Salary information and career progression

Opportunity

Since driving sales is so important to almost every business in every sector, and all sales departments need quality leadership, there is never a shortage of Sales Leadership roles for the right candidates.

• Recent changes in the sector

  While artificial intelligence has disrupted many an industry, the “personal touch” required for sales roles means sales professionals are unlikely to be affected. However, this isn’t to say technology has had no impact on Sales Leaders. Working with the latest digital software is an essential part of any modern sales operation. And contacting potential clients via digital channels and mobile is crucial to most businesses’ success.

• Future prospects

  As the job title suggests, Sales Leadership roles are at the top of the sales career ladder. When you are a Sales Team Leader or Manager, the next step up is a move to Sales Director, and other executive roles. You could also graduate from a Regional Sales Leader role to a National Sales Leader role.

• Salt’s advice for getting a Sales Leadership job

  How to develop leadership skills

  At a junior level, sales can seem like a cutthroat, dog-eat-dog sector. Getting more sales than your colleagues is the best way to gain commissions, promotions, and bonuses. Conversely, once you’re a sales leader, it’s best to spend your time nurturing the other members of your team. When they look good, you look good. Encourage your team to think creatively. This will help all of you find new approaches to the challenges facing the businesses you work for. Make sure you do everything you can to create a collaborative environment, perhaps adverse to the conditions you worked your way up in, and let go of your ego. This will allow your team to flourish, and as a result, help you achieve the impressive sales figures you need.

  CV requirements

  As mentioned, an ideal Sales Leadership CV will present a strong background in more junior and midweight sales roles, or even senior leadership roles if this won’t be your first job as a Sales Leader. It’s definitely worth including statistics that demonstrate your past successes. If you’ve boosted year on year growth by 100%, mention it. Likewise, if you’ve had impressive success in onboarding new clients, helping your team improve, or hiring new salespeople, it’s worth mentioning.

  Interview preparation

  Prepare for a Sales Leadership job interview by finding out what you can about your potential future employer’s sales strategy. That way you can come equipped with ideas about how to improve it. The following questions may come up in your interview, so make sure you have answers for all of them:

  • How would you describe your leadership style?
  • How would you earn the respect of your team?
  • What’s an example of a big risk you’ve taken and did it pay off?

  Educational requirements

  Valid industry experience will always compensate for the lack of a formal sales qualification, but a degree in a business or management-related subject will put you in good stead to succeed within the sector.