Sales Planning Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of business, the role of Sales Planning Managers has never been more crucial.
As the business landscape evolves, the demand for strategic minds who can devise, enhance, and execute our sales plans becomes more pronounced.
But what does a Sales Planning Manager really do?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of sales planning,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Sales Planning Manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Sales Planning Manager Duties and Responsibilities
Sales Planning Managers lead and coordinate the sales forecasting, planning, and budgeting processes within their organization.
They also work cross-functionally to ensure that the sales team’s plans are aligned with company objectives.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing strategic sales plans that expand the customer base and ensure the company’s strong market presence
- Coordinating and managing the sales forecasting, planning, and budgeting processes
- Working with the sales team to ensure that they meet their objectives and targets
- Providing detailed and accurate sales forecasting
- Tracking sales metrics and reporting data to leadership on a regular basis
- Managing the sales team’s tools and software, ensuring they are optimized for efficiency and efficacy
- Collaborating with marketing team to ensure the company’s sales goals are met
- Implementing new sales plans and advertising
- Recruiting, hiring, and training new sales representatives
- Undertaking planning of sales resources and objectives
- Compiling and analyzing sales figures and giving Sales reports
- Identifying opportunities to reach new market segments and expand market share
Sales Planning Manager Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a detail-oriented Sales Planning Manager to develop, execute and adapt strategic sales plans.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of sales and marketing strategies, with the ability to forecast and identify trends and challenges.
The Sales Planning Manager’s responsibilities include managing sales analytics, coordinating with the sales team to understand their needs, reviewing and approving budgets, and ensuring the efficiency of business procedures.
Ultimately, the Sales Planning Manager’s goal is to help our business maintain complete control over its income and expenditure to drive profitable growth.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement effective sales strategies and plans
- Monitor and analyze performance metrics to forecast future sales
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual sales reports
- Collaborate with the sales team to understand customer requirements and provide sales support
- Suggest new ideas to increase sales and improve customer experience
- Provide direction and guidance to the sales team, setting performance metrics
- Stay up-to-date with new product launches and ensure sales team members are on board
- Ensure sales, finance and legal policies and procedures are met
- Coordinate with marketing team to ensure brand consistency
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a sales manager or sales planning manager
- Solid knowledge of performance reporting and financial/budgeting processes
- Commercial awareness partnered with a strategic mindset
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
- Thorough understanding of market changes and forces that influence the company
- BSc/BA in business administration, sales or relevant field
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Sales Planning Manager
- Work Environment: Office setting with some remote work possibilities. Travel may be necessary for team meetings or client consultations.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Sales or Vice President of Sales.
- Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $120,000 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 a Sales Planning Manager Do?
A Sales Planning Manager typically works for businesses across a multitude of industries, aiming to maximize sales efficiency and effectiveness.
Their primary role is to oversee and manage all sales planning activities, which can involve forecasting, budgeting, data analysis, and strategic planning.
They are responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies, setting sales targets, and coordinating with various teams to achieve business goals.
Sales Planning Managers work closely with the sales team to understand their needs and challenges, and provide them with the appropriate tools and strategies.
They use data analysis to identify sales trends and opportunities, and make recommendations based on their findings.
They also coordinate with the marketing team to align sales objectives with company marketing strategies.
This might involve developing promotional plans, pricing strategies, and product launches.
Moreover, Sales Planning Managers are often responsible for sales reporting.
They track and analyze sales performance against targets, and provide senior management with regular sales updates and strategic recommendations.
Sales Planning Managers are critical for ensuring that the sales team operates effectively and that the company meets its sales and revenue objectives.
Sales Planning Manager Qualifications and Skills
Sales Planning Managers are expected to possess a variety of skills and qualifications that help them coordinate sales planning strategies and manage sales teams.
These include:
- Proven leadership skills to manage, motivate, and coach a team of sales representatives.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to evaluate sales performance data and develop effective sales strategies.
- Excellent communication skills to liaise with various departments, present reports to senior management, and negotiate with key stakeholders.
- Advanced knowledge of sales principles and customer relationship management to maximize sales opportunities and build long-term relationships with clients.
- Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple sales strategies, monitor sales targets, and ensure sales quotas are met.
- Proficiency in using sales software and CRM tools to keep track of sales data, client information, and sales performance metrics.
- Problem-solving skills to identify sales issues and devise effective solutions to overcome them.
