A Sales Manager is broadly responsible for the achievement of business objectives within his or her designated geographic or sector remit.

The range of Sales Management roles is varied, from 'Business' management (where management is of key accounts, rather than of sales teams) through to directing and delegating activities of Sales Representatives and beyond, to second-and third-line management responsibilities. A Sales Manager may be responsible for implementing a corporate business plan, or for devising strategic initiatives. In any event, the Sales Manager's role is, by it's nature, a demanding one.

A first move into sales management is usually within your existing company, after having demonstrated business success in the sales role. Typically, three-plus years of significant sales success will lead to internal development. This may be through formal Management Development Programmes, or gaining an introduction to Management by secondment or 'acting up' during the substantive manager's absence.

Established Sales Managers can move between companies; usually evidence of success in achieving results through your team will be required.