Industrial Sales Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of industrial revolution 4.0, the emphasis on Industrial Sales Managers has never been more significant.

As industry advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can drive, develop, and secure our industrial sales operations escalates.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from an Industrial Sales Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of industrial sales management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Industrial Sales Manager job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Industrial Sales Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Industrial Sales Managers lead and guide their teams to success in the challenging field of industrial sales.

Their goal is to drive sales growth by building solid relationships with clients, identifying sales opportunities, and setting sales targets.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing sales strategies and setting sales targets
• Building and maintaining relationships with key clients
• Identifying and pursuing potential new sales opportunities
• Overseeing the preparation of sales proposals and negotiations
• Managing, training and mentoring sales team members
• Compiling and analyzing sales figures and market trends
• Forecasting annual, quarterly, and monthly sales goals
• Assisting with product development and pricing strategies
• Working closely with other departments, such as marketing and production, to ensure products meet market needs
• Addressing customer complaints and ensuring customer satisfaction
• Attending trade exhibitions, conferences, and meetings to network and promote the company’s products

 

Industrial Sales Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a result-driven Industrial Sales Manager to expand our customer base and achieve sales quotas for specific districts of our company.

The successful candidate will understand what motivates customers to buy and know how to tap into those needs and desires in an effective way.

The Industrial Sales Manager will be responsible for building and maintaining client relationships, identifying market potential, initiating sales processes, and forecasting sales goals.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement effective sales strategies
• Lead nationwide sales team members to achieve sales targets
• Negotiate and close agreements with large customers
• Manage and oversee the daily operations of the sales department
• Monitor and analyze performance metrics and suggest improvements
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual sales forecasts
• Provide timely and effective solutions aligned with clients’ needs
• Liaise with Marketing and Product Development departments to ensure brand consistency
• Stay up-to-date with new product launches and ensure sales team members are on board

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an Industrial Sales Manager
• Experience managing and directing a sales team
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with a problem-solving attitude
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced and competitive market
• Availability to travel as needed
• BSc degree in Sales, Business Administration or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Industrial Sales Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Significant travel may be required for client meetings and sales presentations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Sales or Chief Executive Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Industrial Sales Manager Do?

Industrial Sales Managers are often employed by manufacturing or distribution companies.

They can also work as consultants to businesses looking to improve their sales strategies in the industrial sector.

Their primary role is to lead a team of sales representatives, ensuring they meet the company’s sales objectives in the industrial market.

This involves developing effective sales strategies, setting sales targets, and monitoring the team’s performance.

Industrial Sales Managers are responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with key industrial clients.

They work closely with these clients, understanding their needs and ensuring the company’s products or services meet those needs.

They also analyze market trends and competitor behavior to identify opportunities for growth or potential threats.

They are usually involved in the negotiation of large contracts and deals with clients, aiming to maximize sales while meeting the client’s requirements.

Industrial Sales Managers may also work closely with other departments within the company, such as marketing and production, to ensure the products or services being sold align with the company’s brand and capabilities.

Their role often involves problem-solving and conflict resolution, dealing with any issues or complaints from clients promptly and professionally to maintain customer satisfaction.

 

Industrial Sales Manager Qualifications and Skills

An Industrial Sales Manager should possess a combination of sales skills, technical knowledge, and leadership abilities to effectively drive sales growth and manage a team, such as:

• Excellent sales skills to identify potential leads, convert those leads into clients, and maintain relationships with existing clients for repeat business.
• Strong technical knowledge of industrial products and the ability to quickly learn about new products in order to effectively sell them.
• Superior leadership skills to effectively manage a sales team, set sales targets, and motivate team members to meet those targets.
• Good communication skills to clearly convey information to clients, team members, and superiors. This includes the ability to deliver presentations and write detailed sales reports.
• Exceptional negotiation skills to reach sales agreements that satisfy both the client and the company.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and overcome challenges that may interfere with sales goals or client satisfaction.
• An understanding of sales strategies and market trends to forecast sales and develop sales plans.
• Customer service skills to ensure a positive buying experience for clients and to handle any complaints or issues that arise.

