Manufacturer’s Sales Representative Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly competitive market, the role of a Manufacturer’s Sales Representative has become more critical than ever.

As industries evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, amplify, and protect our production and sales processes grows.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s really expected from a Manufacturer’s Sales Representative?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the dynamics of sales representation in manufacturing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Manufacturer’s Sales Representative job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Manufacturer’s Sales Representative Duties and Responsibilities

Manufacturer’s Sales Representatives act as a bridge between manufacturers and potential clients, using their persuasive sales skills and thorough knowledge of the product range to close deals and boost revenue.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Presenting and selling company products to current and potential clients.
• Identifying sales prospects and contacting them to arrange meetings.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with current and potential clients.
• Meeting or exceeding established sales targets.
• Preparing presentations, proposals, and sales contracts.
• Coordinating with company staff to accomplish the work required to close sales.
• Developing and implementing special sales activities to reduce stock.
• Managing account services through quality checks and other follow-up activities.
• Participating in marketing events such as seminars, trade shows, and telemarketing events.
• Communicating new product and service opportunities, special developments, information, or feedback gathered through field activity to appropriate company staff.
• Developing and maintaining product knowledge and sales materials.

 

Manufacturer’s Sales Representative Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a motivated, results-driven Manufacturer’s Sales Representative to join our team.

The Sales Representative will be responsible for selling our products to businesses, organizations, and individuals.

This role involves identifying and reaching out to potential customers, closing sales deals and maintaining customer satisfaction.

A successful candidate should have a strong understanding of the sales process, excelling at generating leads, building relationships, and closing deals.

 

Responsibilities

• Establish, develop, and maintain business relationships with current customers and prospective customers.
• Generate new business for the organization’s products/services.
• Makes telephone calls and in-person visits and presentations to existing and prospective customers.
• Research sources for developing prospective customers and for information to determine their potential.
• Develop clear and effective written proposals/quotations for current and prospective customers.
• Expedite the resolution of customer problems and complaints.
• Coordinate sales effort with marketing, sales management, accounting, logistics and technical service groups.
• Analyze the market’s potential and determines the value of existing and prospective customers.
• Plan and organize personal sales strategy by maximizing the Return on Time Investment for the territory/segment.
• Supply management with oral and written reports on customer needs, problems, interests, competitive activities, and potential for new products and services.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a sales representative
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office
• Familiarity with BRM and CRM practices along with the ability to build productive business professional relationships
• Highly motivated and target driven with a proven track record in sales
• Excellent selling, communication and negotiation skills
• Prioritizing, time management and organizational skills
• Ability to create and deliver presentations tailored to the audience needs
• BS/BA degree or equivalent

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Manufacturer’s Sales Representative
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent travel to potential client locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $57,480 minimum to $124,538 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 a Manufacturer’s Sales Representative Do?

Manufacturer’s Sales Representatives act as the key point of contact between an organization and its clients: answering queries, offering advice and introducing new products.

They play a crucial role in the supply chain process of manufacturing industries.

Their primary responsibility is to sell the company’s products, which involves working closely with customers to determine their needs, answer their questions about the products and recommend the right solutions.

They must also be able to discuss product features, prices, and benefits in detail.

They often travel to meet clients, pitch new products, negotiate prices, and close sales.

They may also attend trade shows and industry events to network and promote their company’s products.

Manufacturer’s Sales Representatives also provide after-sales support, including resolving any customer issues or complaints to maintain strong customer relationships.

In addition, they are responsible for monitoring the market trends and competition, providing feedback to the company’s management and product development team.

This information is crucial to develop strategies to improve product sales and market share.

They must meet set sales targets and may be involved in strategic planning with the sales management team.

They often work closely with other company departments, such as marketing, research and development, and production, to ensure that customer needs are met effectively.

While many Manufacturer’s Sales Representatives work directly for manufacturers, others may be employed by independent sales agencies representing multiple manufacturers.

 

Manufacturer’s Sales Representative Qualifications and Skills

Manufacturer’s Sales Representatives should possess a combination of sales skills, product knowledge and interpersonal abilities, including:

• Proficiency in sales techniques and strategies to effectively promote and sell products to customers.
• Extensive knowledge of the products being sold to provide accurate information and demonstrate their use and benefits to potential clients.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with clients and to engage positively with a diverse range of customers.
• Negotiation and persuasion skills to secure sales and contracts, ensuring profitability and customer satisfaction.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple accounts and maintain a schedule of visits and calls with clients.
• Problem-solving skills to address customer inquiries or issues with the product and find a satisfactory resolution.
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate, as many representatives spend a lot of their time traveling and meeting clients without direct supervision.
• Computer literacy to use various software for order processing, customer relationship management, and reporting.

