How to Become an Enterprise Sales Manager (Winning at Numbers Game!)
If you’ve ever envisioned yourself leading high-stakes business deals or wondered what it takes to become an enterprise sales manager, you’ve landed at the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll navigate you through the EXACT steps you need to take to kickstart your career as an enterprise sales manager. We’ll delve into:
- The essential skills you need to master.
- The education and qualifications that can bolster your journey.
- How to land your first job as an enterprise sales manager.
So, whether you’re a sales novice or a seasoned professional looking to scale up, stay with us.
We’re about to unravel the roadmap to become a successful enterprise sales manager.
Let’s hit the ground running!
Steps to Become an Enterprise Sales Manager
Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to pursuing a career as an Enterprise Sales Manager is to obtain a Bachelor’s degree.
Degrees in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field are usually the most appropriate for this role.
These programs provide a solid base of knowledge in business concepts, marketing strategies, and effective communication techniques, which are all essential skills for an Enterprise Sales Manager.
It’s important to focus on courses that develop your understanding of business operations, market analysis, and sales techniques.
You should also take classes that emphasize leadership and team management, as these skills will be vital in your future role.
While pursuing your degree, consider taking part in internships or part-time sales jobs to gain practical experience.
This not only helps you apply your learned knowledge but also provides valuable insights into the business world and can give you a competitive edge when applying for roles after graduation.
Some students may choose to further their education by obtaining a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree, which may provide additional career advancement opportunities and higher earning potential.
An MBA can provide you with a deeper understanding of business strategy and management, which is beneficial for an Enterprise Sales Manager role.
Step 2: Gain Experience in Sales
After completing your education, it’s vital to spend some years gaining hands-on experience in sales.
This could include working as a sales representative or in a similar role where you are responsible for selling products or services, developing client relationships, and meeting sales targets.
In this role, you’ll learn the basics of sales, including how to identify potential customers, how to communicate effectively to sell a product or service, and how to handle objections and close deals.
You’ll also gain a valuable understanding of the sales cycle and the strategies used to move potential customers from prospects to buyers.
Moreover, it’s crucial to get experience in B2B sales, as enterprise sales are primarily conducted between businesses.
This experience will help you understand the challenges and opportunities that come with selling to other businesses.
Consider also gaining experience in a specific industry.
As an Enterprise Sales Manager, you’ll typically be working with large corporations that may be in a specific industry.
Gaining industry-specific knowledge can set you apart from other candidates and make you more attractive to potential employers.
Lastly, while you’re gaining this experience, constantly strive to improve your sales skills.
This could include attending training programs, earning sales certifications, or seeking mentorship from experienced sales professionals.
Step 3: Understand the Market and Product
In order to succeed as an Enterprise Sales Manager, gaining a deep understanding of the market and product is crucial.
This step involves a thorough analysis of current market trends, customer needs and behaviours, as well as competitor insights.
This knowledge will help you to strategically position and sell your product in the marketplace.
In terms of understanding the product, it is important to know the ins and outs of what you are selling.
This includes the product’s features, benefits, and how it solves a problem or fills a need for your potential clients.
Product knowledge will help you confidently convey the value of your product to potential customers.
To develop this understanding, consider attending industry conferences and workshops, subscribing to industry related publications, and following thought leaders in your field.
Also, work closely with your company’s product development team to gain comprehensive knowledge about the product, its development process, and any updates or improvements.
Remember, your ability to understand and articulate the market trends and the value of your product can be a major difference-maker in your success as an Enterprise Sales Manager.
So, take the time to invest in your knowledge and understanding.
Step 4: Develop Leadership and Team Management Skills
As an Enterprise Sales Manager, your role will involve leading a team to drive sales and meet company targets.
As such, developing strong leadership and team management skills is crucial.
One way to develop these skills is by taking on leadership roles in your current position, even if these are small-scale projects or tasks.
Leading a team, even in a small capacity, provides practical experience in decision-making, delegation, and conflict resolution.
Another method is to undertake professional development courses or workshops focused on leadership and management.
These could range from online courses to part-time executive programs offered by universities.
