Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your ability to drive sales and lead a team can be a daunting challenge. Our comprehensive guide offers insights and tips to highlight your accomplishments, ensuring your CV stands head and shoulders above the competition.
In this Enhancv sales manager CV guide, you'll find out more about how to:
- Answer job requirements with your sales manager CV and experience;
- Curate your academic background and certificates, following industry-leading CV examples;
- Select from +10 niche skills to match the ideal candidate profile
- Write a more succinct experience section that consists of all the right details.
Do you need more specific insights into writing your sales manager CV? Our guides focus on unique insights for each individual role:
Resume examples for sales manager
Explore additional sales manager cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior Sales Manager
- Structured and Comprehensive Presentation - The CV is well-organized, providing clear sections each focusing on critical aspects of the candidate's career. The concise presentation ensures the reader can quickly extract key information, such as employment history, achievements, skills, and educational background, without being overwhelmed.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Finley’s career path demonstrates a logical and ambitious progression from Account Executive to Senior Sales Manager. This steady advancement highlights his ability to take on increasing responsibilities, a testament to his effective performance and leadership qualities in the marketing analytics field.
- Achievements with Significant Business Impact - The accomplishments listed throughout the CV are specific and measurable, such as the 30% increase in sales revenue and £2 million secured in contracts. These examples not only provide credibility but also underscore the tangible impact Finley has had on business outcomes, showcasing his ability to drive success through strategic initiatives.
Junior Sales Manager
- Structured Presentation and Clarity - This CV is well-structured, starting with a direct introduction of the applicant's name, title, and contact details, followed by a succinct summary. The sections are logically separated, allowing for easy navigation through education, experience, skills, and achievements. Bulleted lists in the job descriptions enhance readability by breaking down key responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Demonstrates Consistent Career Growth - Ethan Palmer's career trajectory is clearly outlined from intern to his current position as a Sales Executive, demonstrating a steady climb within the sales industry. This progression illustrates his growing expertise and responsibility, showing a clear path of professional development over the recent years, which is impressive for a junior manager role.
- Achievements with Strategic Business Relevance - The CV emphasizes meaningful achievements such as exceeding sales targets by up to 15% and a notable 30% growth in customer base in a market expansion project. These achievements are not just numerical but reflect strategic contributions that have directly influenced the profitability and market reach of his employers, showcasing his ability to deliver value and results.
Sales Manager Trainee
- Clear and Structured Presentation - James Lewis's CV is highly readable, with each section organized clearly to swiftly convey his professional narrative. His career highlights, experiences, education, and skills are succinctly outlined, making it easy for potential employers to assess his fit for a sales management role.
- Illustrative Career Progression - The CV showcases a commendable career trajectory, illustrating James's rise from Sales Coordinator to Sales Manager. His continuous growth within the hospitality industry emphasizes his dedication and capability to climb through professional ranks efficiently.
- Impactful and Relevant Achievements - Each achievement is directly tied to measurable business outcomes, such as sales growth and cost reductions. These achievements not only highlight James's capability to drive revenue but also his ability to implement strategic initiatives that lead to significant business improvements.
Entry-Level Sales Manager
- Clear structure and detailed presentation - Isabelle Reed's CV is meticulously organized, with clearly defined sections such as experience, education, skills, courses, and achievements. Each role and achievement is presented with bullet points that are concise yet comprehensive, providing specific examples and metrics that showcase the candidate's impact and effectiveness.
- Continuous career growth and industry relevance - The CV demonstrates a clear career trajectory, showing significant growth from a Sales Executive to Field Sales Manager. Isabelle's progression through reputable companies in the telecom sector, such as Openreach and Virgin Media, underscores her capability and dedication to the field, which is pivotal in validating her industry-specific expertise.
- Integration of advanced tools and innovative strategies - Isabelle's use of Salesforce and CRM systems highlights her capability to leverage industry-specific tools to improve sales processes and data accuracy. The CV details initiatives like CRM integration and data-driven decision-making, showcasing not only her technical proficiency but also her innovative approach to sales strategy and execution.
Experienced Sales Manager
- Impressive career advancement through industry giants - The candidate's career trajectory reflects significant growth, moving from a Sales Operations Manager at Unilever to a Regional Sales Manager at L'Oréal. This progression through globally recognized companies indicates a sustained capability to handle increasingly complex roles and challenges in the sales sector.
- Strong emphasis on cross-functional leadership - Louis showcases a talent for collaboration across various departments, a key aspect of his roles. This is evident in his experience working with marketing teams to enhance brand visibility and cross-departmental initiatives to improve sales execution, demonstrating a robust ability to synergize efforts for mutual goals.
