales manager being one of the most requested full-time jobs in the UK include the positive job outlook for sales managers, the combination of sales skills with leadership skills required for the role, the availability of jobs in sales in almost any business, and the lack of a single entry route to the profession, with previous sales experience, product knowledge, and the ability to meet targets often being essential. While a degree is not always required, candidates with advanced education may negotiate higher salaries. Strong leadership skills, man-management skills, confidence, patience, and good business acumen are also important for success in the role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a degree to become a sales manager?

No, a degree is not required, but previous experience in the field and sales-specific skills are essential to progress.

What skills do you need to become a sales manager?

Sales skills, leadership skills, man-management skills, confidence, patience, and good business acumen are important for success in the role.

What is the potential salary for a sales manager?

The salary for a sales manager can vary depending on the organization and industry, but experience and skill gathering are highly valued, with an emphasis on leadership development and lifelong learning.

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