These courses often cover strategic decision-making, team dynamics, change management, and negotiation, among other topics.
Furthermore, learning from successful leaders can be incredibly beneficial.
This could involve seeking a mentor within your organization or industry, or self-learning through reading books and articles about leadership.
Remember, good leadership involves not just guiding your team, but also inspiring and motivating them.
Effective communication, emotional intelligence, and a clear vision are key components of successful leadership.
Lastly, as a leader, it’s important to continually seek feedback from your team and be willing to make changes.
This openness to improvement further strengthens your leadership skills and helps foster a supportive and cooperative team environment.
Step 5: Gain Experience in B2B Sales
For becoming an Enterprise Sales Manager, it is crucial to have a robust background in Business-to-Business (B2B) sales.
This means selling products or services directly to other businesses rather than individual consumers.
You should seek roles that allow you to engage with businesses, understand their needs, and deliver solutions that meet these needs.
Start with sales representative roles and work your way up, ensuring you learn about different sales techniques and strategies.
Gain experience in managing sales accounts and handling client relationships.
Understand the nuances of creating sales proposals, negotiating contracts, and closing deals.
It is also important to develop a deep understanding of the industry you’re selling to, as this can provide valuable insights during the sales process.
As you advance in your career, aim for higher positions like sales lead or sales manager, which involve overseeing other sales representatives, setting sales goals, and devising strategies to achieve these goals.
This managerial experience is vital for an Enterprise Sales Manager role, as it involves managing large sales teams and overseeing significant sales operations.
Remember, in B2B sales, relationship-building skills are key.
Building strong relationships with clients can lead to repeat business, referrals, and a strong reputation in your industry.
Therefore, focus on enhancing your interpersonal, communication, and networking skills, and maintain a customer-centric approach throughout your sales career.
Step 6: Improve Negotiation and Persuasion Skills
Being an Enterprise Sales Manager involves negotiating contracts and persuading potential clients to purchase your company’s products or services.
This requires exceptional negotiation and persuasion skills.
One way to improve these skills is by undertaking courses that focus on negotiation, sales techniques, and persuasion tactics.
Many online platforms and higher education institutions offer such courses.
Moreover, reading books about negotiation and persuasion can also be beneficial.
Some popular choices include Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini and Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss.
Furthermore, practicing these skills is equally important.
You can do this by participating in role-plays, sales meetings, and even in day-to-day conversations.
Another effective strategy is to learn from experienced sales professionals.
You can do this by seeking mentorship or attending sales workshops and seminars where you can listen to and interact with successful salespeople.
Remember, negotiation and persuasion are not just about selling a product or service.
They’re about understanding the needs of your clients, offering solutions to their problems, and building long-term relationships.
So, always aim for a win-win situation and strive to create value in every interaction.
This approach will not only help you close deals but also establish you as a trusted sales manager.
Step 7: Become Proficient in CRM Software and Sales Analytics Tools
As an Enterprise Sales Manager, it is vital to become proficient in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and sales analytics tools.
These systems are integral to managing customer interactions, tracking sales activities, forecasting future sales, and analyzing performance data.
Proficiency in these tools can enable you to make informed decisions, plan effective sales strategies, and optimize sales processes.
CRM software like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho allows you to manage and analyze customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle.
It helps improve business relationships with customers, assists in customer retention, and drives sales growth.
Understanding how to use these systems effectively can increase your productivity, improve your ability to track sales, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Sales analytics tools, on the other hand, are used to manage data from every stage of the sales funnel.
They provide insights into customer preferences and behavior, sales trends, and team performance.
By mastering these tools, you can identify areas for improvement, forecast sales trends, set realistic sales goals, and make data-driven decisions.
There are several ways to become proficient in these tools.
You could take online courses, attend workshops or webinars, or learn through on-the-job training.
Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies is a key aspect of being an effective Enterprise Sales Manager.
Step 8: Network with Industry Professionals and Potential Clients
Networking is a crucial step in becoming a successful Enterprise Sales Manager.
The primary goal of networking is to establish meaningful connections with industry professionals and potential clients who can help further your career.
Start by attending industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events.
