What does an inside sales manager do?

Inside sales managers are crucial in driving revenue growth by overseeing a team of inside sales representatives or sales development reps (SDRs) who focus on selling products or services remotely. They manage the daily operations of the sales team, develop sales strategies, and ensure that targets are met.

Inside sales managers ensure that their team is motivated and equipped with the right tools and knowledge to reach out to potential and existing customers successfully. They work closely with marketing, product development, and customer service teams to align their efforts and strategies.

In India, where digital transformation is accelerating, their role is vital for companies aiming to optimise their sales processes using technology and remote communication tools. They help scale operations, reduce costs, and engage a larger customer base without needing in-person interactions. They track key performance indicators (KPIs), analyse sales data, and identify areas of improvement to ensure sustained growth and customer satisfaction.

Note that sales managers manage the entire sales team and overall sales strategy, while inside sales managers specifically focus on generating leads and closing sales from within the office.

Similarly, business development managers identify new business opportunities and partnerships, whereas inside sales managers convert leads into sales.

Job Description: Template

We’re seeking a motivated inside sales manager to join our team at [Company X].

You will manage day-to-day sales activities, coaching and mentoring a team of inside sales executives and ensuring the team meets and exceeds sales targets. The ideal candidate possesses solid leadership abilities, a deep understanding of sales strategies, and a passion for driving growth.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to make a significant impact on business outcomes while fostering the professional development of their team. We offer a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and opportunities for career growth.

Objectives of the role

  • Leading, motivating, and managing the inside sales team to achieve individual and team sales targets.
  • Developing and implementing sales strategies to drive revenue growth and expand the customer base.
  • Monitoring and analysing sales metrics to ensure the team’s performance aligns with company goals.
  • Conducting regular training sessions and providing coaching to improve sales techniques and product knowledge.
  • Collaborating with the marketing and product teams to align sales efforts with business goals.
  • Managing the sales pipeline, overseeing the qualification, follow-up, and closing opportunities.
  • Handling complex customer inquiries and negotiations, offering guidance to the team when needed.
  • Ensuring effective communication and collaboration between sales, marketing, and product teams.

Your tasks

  • Set clear sales goals, monitor performance, and provide feedback to the sales team.
  • Conduct regular sales meetings to review progress, address challenges, and plan strategies.
  • Collaborate with the sales team to develop personalised sales strategies for different customer segments.
  • Ensure the team follows best practices in customer engagement, lead nurturing, and closing deals.
  • Implement sales processes and customer relationship management (CRM) tools for accurate data entry, improve efficiency, and sales reporting.
  • Analyse sales data to identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement.
  • Oversee the development and execution of account management strategies.
  • Design incentive programs to motivate and reward top-performing sales representatives.
  • Resolve internal team conflicts and maintain a positive, productive work environment.
  • Create and deliver sales reports to senior management, offering insights into performance and opportunities for improvement.
  • Assist in hiring, training, and onboarding new sales team members.
  • Drive continuous improvement in the sales process and identify new opportunities for market growth.

Required skills and qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
  • 3-5 years of experience as an Inside Sales Manager or in a similar leadership role within a sales team.
  • Strong understanding of inside sales techniques, lead generation, and closing strategies.
  • Knowledge of Indian sales regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Experience in a B2B sales environment, particularly within the technology or services industry.
  • Familiarity with data analysis and reporting tools for monitoring sales performance.
  • Expertise in developing and executing successful sales campaigns.
  • Proficiency with CRM systems and sales tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).
  • Familiarity with sales automation tools and lead generation strategies.
  • Excellent leadership and coaching skills, with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to use sales metrics to drive decisions and improvements.
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
  • Strong business acumen and understanding of Indian market trends.
  • Experience in managing customer relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or related field.
  • Experience in B2B sales or technology-based products.
  • Certifications in sales management or leadership (e.g., Certified Sales Manager).
  • Prior experience in managing remote sales teams.
  • Ability to develop and implement sales training programs.
  • Strong understanding of data analytics and reporting.
  • Experience working with international clients or in a global sales environment.
  • Ability to handle complex sales negotiations and multi-stakeholder deals.
  • Ability to adapt to changing market conditions.