- Impact-driven achievements with strategic outcomes - The CV includes notable achievements with a focus on strategic outcomes, such as boosting annual revenue by 25% in EMEA markets. These enhancements are not solely quantified by percentages but highlight the business relevance, showing a clear link between strategic sales initiatives and overall company performance improvements.
By Role
Regional Sales Manager
- Structured Presentation Enhances Readability - The CV employs a clean, structured format with well-defined sections such as professional summary, work experience, education, and skills. This approach ensures clarity, allowing hiring managers to easily navigate the document and quickly grasp the candidate's qualifications.
- Progressive Career Growth within the Tech Sector - The career trajectory showcased in the CV highlights a consistent rise through the ranks, with multiple promotions at a major software company. This progression reflects not only the candidate’s competence but also their adaptability to increasing responsibilities and leadership roles in the tech industry.
- Integrates Advanced Data Analysis Tools - A standout element of the CV is the candidate's proficiency with advanced industry-specific tools like Python and R for data analysis and visualization. This technical depth in handling large datasets is crucial for driving data-driven decision-making processes, particularly in roles focused on strategic planning and analytics.
National Sales Manager
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is neatly organized into specific sections like experience, education, skills, and achievements, making it easy to follow. Each role in the experience section is sharply detailed with clear bullet points that succinctly capture key responsibilities and achievements, demonstrating both clarity and conciseness.
- Impressive Career Trajectory - Jacob's career progression from Account Executive to National Sales Manager illustrates a steady climb up the corporate ladder. This trajectory is marked by substantial achievements, such as a consistent contribution to revenue growth and the successful expansion into new markets, showcasing a strong capability for strategic and leadership roles.
- Impactful Achievements and Leadership Strengths - The CV goes beyond numbers to exhibit Jacob's business impact, such as driving a 30% sales increase in luxury merchandise and achieving "Top Sales Performer 2021.” Furthermore, awards like "Excellence in Leadership" reflect his ability to inspire and guide high-performing sales teams, vital for his leadership roles.
International Sales Manager
- Clear and Engaging Content Presentation - The CV is well-structured, making information easy to digest for readers. It uses concise language and bullet points to highlight key achievements and responsibilities, ensuring clarity and allowing hiring managers to quickly grasp the candidate’s capabilities.
- Demonstrated Career Growth in Relevant Industries - The career trajectory showcases a logical progression, with Samuel advancing from roles in market analysis to strategic leadership in notable organizations such as the Cocoa Horizons and Fairtrade Foundations. This demonstrates not only industry experience but also a growing responsibility and impact in the business strategy realm.
- Unique Expertise in the Chocolate Industry - Samuel's passion for the chocolate industry is evident throughout the CV, from his involvement in the Chocolate Rainforest Project to his articulate passion statements. This specific focus may appeal to companies in the food and beverage sector seeking someone with both strategic acumen and industry-specific knowledge.
Area Sales Manager
- Clear and Structured Content Presentation - The CV is well-organized with clearly defined sections, making it easy to navigate through various aspects of Archie's professional life. Each section is concise yet detailed, providing a comprehensive overview without overwhelming the reader.
- Impressive Career Progression - Archie Clark's career trajectory is impressive, showcasing consistent growth with advancements from Sales Engineer to Area Sales Manager. Each role highlights upward mobility, demonstrating a pattern of promotions and increased responsibilities across prominent packaging and manufacturing firms.
- Technical Depth and Industry-Specific Expertise - The CV exemplifies Archie's proficiency in the packaging solutions industry through project management and engineering principles. This technical depth is reinforced by accomplishments like leading initiatives to introduce new packaging technologies and improve client satisfaction through tailored technical solutions.
District Sales Manager
- Impressive Career Advancement - Eva Fisher's career trajectory showcases consistent growth, moving from a Business Development Executive to a District Sales Manager within three renowned oil and gas companies. This progression highlights her capability to adapt and excel in increasingly responsible roles, demonstrating her drive and ability to manage high-stakes operations in the industry.
- Strategic Sales Leadership - The CV emphasizes Eva’s leadership in strategic sales through her ability to formulate and implement impactful sales plans, leading to significant market share growth and exceeding sales targets. Her skills in negotiation, as evidenced by her handling of multi-million contracts, underscore her capacity to drive profitability and influence organizational success.