These gatherings are great opportunities to meet and engage with professionals in your field.
You could also join industry-related organizations and participate in their events.
Online networking is another vital component of this process.
LinkedIn is particularly beneficial for building your professional network.
Be proactive in making connections, and don’t hesitate to reach out to people who could provide you with advice or potential opportunities.
When networking, remember to not only focus on what you can gain from the relationship but also what value you can provide to the other party.
This could be in the form of insights, introductions to other professionals, or potential business opportunities.
Creating solid relationships with potential clients can also pay dividends down the line.
By fostering these relationships early on, you’ll be in a position to approach these potential clients when you have an offering that suits their business needs.
To do this, it’s crucial to understand their business challenges and needs, which can be achieved through regular communication and building trust.
Remember, networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of building and maintaining relationships over time.
It often takes time to see the benefits of networking, so be patient and persistent.
Step 9: Obtain Certification in Sales Management (Optional)
Obtaining a certification in sales management can be an optional but beneficial step to further your career as an Enterprise Sales Manager.
Several organizations offer certifications that can validate your skills and knowledge in the sales domain.
Examples include the Certified Sales Leadership Professional (CSLP) from the Sales Management Association, or the Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP) from the National Association of Sales Professionals.
This certification can showcase your dedication to the profession and your commitment to staying updated on industry trends, strategies, and technologies.
It can make you more attractive to potential employers and can often lead to higher positions and increased earning potential.
While preparing for the certification, you’ll likely learn more about advanced sales theories and strategies, leadership skills, and ethical considerations in sales management.
These skills will be invaluable in your day-to-day work and can help you to be a more effective and successful Enterprise Sales Manager.
Remember that continuous learning and self-improvement are key in sales.
Therefore, even if you decide not to pursue a formal certification, you should always be looking for opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.
Step 10: Apply for Enterprise Sales Manager Positions
Once you have equipped yourself with the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience, you can start applying for Enterprise Sales Manager positions.
You can find these job openings on various job platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
Be sure to tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the requirements of the job.
Craft a convincing cover letter that explains why you are interested in the position, how your skills match the job requirements, and what unique contributions you can bring to the role.
Remember, each application should be unique and personalized to the company you’re applying to.
Additionally, leverage your network to discover unadvertised opportunities.
Reach out to your contacts in the industry or recruiters who may have leads on openings.
Before going for an interview, research about the company, its products or services, their market positioning and competitors.
During the interview, be prepared to discuss your sales strategies, how you manage a team, your experience with enterprise sales, and how you handle customer relationships at a higher level.
Showcase your leadership, communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills, as these are crucial for an Enterprise Sales Manager role.
After the interview, follow up with a thank you note expressing your continued interest in the role.
Be patient and persistent in your job search, as landing the right opportunity can sometimes take time.
Step 11: Continuously Improve Product Knowledge and Market Insights
As an Enterprise Sales Manager, it’s crucial to stay updated about the product you’re selling, as well as the overall market trends.
This would involve continuous learning, researching, and staying informed about industry-specific news and updates.
To do this effectively, consider setting up Google Alerts for industry-specific keywords and competitor products.
Make it a routine to study your product’s updates and new features.
Attend training sessions, workshops, or webinars whenever your company launches a new product or updates an existing one.
These sessions can help you understand the product’s unique selling points, which can be very beneficial during client interactions.
It’s also a good idea to make use of the vast amount of data available today.
Leverage analytics tools and CRM software to gather insights about market trends, customer behavior, and sales performance.
This data can guide you in making strategic decisions, improving sales tactics, and setting more realistic sales goals.
Moreover, consider attending industry conferences, networking events, and trade shows.
These platforms can provide valuable opportunities to gather market insights, understand competitor strategies, and stay ahead of industry trends.
This constant learning process will not only improve your product knowledge but also equip you with the insights needed to effectively lead your sales team and drive revenue growth.
Remember, being an Enterprise Sales Manager is not just about selling; it’s about selling with knowledge.
The more informed you are, the more confidence you can instill in your potential clients and your team.