 

Industrial Sales Manager Experience Requirements

Industrial Sales Managers generally possess a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in sales, preferably within the industrial sector.

This experience often begins with roles such as Sales Representative or Account Manager, where they learn to manage client relationships and understand the nuances of the industrial market.

Candidates with relevant experience have had exposure to various aspects of sales, including lead generation, client acquisition, account management, and customer retention strategies.

They may have also gained experience in devising and implementing sales strategies, forecasting, and budgeting.

Those with more than 10 years of experience often develop their leadership skills by leading sales teams, coordinating with various departments, and driving revenue growth.

This experience might include roles such as Sales Team Lead or Sales Supervisor.

Industrial Sales Managers with a substantial amount of experience may also have a strong understanding of market trends, competitor analysis, and product knowledge, which are critical for strategic planning and decision making.

Furthermore, some roles may require experience with specific industrial products or technologies.

Experience in managing key accounts, negotiating contracts, and building long-term relationships with clients is also essential.

Industrial Sales Managers with this breadth of experience are usually well equipped to handle the complex and challenging tasks of the role.

 

Industrial Sales Manager Education and Training Requirements

Industrial Sales Managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, economics, or in a related field.

The curriculum for these programs usually includes courses in business law, management, economics, business mathematics, computer science, and statistics.

Having a Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field can be an added advantage, particularly for positions in larger corporations that demand more complex management responsibilities.

In addition to formal education, Industrial Sales Managers require a significant amount of on-the-job training.

This is because each industry and each product type has specific characteristics that managers must understand to sell effectively.

Experience in sales, especially in industrial products, is often a critical requirement.

Many Industrial Sales Managers start as sales representatives to gain industry experience and learn about the products and services their company offers.

While not always necessary, professional certification in sales management can showcase a candidate’s commitment to their career and provide them with valuable skills.

Certifications such as Certified Sales Leadership Professional (CSLP) or Strategic Sales Management (SSM) can be advantageous.

Furthermore, Industrial Sales Managers need excellent communication, negotiation, and customer service skills.

They also need to be knowledgeable about the products they sell and stay updated on industry trends and technologies.

 

Industrial Sales Manager Salary Expectations

An Industrial Sales Manager earns an average salary of $84,649 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate depending on factors such as the individual’s years of experience, the size and industry of the employing company, and the region in which they are located.

 

Industrial Sales Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Industrial Sales Manager need?

Industrial Sales Managers need strong leadership skills to guide their sales team, and excellent communication and negotiation abilities to deal with clients and close sales.

They should have a good understanding of the industrial products they are selling, and the ability to analyze market trends and sales data.

Time management, problem-solving abilities, and customer service orientation are also crucial for this role.

 

Do Industrial Sales Managers need a degree?

While a degree is not always necessary, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, sales, marketing, or a related field is often preferred.

Some employers may also look for candidates with a technical background related to the industry they operate in.

Experience in sales or management can often be just as valuable as formal education.

 

What should you look for in an Industrial Sales Manager resume?

Look for a proven track record in sales and a solid history of meeting or exceeding sales targets.

Experience in industrial sales or knowledge of the industry is a plus.

Leadership experience is essential as the role involves managing a team.

Also, look for skills such as negotiation, strategic planning, and customer relationship management.

 

What qualities make a good Industrial Sales Manager?

A good Industrial Sales Manager is a strategic thinker who can identify opportunities and challenges in the market and plan accordingly.

They are excellent communicators who can motivate their team and build strong relationships with clients.

They are also results-driven and have the perseverance to push through challenges to meet their sales targets.

 

What are the daily duties of an Industrial Sales Manager?

An Industrial Sales Manager’s daily duties may include setting and tracking sales targets for their team, developing sales strategies and setting sales goals, analyzing sales data and market trends, and maintaining relationships with key clients.

They may also spend time coaching and mentoring their sales team, conducting performance reviews, and liaising with other departments such as marketing and production to ensure alignment of strategies and goals.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dug deep into what it truly means to be an industrial sales manager.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about selling products.

It’s about shaping the industrial landscape, one sale at a time.

Armed with our definitive industrial sales manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why hit the brakes now?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your best bet to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every sale is a cog in the larger industrial machine.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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