- Quantifiable Achievements with Business Impact - Not only does Eva demonstrate an aptitude for achieving key sales metrics, but she also aligns her accomplishments with broader business objectives. By increasing market share and customer retention rates, among others, her efforts have resulted in tangible benefits for her employers, such as revenue growth and strengthened market positioning.
Sales Operations Manager
- Structured approach enhances readability - The CV is meticulously organized, beginning with a summary of qualifications and proceeding to sections highlighting experience, education, and skills. This logical flow improves comprehension and allows easy navigation, ensuring that the most critical details are immediately accessible to the reader.
- Career advancement highlights growth - Each role on the CV reflects a clear advancement in responsibility, demonstrating a successful career trajectory in the tech industry. The progression from junior developer to senior project manager illustrates not only dedication but also the acquisition of new skills and an expanding level of expertise, which is crucial for roles requiring leadership and strategic oversight.
- Examples of cross-functional collaboration - The CV includes several instances where the candidate led cross-departmental projects, showcasing their adaptability and ability to work within diverse teams. This adaptability is further emphasized by the successful management of projects that required coordination between engineering, marketing, and client services teams, ultimately driving comprehensive solutions that align with business goals.
Sales and Marketing Manager
- Strategic and Structured Content Presentation - The CV is presented with clear headings and bullet points, making it easy to scan for relevant information. Each section is concise, highlighting key achievements and responsibilities without unnecessary detail, ensuring the reader quickly grasps the scope of George Johnson's expertise in sales and marketing.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - George has demonstrated a well-defined career advancement, moving from a Sales Executive role at Accor to his current position as Director of Sales & Marketing at Marriott International. Each step in his career progression has been within the hospitality industry, reflecting a dedicated commitment and a growing proficiency in this sector, with increasing responsibilities and influence.
- Results-Oriented Achievements - The CV effectively communicates George’s business impact through quantifiable achievements. For example, his leadership at Marriott International contributed to a 20% increase in hotel occupancy and a 25% expansion in the corporate client base. These figures not only demonstrate his capability to drive substantial revenue growth but also illustrate how he successfully implements strategic initiatives.
Sales Account Manager
- Career Advancement Reflecting Continuous Growth - Oliver Smith's CV demonstrates a clear career progression from Business Development Manager to Sales Account Manager. Each step is marked by increased responsibility and specialized expertise, showcasing his ability to excel and adapt in the competitive sales and vehicle leasing industry.
- Emphasis on Improvement and Efficiency - The CV highlights several key achievements that underscore Oliver's focus on enhancing operational efficiency. Notably, his leadership in implementing a new CRM system and streamlining quoting processes resulted in significant time savings and increased client satisfaction, reflecting tangible improvements in business operations.
- Industry-Specific Tools and Techniques - Oliver's use of specific tools and methodologies, such as CRM Systems and bespoke reporting tools, demonstrates technical acumen in sales and fleet management. These skills are essential for optimizing client management and ensuring effective communication, and they add a layer of depth to his industry expertise.
Sales Project Manager
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is effectively structured with clear sections that present information concisely. Each section is delineated to enhance readability, with bullet points used strategically to highlight key achievements and responsibilities, ensuring that the hiring manager can quickly comprehend the candidate's qualifications and accomplishments.
- Consistent Career Growth in Energy Sector - The candidate’s career trajectory showcases consistent growth, moving from a Business Development Executive at TotalEnergies to a Senior Project Sales Manager at BP within a decade. This progression highlights an increasing scope of responsibilities and illustrates a deepening of expertise and leadership in the refining and gas processing sector.
- Expertise in UOP Technologies - The inclusion of specialized courses and practical applications of UOP technologies demonstrates technical depth. Archie Clark’s repeated success in leveraging this knowledge to close high-value sales and optimize customer satisfaction underscores a solid alignment with the industry's technical demands.
Sales Manager (Automotive Industry)
- Highlighting Consistent Career Progression and Industry Expertise - Harry Williams' CV effectively showcases a clear upward trajectory in his career within the automotive sales industry. Starting as a Sales Manager at Pendragon PLC and advancing to a Group Sales Manager at Vertu Motors, before attaining his current role as an Automotive Sales Director at Lookers, it demonstrates professional growth and increasing levels of responsibility, reflecting his strong leadership qualities and industry insight.
- Emphasizing Impactful Achievements and Results-Driven Performance - The CV excels in outlining specific, quantitative achievements that speak to Harry's impact on business performance. Highlights include a 30% increase in sales within a single year, a 15% year-on-year revenue growth, and a 25% reduction in employee turnover. These figures are not only impressive but also highly relevant to potential employers looking for individuals who can drive tangible results.
