How to become Sales manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- training with a professional body
University
You could do a degree before joining a company as a graduate management trainee. Employers recruit graduates from a range of subjects. Particularly relevant subjects include:
- sales and marketing management
- business management
- retail marketing
For some jobs, like selling hi-tech scientific or engineering equipment, employers may prefer you to have a qualification in that field.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
You could complete a sales executive higher apprenticeship before applying for a trainee manager job.
For sales manager roles selling to businesses, you could do a business to business sales professional degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Direct Application
You'll need experience in sales and a record of achieving targets. Most employers will consider your sales and management experience, market knowledge and track record to be more important than your academic qualifications.
You could also be considered for specialist sales management jobs if you have a background in designing or manufacturing the products your team are selling.
Other Routes
You could take a professional qualification like:
- Level 4 Award in Managing a Sales Team
- Level 4 Award in Finance for Sales Managers
- Level 4 Award in Operational Sales Planning
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Career tips
In some jobs you could travel around the world to meet customers, so it may be helpful to speak a second language.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in sales through the Institute of Sales Professionals.