What does an area sales manager do?

An area sales manager is an employee, who works within a certain geographical area to achieve sales targets. The individual acts as a local sales manager and guides a team of sales representatives to drive sales for the company, restricted to a specific territory. With the agenda of building brand awareness, while increasing the profit margin, the role of an area sales manager involves being up-to-date with the latest sales trends. By hiring and motivating a well-balanced sales team, area sales managers train other area sales representatives to close deals and win clients.

You might hire an area sales manager to:

  • Hire, train and guide a group of area sales reps 
  • Lead and close sales within a certain geographical territory, as a sales field manager 
  • Review sales data and statistics and provide relevant reports to the senior area sales managers 
  • Identify gaps within a geographical territory and explore methods to bridge these gaps through sales strategies 
  • Make sales pitches and presentations to existing and prospective clients as a key sales manager

Introduction

At [Company X], our high-performing sales team is the engine that drives customer satisfaction. To achieve the same on a particular geographical level, we are on the lookout for an area sales manager. The role of an area sales manager is specific to the clientele in a set territory or location. We are looking for someone who can easily adapt to a new environment, and who has a successful track record of closing sales. The ability to inspire and motivate is a must, as an area sales manager will be mentoring a team of area sales reps to achieve sales targets. By building an efficient and productive team, the role of an area sales manager involves proficiency in an assortment of skills including communication, negotiation and problem-solving.

Objectives of this role

  • Increase business opportunities by implementing the right sales strategies 
  • Establish and cater to a customer base keeping in mind the basic area sales manager roles and responsibilities  
  • Prepare sales plans as per the overall mission, vision and ethos of the company 
  • Build brand awareness specifically for a geographical area as a sales field manager 
  • Review, improvise and update sales policies and strategies as and when the situation arises, keeping in mind the scope of the company 
  • Meet and exceed the ROIs and KPIs through effective sales performances  

Responsibilities

  • Work in close collaboration with the sales team and senior area sales managers  
  • Guide a team of area sales representatives to meet the sales targets set by the company 
  • Provide the right training to the sales team by acting as a training sales manager 
  • Foster a strong relationship with existing and potential clients, and resolve any customer queries that come by 
  • Utilise different modes and channels of communication to reach the target audience effectively 
  • Monitor the performance of the area sales reps and tweak the sales strategies to achieve sales targets

Required skills and qualifications

  • Proven experience working as an area sales manager or in a field sales manager job 
  • Track record of meeting and exceeding sales targets  
  • Outstanding written, oral and interpersonal skills  
  • Excellent leadership and motivational skills

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing or a similar field
  • Experience with common customer relation software tools is a big plus for a prospective area sales manager
  • Willingness to travel on the job when the situation demands it