- Inclusion of Diverse and Relevant CV Sections - The document is well-structured, featuring sections like Experience, Education, Skills, Courses, Achievements, Languages, and Passions, all showing relevance to Harry’s role as an Automotive Group Sales Manager. The addition of courses and achievements, in particular, demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development and formal recognition of his abilities in the field.
Sales Manager (Technology Sector)
- Organized Experience and Clear Progression - The CV presents a well-structured career trajectory showcasing Noah Jones's journey through increasingly responsible roles in sales within the tech industry. Starting as a Sales Executive and advancing to a Senior Sales Manager, each position builds upon the last with clear accomplishments and contributions, indicative of a robust career advancement. This clarity in career progression makes it easy to understand the candidate's growth over time.
- Technical Sales Acumen - Noah's expertise in technical sales is evident through his experience with specific methodologies like advanced CRM techniques and his ability to conduct technical training sessions. These skills show a deep understanding of both the technical and sales aspects of the industry, highlighting his suitability for roles that require a blend of technical knowledge and strategic sales execution.
- Emphasis on Business Impact - Achievements in the CV are not just statistical; they are tied to broader business impacts, such as expanding market share, enhancing brand visibility, and increasing lead response efficiency. This approach not only emphasizes Noah's ability to hit targets but also underscores the strategic significance of his contributions to company growth and market presence.
Sales Manager (Pharmaceutical Industry)
- Clarity and Structured Cohesiveness - The CV's clarity is evident as each section is logically structured, beginning with personal and contact information followed by a succinct summary. This layout ensures that hiring managers can quickly identify key competencies and accomplishments related to Charlotte’s role as a Territory Sales Manager.
- Progressive Career Advancement - Charlotte’s career trajectory illustrates significant growth and logical progression within healthcare sales. Moving through roles from Sales Consultant to Territory Sales Manager, the CV captures her steady advancement in the industry, emphasizing her increasing levels of responsibility and leadership in regional sales strategy and account management.
- Strategic Achievements with Tangible Impact - The CV highlights Charlotte's strategically impactful achievements through her roles, focusing on metrics that demonstrate substantial business results. Each experience listing showcases not only the percentage growth but also contextualizes the broader implications, such as a 25% increase in regional sales and enhanced efficiency in customer service processes.
Sales Manager (Retail Industry)
- Strong Structure and Clarity - The CV is well-organized with clear sections that guide the reader through Freddie Hughes' experience, education, skills, and achievements. The use of bullet points in the experience section enhances readability and allows for quick comprehension of key accomplishments and contributions.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Freddie Hughes' career demonstrates a clear growth path from a Sales Account Manager to a Trade Sales Manager. Each role exhibits an increase in responsibility and complexity, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in progressively challenging positions within the sales industry.
- Impactful Achievements - The CV highlights significant achievements with precise metrics, such as a 25% increase in sales and a 40% improvement in team performance. These accomplishments are not just numbers; they demonstrate Freddie’s ability to implement effective strategies that lead to meaningful business outcomes and sustained success.
Sales Manager (Financial Services)
- Logical Structure and Clarity - The CV is organized in a manner that facilitates easy reading and understanding. Each section, including experience, education, skills, and achievements, is clearly delineated and populated with pertinent information. This structured presentation allows potential employers to swiftly grasp Sophia’s qualifications and assess her suitability for the role. Concise bullet points effectively convey key contributions and outcomes throughout her career.
- Career Progression and Growth - Sophia’s career trajectory illustrates a consistent pattern of growth and increased responsibility in the finance sector. Rising from a Client Relationship Manager to a Regional Sales Manager, her promotions reflect capability and recognition in her field. Each position held showcases her adaptability and competence in embracing new challenges, highlighted by her ability to enhance broker relationships and drive sales success in various high-responsibility roles.
- Tangible Achievements with Business Impact - The CV places considerable emphasis on Sophia’s achievements, backing them with specific metrics that underscore her business impact. Achievements such as a 25% increase in regional sales and a 15% improvement in client retention underscore her contribution to organizational success. These metrics demonstrate her effectiveness in strategic planning, market intelligence application, and her ability to contribute meaningfully to business objectives.
