Proactive National Sales Manager Job Description

National Sales Manager Job Description

National sales managers ensure that the sales goals of a particular company are met, not just in a single region, but across all of its regions. The job description of a national sales manager will include coordinating with other executives in order to develop an effective marketing strategy.

Position Description

A national sales manager oversees teams of regional sales managers in order to ensure their successful performance so that the company can enjoy a healthy profit.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a National Sales Manager

• Establishes reasonable sales goals for a particular company based upon current market trends
• Identifies shortcomings in a marketing plan and makes adjustments as needed
• Recognizes top producers for their contributions to the company
• Promotes proven leaders to management or supervisory positions
• Prepares sales forecasts on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis
• Analyzes sales data in order to identify strengths and weakness of a particular promotion
• Oversees the budget for the company’s sales force
• Develops policies and procedures as they relate to sales
• Networks with potential customers and business partners in an effort to promote certain products
• Approves large contracts
• Makes presentations showing current sales figures to shareholders, business partners, and corporate executives

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Possesses a good knowledge of economics and how current market trends influence sales
• Is persuasive and can easily influence others
• Has good leadership and communications skills, both written and verbal
• Is proactive and anticipates potential problems before they can hinder a company’s success
• Possesses good customer service skills
• Is able to develop new sales strategies based upon prior experience
• Maintains a positive attitude and constantly encourages others
• Is loyal to the company

Education and Experience

Most national sales managers begin working as salespersons themselves and then work their way up from there. In the beginning, they may have only a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, but by the time they become regional managers, a Master’s degree is normally expected. This Master’s degree could be in business administration or a specialty field that is related to the company. The average amount of experience needed is between eight and ten years in addition to earning a Master’s degree.

Work Environment

A national sales manager may spend a great deal of time traveling in order to meet with the regional managers of a particular company. Much time may also be spent holding meetings, conferences and seminars. Several hours each day can be spent in front of a computer screen or talking on the telephone. These individuals may work anywhere from 60 to 70 hours per week, to include evening and weekend work.

Salary

The salary of a national sales manager can be between $80,000 and $140,000 per year. This figure will largely depend on the size of the company and the number of regional managers being supervised. Fortune 500 companies tend to provide larger salaries, while small businesses and startup companies will pay much less.