Step 12: Develop Long-Term Customer Relationships and Partnerships
As an Enterprise Sales Manager, your success will largely depend on your ability to build and maintain long-term relationships with your customers and partners.
This goes beyond making a sale; it involves understanding the client’s needs and finding ways to meet them, becoming a trusted advisor rather than just a salesperson.
You should keep yourself updated with the latest trends in your industry to offer up-to-date solutions to your clients.
Regular communication is key to building trust and loyalty.
This could involve everything from regular status updates to addressing any concerns or questions they may have in a timely and effective manner.
You should also aim to build strategic partnerships that add value to your company and your clients.
This could involve working with complementary businesses to offer a more comprehensive solution, or teaming up with industry influencers to increase your company’s visibility.
Remember, in enterprise sales, you are dealing with big-ticket deals that can take months or even years to close.
Patience, persistence, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships are key to success in this role.
Step 13: Stay Updated with Sales Trends and Techniques
As an Enterprise Sales Manager, it is critical for you to stay updated with the latest sales trends and techniques.
The sales landscape is constantly evolving, and to be successful, you must be able to adapt to these changes.
New technologies, changing customer behaviors, and global market trends can all have an impact on how businesses are selling their products or services.
One way to stay updated is by attending industry conferences and sales training workshops.
These provide a platform to learn from industry leaders, get insights into the latest sales techniques, and network with other professionals in your field.
It’s also beneficial to read sales and marketing blogs, subscribe to industry-specific newsletters, and follow influential people in sales on social media.
In addition, consider enrolling in online courses or certification programs that offer advanced training in sales strategies, negotiation, and leadership.
These courses can help refine your skills and broaden your understanding of the complex enterprise sales process.
Remember, sales techniques and strategies that worked a few years ago may not be as effective today.
Therefore, continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends is not just an option, but a necessity for a successful career as an Enterprise Sales Manager.
Step 14: Foster a Performance-Driven Sales Team
As an Enterprise Sales Manager, one of your key responsibilities is to develop a high-performing sales team.
Your team’s performance should be driven by clearly defined targets and a shared commitment to achieving these goals.
Implement a performance management system that tracks and rewards individual and team success.
This includes conducting regular performance reviews to identify areas of improvement and acknowledging outstanding performance.
It’s essential to provide constructive feedback and guidance to help your team members grow professionally and personally.
To foster a performance-driven culture, invest in regular training and development programs.
These can equip your team with the latest sales techniques, product knowledge, and market insights.
Remember, a motivated and well-trained sales force can significantly increase your enterprise’s market share and revenue.
Therefore, encouraging a performance-driven sales team is a crucial step in your role as an Enterprise Sales Manager.
Create an environment that promotes collaboration and healthy competition.
Celebrate wins and create opportunities for team members to learn from each other’s successes and failures.
This will inspire your team to continually strive for excellence and exceed their sales targets.
Lastly, lead by example.
Demonstrate your commitment to achieving sales targets and upholding company values.
This will motivate your team to emulate your dedication and tenacity.
Fostering a performance-driven sales team is a continuous process, requiring a steady focus on motivation, training, and recognition.
Step 15: Implement Effective Sales Strategies to Drive Business Growth.
As an Enterprise Sales Manager, your responsibility doesn’t end with assembling a great team.
You must create and implement effective sales strategies to drive business growth.
This process involves analyzing market trends, customer needs, and the competitive landscape to develop strategic plans to increase sales.
Start by understanding your customers’ businesses, their pain points, and how your product or service can address those issues.
This knowledge will help you present your product as a solution to their problems.
Also, focus on building strategic relationships with key decision-makers.
This can be accomplished by networking at industry events, hosting webinars, and providing tailored presentations to prospective clients.
In addition, you should always be looking for ways to improve your team’s sales skills.
This could be through training sessions, coaching, or role-playing exercises.
You might also consider implementing new sales technologies or tools that can make your team more efficient.
Regularly review and evaluate your sales strategies to ensure they are effective.
Use sales data and analytics to assess the success of your tactics and make necessary adjustments.
This might involve changing your approach to customer engagement, revising sales scripts, or redefining target markets.
