Sales Manager
A sales manager leads a company’s sales force, whether selling pharmaceuticals, smartphone plans or cars at a dealership. They build, lead and manage an organization’s sales team.
While some may assume that sales is simply about the gift of gab, it’s much more. As a sales manager, you have greater responsibility and accountability. Sales managers set sales goals and quotas, build a sales plan, analyze data, assign sales training and sales territories, mentor team members and are involved in the hiring and firing process. They also resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service, monitor customer preferences and project sales and profitability of products and services.
As a sales manager, you’ll work with different teams across the company to make sure your team has everything they need to be successful. Depending on the company, you may also become what’s known as a road warrior, traveling extensively to meet with your sales team and clients.
Many sales managers have a bachelor’s degree in business management or marketing along with other specialized knowledge related to the products or services being marketed and sold. For most positions at the sales manager level, employers also look for up to five years of work experience, either as a sales rep or other sales-related position.
$67,337
entry level salary estimate
$166,267
experienced level salary estimate
3,368
projected annual job openings
Programs for Sales Managers
Dallas College (AAS degree, certificates)
Midwestern State University (BBA degree)
North Central Texas College (AAS degree)
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (BBA degree)
Texas A&M University - Commerce (BBA degree)
Texas Woman’s University (BBA degree)
Tyler Junior College (AAS degree)
University of North Texas at Dallas (BBA degree)
If you're ready for business, Texas is the state for you.
Have a head for business? If you’re good with numbers and business-minded, you could find yourself working for all types and sizes of companies, in all kinds of industries. From administrative support roles to managers and executives, career opportunities in the world of business are wide ranging. In business, an associate or bachelor’s degree can get you on a fast track to success.
Additional In Demand Careers in Business
Sources:
Texas Labor Market Information, Texas Workforce Commission. Statewide wages by occupation, 2021. Statewide projections by occupation, 2020-2030.
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