- Experience in budgeting and sales forecasting to anticipate sales trends and future needs.
Sales Planning Manager Experience Requirements
Sales Planning Managers usually require a significant amount of experience in the sales field.
This may include time spent in entry-level roles such as Sales Associate or Sales Representative, where they can develop foundational knowledge about sales techniques and strategies.
For entry-level Sales Planning Manager roles, employers typically seek candidates with 3 to 5 years of sales experience.
This should ideally include some experience in sales planning, forecasting, or similar strategic roles, which can be gained through positions like Sales Analyst or Account Manager.
Candidates for more senior Sales Planning Manager positions will usually need more than 5 years of experience in sales and planning roles.
This should include a significant amount of managerial or supervisory experience, as these roles often involve leading a team and coordinating the efforts of other sales staff.
In addition to sales and managerial experience, Sales Planning Managers often need to have strong analytical skills.
Experience with data analysis, budgeting, or other quantitative roles can be beneficial.
Finally, because Sales Planning Managers often need to communicate complex sales strategies to their team, experience in roles requiring strong communication skills can also be advantageous.
This could include experience in roles such as Customer Service Manager or Communications Specialist.
Sales Planning Manager Education and Training Requirements
Sales Planning Managers generally have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, finance, or a related field.
An essential part of their education includes coursework in sales and marketing principles, strategic planning, and business operations.
In addition to this, they should have a strong background in sales analytics and must be familiar with data analysis software and CRM systems.
For more advanced positions, a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field is often preferred.
This higher level of education typically indicates a candidate’s ability to manage larger teams and handle more complex sales planning strategies.
Sales Planning Managers may also benefit from professional certifications such as Certified Sales Professional (CSP) or Strategic Account Management Association’s Certified Strategic Account Manager (CSAM).
These additional qualifications show a candidate’s commitment to the profession and can enhance their knowledge and skills in strategic sales planning.
Furthermore, ongoing training in new sales techniques, market trends, and sales software updates is beneficial to keep pace with the ever-evolving sales industry.
Sales Planning Manager Salary Expectations
A Sales Planning Manager earns an average salary of $96,632 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can greatly vary depending on the years of experience, industry, company size, and geographical location.
Sales Planning Manager Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Sales Planning Manager need?
Sales Planning Managers should possess strong analytical skills to interpret sales data and trends.
They need to have good communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with different departments and team members.
Leadership skills are also crucial as they will lead and manage a team.
They should also have strategic thinking abilities to develop effective sales plans and strategies.
Do Sales Planning Managers need a specific degree?
Most Sales Planning Managers hold a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
Some roles may require a master’s degree or MBA.
However, significant experience in sales and planning roles could compensate for a lack of formal education in some cases.
What should you look for in a Sales Planning Manager resume?
A good resume for a Sales Planning Manager should demonstrate solid experience in sales, planning or similar roles.
Look for a strong track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets, developing sales plans, and successfully leading a team.
Knowledge of sales software or CRM systems is also a significant plus.
What qualities make a good Sales Planning Manager?
A good Sales Planning Manager is strategic, goal-oriented, and can handle pressure well.
They should have strong leadership abilities and be capable of motivating their team to meet sales targets.
Excellent communication skills are also essential, as they will need to collaborate with various departments and present sales plans to upper management.
What are the daily duties of a Sales Planning Manager?
A Sales Planning Manager typically starts their day reviewing sales data and reports.
They may attend or conduct meetings with their team or other departments to discuss sales targets and strategies.
Throughout the day, they may analyze market trends, identify sales opportunities, and develop sales plans.
They also monitor the team’s performance, provide feedback, and handle any issues or conflicts that arise.
Conclusion
So there you have it.
Today, we’ve given you a sneak peek into the life of a sales planning manager.
And you know what?
It’s not just about closing deals.
It’s about shaping the future of sales strategy, one plan at a time.
With our handy sales planning manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to make your next move.
But why limit yourself?
Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for precision-crafted job listings or for perfecting your resume.
Remember:
Every sales plan is a piece of a larger puzzle.
Let’s construct that future. Together.
How to Become a Sales Planning Manager (Complete Guide)
Money Without the Misery: Easy Jobs That Will Keep You Smiling to the Bank!
Pinnacle Professions: The Most Prestigious Careers in the World
Economy-Strong Careers: Jobs Unharmed by Financial Fluctuations