Remember, the ultimate goal of your sales strategies should be to drive business growth by closing more deals, improving customer satisfaction, and increasing revenue.
Your strategies should be flexible and adaptable to changing market conditions and customer needs.
Enterprise Sales Manager Roles and Responsibilities
Enterprise Sales Managers are responsible for managing and guiding a sales team, setting sales goals, developing sales strategies, and ensuring customer satisfaction for large, complex deals with major businesses or organizations.
They have the following roles and responsibilities:
Strategic Sales Planning
- Create and execute strategic sales plans to meet or exceed sales targets.
- Analyze market trends and competitor strategies.
- Identify growth opportunities and areas for improvement.
Team Management
- Lead, coach, and mentor a team of sales representatives.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
- Recruit, hire, and train new sales representatives.
Client Relationships
- Build and maintain relationships with key enterprise clients.
- Negotiate contracts and close agreements to maximize profits.
- Provide after-sales support to ensure customer satisfaction.
Collaboration
- Work closely with other departments such as marketing and product development.
- Coordinate with other teams to ensure alignment of sales strategies and goals.
Reporting
- Report on sales performance and pipeline to senior management.
- Use CRM systems to track sales activities and client information.
Forecasting
- Forecast sales targets and ensure they are met by the team.
- Monitor and report on market and competitor activities.
Product Knowledge
- Maintain thorough product knowledge and stay up-to-date with new product developments.
- Articulate unique selling propositions and differentiators to prospective customers.
Communication
- Effectively communicate the value proposition through presentations and proposals.
- Handle objections and negotiate pricing and contract terms.
Continuous Learning
- Keep updated with latest sales trends and best practices.
- Attend industry events, conferences, and training programs.
What Does an Enterprise Sales Manager Do?
An Enterprise Sales Manager typically works in a corporation or business-to-business (B2B) sales environment.
They play an essential role in developing and managing relationships with big corporate clients, often known as enterprise accounts.
Their primary responsibility is to sell products or services to these large-scale clients.
They develop and implement sales strategies, targeting key decision-makers, nurturing long-term relationships, and closing deals to generate revenue.
Enterprise Sales Managers work closely with their sales team, other departments such as marketing and customer service, and sometimes directly with the company’s senior management.
They are responsible for meeting or exceeding sales targets, and they often use Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to track their sales pipeline and forecast future sales.
Their role also involves conducting market research to identify new business opportunities and stay updated with industry trends.
They also negotiate sales contracts, ensuring they meet both the client’s needs and the company’s goals.
In addition, an Enterprise Sales Manager may provide after-sales support, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining a positive ongoing business relationship.
This could involve resolving customer complaints, coordinating with other departments to address client needs, and identifying opportunities for upselling or cross-selling.
Essential Enterprise Sales Manager Skills
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial for an enterprise sales manager. They need to effectively present products and services to potential clients and maintain productive relationships with existing customers.
- Leadership: Leading a sales team requires strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire, motivate and provide clear direction. An enterprise sales manager should also be able to mentor and develop team members.
- Sales Skills: Proficiency in sales techniques and strategies, including negotiation, is a must. An enterprise sales manager must be able to close deals and achieve sales targets.
- Customer Relationship Management: Understanding CRM systems and practices is essential for managing relationships with customers and potential customers. This includes nurturing leads, managing contact lists, and tracking interactions.
- Strategic Planning: An enterprise sales manager must be able to create and implement effective sales strategies and plans. This includes setting sales goals, identifying potential markets, and developing sales pitches.
- Market Knowledge: Knowledge of the market and industry is vital. This includes understanding customer needs, competitive landscape, and industry trends.
- Financial Analysis: The ability to analyze sales data and financial reports to make informed decisions and forecast future sales is crucial.
- Problem-solving: The ability to identify issues, think critically, and develop creative and efficient solutions is a key skill for an enterprise sales manager. This could range from resolving customer complaints to overcoming sales obstacles.
- Presentation Skills: Enterprise sales managers often need to present products and services to potential clients. Strong presentation skills, including the ability to create engaging and persuasive presentations, are therefore crucial.
