Why not become a Sales Manager?
Other titles: sales manager, business development manager
General description:
At AXE, the Sales Director is the orchestra conductor of our sales strategy. He or she sets the direction, manages the sales teams and develops the customer portfolio to ensure the company’s growth and sustainability.
His or her role goes beyond simply managing sales: he or she analyzes the market, detects opportunities, negotiates with key accounts and works closely with general management to align sales strategy and global objectives.
AXE values the leadership, vision and innovative capacity of its sales managers, who are drivers of development and ambassadors of the company to our customers.
Main tasks :
- Define and implement the company’s sales strategy
- Manage and lead the sales team
- Develop and retain the customer portfolio, particularly strategic accounts
- Analyze market trends and competition to guide strategy
- Set sales targets and ensure they are met
- Participate in defining pricing and distribution policies
- Represent the company at trade fairs, events and key customer meetings
- Collaborate with marketing, production and general management to ensure customer satisfaction
Recommended training / qualifications :
- Bac +5 Business school or Master’s degree in management/marketing
- MBA (an asset for positions with a strong strategic and international dimension)
- Significant experience in BtoB sales and sales management
Personal qualities :
- Leadership and management skills
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Strategic vision and sense of anticipation
- Resilience and a taste for challenge
- Charisma and ability to rally people around ambitious goals
Technical skills required :
- Mastery of complex sales and negotiation techniques
- Knowledge of CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)
- Analysis of sales performance indicators (KPIs, dashboards)
- Good understanding of financial and marketing issues
- Fluency in English (often essential in an international context)
Place in the organization AXIS :
The sales manager is a member of the management committee. He works hand in hand with general management and production, and is in direct contact with strategic customers.
Testimonial :
“What I’m passionate about is turning strategy into concrete commercial success, thanks to a close-knit, ambitious team.” – Michaël C, Sales Director at AXE.
A word from the team leader:
“The sales manager is both strategist and leader. He must have a clear vision of the market while inspiring his team to achieve ambitious goals.” – Josh J, President AXE.
Frequently asked questions for sales managers!
What are the working hours?
They generally work office hours, but the job involves a lot of travel and sometimes extended hours depending on customers and events.
Is it a stressful job?
It can be, because the goals are ambitious and the stakes high, but it’s also extremely stimulating and rewarding.
Do you work alone or in a team?
The sales manager is surrounded by a team that he leads, trains and motivates. He also works with general management and production.
What tools do we use on a daily basis?
CRMs, sales tracking dashboards, market analysis tools, and of course customer communication and presentation media.
Is it possible to enter the profession without commercial training?
This is a rare opportunity. A business/management background and solid field experience are highly recommended.
What do AXE sales managers like best about AXE?
The strategic role, the proximity to customers, the diversity of assignments and the opportunity to have a direct impact on the company’s growth.
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