 

Manufacturer’s Sales Representative Experience Requirements

A Manufacturer’s Sales Representative is expected to have a good level of experience in sales, ideally in a manufacturing or industrial setting.

Entry-level candidates usually have 1 to 2 years of experience.

This experience could be acquired from internships, part-time roles, or full-time roles in sales, business development, or a closely related field.

Candidates with up to 3 years of experience are often highly regarded in this role.

They usually have developed a strong foundation in sales, negotiation, and client relationship management.

Such candidates may have worked in roles like Sales Associate, Business Development Associate, or Account Representative in a manufacturing or related industry.

Manufacturer’s Sales Representatives with more than 5 years of experience are typically highly sought after for their depth of industry knowledge and well-honed sales skills.

They often have leadership experience, having led small sales teams or managed key accounts in their past roles.

Such seasoned professionals are well-equipped to handle complex sales scenarios, strategic client management, and high-value contract negotiations.

 

Manufacturer’s Sales Representative Education and Training Requirements

Manufacturer’s Sales Representatives typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, though a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, economics, or a related field is increasingly preferred by employers.

They must also have a solid understanding of the product(s) they are selling, which often requires on-the-job training or product knowledge courses offered by the manufacturer.

Manufacturer’s Sales Representatives should possess strong communication and negotiation skills, and these can be enhanced through courses or training in sales, customer service, and public speaking.

Technical knowledge relevant to the industry may also be necessary.

For example, sales representatives selling medical equipment should have an understanding of medical terminology, while those selling industrial equipment may need a background in engineering.

Continuing education courses in sales techniques and product knowledge are often beneficial.

Some Manufacturer’s Sales Representatives may also choose to earn certification through organizations like the Manufacturers’ Representatives Educational Research Foundation (MRERF) to showcase their commitment to the profession.

 

Manufacturer’s Sales Representative Salary Expectations

A Manufacturer’s Sales Representative can expect to earn an average salary of $59,930 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate depending on the individual’s industry experience, the region in which they are working, and the specific manufacturer they represent.

 

Manufacturer’s Sales Representative Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Manufacturer’s Sales Representative need?

A Manufacturer’s Sales Representative should have excellent communication and negotiation skills to effectively pitch products and close deals.

Strong analytical skills are also needed to understand market trends and customer needs.

Technical knowledge of the product they are selling is crucial, along with problem-solving skills to address any issues a customer might have with the product.

 

Do Manufacturer’s Sales Representatives need a degree?

While it’s not mandatory, having a degree in business, marketing, or a related field can be beneficial for a Manufacturer’s Sales Representative.

However, most employers prioritize hands-on sales experience and product knowledge over formal education.

Therefore, even if you don’t have a degree, showcasing your sales experience and industry knowledge can make you a strong candidate.

 

What should you look for in a Manufacturer’s Sales Representative resume?

A Manufacturer’s Sales Representative resume should showcase a proven track record in sales, including meeting or exceeding sales targets.

The resume should also highlight their familiarity with the product or industry they will be selling within.

Skills such as customer relationship management, negotiation, and communication should be evident.

Any additional certifications in sales or marketing would be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Manufacturer’s Sales Representative?

A good Manufacturer’s Sales Representative is highly self-motivated, as much of their work is based on commission.

They need to be persistent and resilient to handle potential rejection.

Excellent interpersonal skills are a must for building relationships with customers, and they should also be organized and detail-oriented to manage their sales territories effectively.

A good representative also stays updated on industry trends and product developments.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Manufacturer’s Sales Representative?

Hiring a Manufacturer’s Sales Representative can be challenging, given the importance of this role to a company’s bottom line.

It requires finding a candidate with the right mix of sales skills, product knowledge, and customer relationship management abilities.

Offering competitive commission structures and providing adequate product training can help attract quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Manufacturer’s Sales Representative.

And guess what?

It’s not just about selling products.

It’s about building business partnerships, one sale at a time.

With our ready-to-use Manufacturer’s Sales Representative job description template and real-world examples, you’re geared up to make your next big move.

But why limit yourself?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every product sold is a part of a larger business narrative.

Let’s write that story. Together.

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