- Time Management: Sales managers have to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities. Effective time management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, are essential.
- Networking: Building and maintaining relationships with key industry players, potential clients, and other stakeholders is vital. This often involves attending industry events and leveraging social media.
- Teamwork: The ability to collaborate effectively with team members and other departments within the company is key to the success of an enterprise sales manager.
- Negotiation: An enterprise sales manager needs strong negotiation skills in order to close deals and ensure the best outcomes for the company.
- Product Knowledge: An in-depth understanding of the product or service being sold is crucial. This includes knowing the product’s features, benefits, and how it meets customer needs.
- Resilience: Sales can be a challenging field with plenty of setbacks and rejections. Resilience and the ability to stay motivated in the face of adversity are key skills for an enterprise sales manager.
Enterprise Sales Manager Career Path Progression
The Foundation: Junior Sales Associate
Your journey starts as a Junior Sales Associate.
At this stage, you’re immersed in learning about the product or service you’re selling, understanding customer needs, and mastering sales techniques.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Product Knowledge: Learn all there is to know about the product or service. The more knowledgeable you are, the better you can sell.
- Customer Interaction: Perfect your communication skills and ability to connect with customers. Understand their needs and how your product can meet them.
- Sales Techniques: Learn different sales techniques and strategies. Always be closing!
The Ascent: Account Manager
With experience and success in sales, you’ll move into the role of Account Manager.
Here, you’ll manage relationships with key clients, identify new business opportunities, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Here’s how to excel in this role:
- Relationship Management: Maintain strong relationships with your clients. Good relationships can lead to repeat business and referrals.
- Opportunity Identification: Be on the lookout for new business opportunities. Upsell and cross-sell whenever possible.
- Customer Satisfaction: Ensure your clients are happy with your product or service. Happy clients lead to more business and better reviews.
Reaching New Heights: Senior Account Manager
In the Senior Account Manager position, you’ll be recognized for your sales skills and relationship-building abilities.
You may also start mentoring junior staff and manage larger, more significant accounts.
To thrive in this role:
- Mentorship: Share your experiences and help junior sales staff grow.
- Key Account Management: Manage key accounts effectively to ensure continued business and explore opportunities for growth.
- Leadership: Show initiative, lead by example, and motivate your team to achieve their sales targets.
Beyond the Horizon: Enterprise Sales Manager
As you continue your ascent, you will transition into the role of an Enterprise Sales Manager.
This role involves managing a team of salespeople, driving sales strategies, and closing high-value deals.
Here’s what to concentrate on:
- Team Management: Lead and manage your sales team effectively to meet sales targets.
- Strategic Planning: Develop and implement effective sales strategies for the enterprise market.
- Negotiation: Improve your negotiation skills to secure profitable contracts.
Pinnacle of Success: Sales Director or VP of Sales
In the most senior positions like Sales Director or VP of Sales, you’ll have the responsibility of shaping the sales strategy of the entire organization, making crucial business decisions, and managing large sales teams.
Your focus areas should be:
- Strategic Direction: Set the strategic direction for the sales function of the company.
- Decision Making: Make crucial business decisions that can impact the company’s bottom line.
- Team Leadership: Lead larger teams and inspire them to achieve their best.
Enterprise Sales Manager Salary
Entry-Level Enterprise Sales Manager
- Median Salary: $70,000 – $90,000 per year
- Entry-level enterprise sales managers typically have 0-2 years of experience, and may hold bachelor’s degrees in business, marketing, or related fields. They are primarily responsible for acquiring new clients and achieving sales targets.
Mid-Level Enterprise Sales Manager
- Median Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 per year
- Mid-level enterprise sales managers have 2-5 years of experience. They often take on more strategic responsibilities, such as account expansion, managing a sales team, and maintaining relationships with key accounts.
Senior Enterprise Sales Manager
- Median Salary: $120,000 – $160,000 per year
- Senior enterprise sales managers possess 5+ years of experience. They are responsible for leading sales teams, developing sales strategies, and driving revenue growth.
Enterprise Sales Director
- Median Salary: $140,000 – $200,000+ per year
- These roles require significant experience and often involve leading multiple sales teams, setting sales goals, developing sales plans, and ensuring the company’s sales targets are met or exceeded.
Vice President of Sales
- Median Salary: $180,000 – $250,000+ per year
- These high-level positions require extensive experience, excellent leadership skills, and a strong track record of success in sales. They involve setting sales strategies for the entire organization and overseeing all sales operations.
Enterprise Sales Manager Work Environment
Enterprise Sales Managers typically operate within a corporate office environment, but with the growing trend of remote work, many may also function from home offices.
Their work mainly involves strategizing and overseeing the sales process of high-value, complex transactions to enterprise-level clients, which often requires them to be in constant communication with their sales team, C-level executives, and clients.
Their work often demands extensive travel to meet potential clients and attend industry events, depending on the company’s geographic reach and the nature of the products or services they are selling.
Enterprise Sales Managers generally work full-time hours and due to the global nature of their clientele, they might also have to work at odd hours to accommodate different time zones.
The role can be highly stressful due to the revenue responsibility and high targets associated with it, but it can also be rewarding, especially when large deals are secured.
After gaining substantial experience and a successful track record in enterprise sales, an Enterprise Sales Manager might opt to become a Director of Sales or VP of Sales, or even start their own sales consultancy firm.
FAQs About Becoming an Enterprise Sales Manager
What qualifications are required to become an Enterprise Sales Manager?
Typically, to become an Enterprise Sales Manager, you will need a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
Some positions might require a master’s degree, especially an MBA.
However, many organizations value practical sales and leadership experience over formal education.
Essential skills include strong sales abilities, strategic thinking, leadership, and excellent communication.
Knowledge of the industry in which you’re working is also critical.
How long does it take to become an Enterprise Sales Manager?
The time to become an Enterprise Sales Manager depends on your career progression.
You will likely need to gain experience in sales roles of increasing responsibility over several years.
Typically, you could start as a sales representative, move into a key account role, then become a sales manager before reaching the level of an Enterprise Sales Manager.
This journey could take anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on your sales success and leadership abilities.
Do I need sales experience to become an Enterprise Sales Manager?
Yes, sales experience is typically essential to become an Enterprise Sales Manager.
This role involves overseeing large, complex sales operations and guiding a team of salespeople.
Therefore, a deep understanding of the sales process, honed through direct sales experience, is usually necessary.
Ideally, this would include experience with B2B sales, key account management, and strategic sales planning.
Is an Enterprise Sales Manager role stressful?
The role of an Enterprise Sales Manager can be stressful due to high revenue targets, the complexity of enterprise-level sales, and the need to lead and motivate a sales team.
However, the satisfaction of closing large deals, driving a company’s growth, and developing successful sales teams can be very rewarding.
Stress can be managed through effective time management, delegating tasks to your team, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
What is the career progression like for an Enterprise Sales Manager?
Career progression for an Enterprise Sales Manager can be quite promising.
After proving success in this role, you could advance to higher leadership positions such as Director of Sales, Vice President of Sales, or even Chief Sales Officer.
Alternatively, some Enterprise Sales Managers leverage their understanding of business needs and customer relationships to move into general management or strategic roles.
The exact path can depend on the size and structure of the organization and your personal career goals.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Launching your career to become an Enterprise Sales Manager is no easy task, but it’s unquestionably rewarding.
Equipped with the necessary skills, education, and resilience, you’re perfectly poised to make a significant impact in the business world.
Bear in mind, the journey may be arduous, but the opportunities are infinite. Your strategies could be the game-changer that revolutionizes how businesses operate and grow.
So, take that initiative. Immerse yourself in knowledge. Connect with industry veterans. And most importantly, never stop selling.
Because the world is waiting for the business breakthroughs you can deliver.
And if you’re seeking personalized guidance on starting or advancing your career in enterprise sales management, explore our AI Career Path Advisor.
This complimentary tool is designed to provide tailored advice and resources to effectively navigate your career path.
Career Countdown: Jobs That AI is Threatening
The Job Rush: In-Demand Careers That Are Taking Off
The New Work Frontier: Remote Jobs That Pay More Than You Imagine!