Structuring your sales manager CV layout: four factors to keep in mind
There are plenty of best practices out there for your CV layout and design. At the end of the day, a clear format and concise CV message should be your top priority. Use your CV design to enhance separate sections, bringing them to the forefront of recruiters' attention. At the same time, you can write content that:
- Follows the reverse chronological order in the experience section by first listing your most recent jobs;
- Incorporates your contact information in the header, but do skip out on the CV photo for roles in the UK;
- Is spotlighted in the most important sections of your CV, e.g. the summary or objective, experience, education, etc. to show just how you meet the job requirements;
- Is no longer than two-pages. Often, the one-page format can be optimal for your sales manager CV.
Before submitting your CV, you may wonder whether to export it in Doc or PDF. With the PDF format, your information and layout stay intact. This is quite useful when your CV is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS) . The ATS is a software that scans your profile for all relevant information and can easily understand latest study on the ATS , which looks at your CV columns, design, and so much more.
PRO TIP
Use font size and style strategically to create a visual hierarchy, drawing the reader's eye to the most important information first (like your name and most recent job title).
The top sections on a sales manager CV
- Professional Summary showcases your key achievements and suitability for the role.
- Sales Experience highlights your past roles and sales successes.
- Key Sales Skills details specific skills like negotiation and CRM expertise.
- Notable Sales Achievements gives proof of targets met or exceeded.
- Education and Professional Development presents your relevant qualifications and training.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Emphasise your track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets, providing specific figures and percentages to demonstrate your ability to drive revenue growth.
- Highlight your leadership and team-building skills by detailing how you've successfully managed and motivated sales teams to achieve outstanding results.
- Include your proficiency in CRM software and other sales technologies, demonstrating your capability to leverage these tools for efficient sales management.
- Detail your strategic planning and market analysis experience, showcasing your ability to identify opportunities and tailor sales strategies to different market segments.
- Illustrate your communication and negotiation abilities with examples of complex deals or partnerships you've secured, underlining your effectiveness in sales discussions.
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How to present your contact details and job keywords in your sales manager CV header
Located at the top of your sales manager CV, the header presents recruiters with your key personal information, headline, and professional photo. When creating your CV header, include your:
- Contact details - avoid listing your work email or telephone number and, also, email addresses that sound unprofessional (e.g. koolKittyCat$3@gmail.com is definitely a big no);
- Headline - it should be relevant, concise, and specific to the role you're applying for, integrating keywords and action verbs;
- Photo - instead of including a photograph from your family reunion, select one that shows you in a more professional light. It's also good to note that in some countries (e.g. the UK and US), it's best to avoid photos on your CV as they may serve as bias.
What do other industry professionals include in their CV header? Make sure to check out the next bit of your guide to see real-life examples:
Examples of good CV headlines for sales manager:
- Senior Sales Manager | B2B Expertise | Strategic Planning | MBA | 10+ Years of Success
- Regional Sales Manager | Market Expansion Specialist | Relationship Building | 7-Year Track Record
- Assistant Sales Manager | Lead Generation & Conversion | Sales Training | CIM Certified | 3 Years' Experience
- Area Sales Manager | Key Account Management | Revenue Growth | Degree in Marketing | 5 Years in Sales
- National Sales Manager | Multi-channel Strategy | Negotiation Pro | 15+ Years' Experience | Award-Winning
- Sales Operations Manager | CRM Systems Expert | Process Optimisation | Data Analysis | 8 Years' Leadership
Your sales manager CV introduction: selecting between a summary and an objective
sales manager candidates often wonder how to start writing their resumes. More specifically, how exactly can they use their opening statements to build a connection with recruiters, showcase their relevant skills, and spotlight job alignment. A tricky situation, we know. When crafting you sales manager CV select between:
- A summary - to show an overview of your career so far, including your most significant achievements.
- An objective - to show a conscise overview of your career dreams and aspirations.
Find out more examples and ultimately, decide which type of opening statement will fit your profile in the next section of our guide:
CV summaries for a sales manager job:
- Accomplished sales manager with over 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector, proficient in CRM software and data analysis, and has surpassed annual targets by at least 15% for five consecutive years. Holds a proven track record in leading successful sales teams and developing innovative sales strategies that have driven substantial revenue growth.
- Dynamic sales leader with 12 years in consumer electronics, adept in B2B and B2C sales environments, expert in leveraging social media platforms for promotional campaigns, and recipient of the 'Top Regional Sales Manager' award for three years running. Known for exceptional mentoring abilities and driving market share increases through strategic sales initiatives.
- Former hospitality professional with a decade of experience in customer service management, seeking to transfer my expertise in client relations, team leadership, and upselling strategies into a challenging sales management career. Eager to apply my strong negotiation and communication skills to boost sales performance in a new industry.
- Experienced marketing director aiming to transition into sales management, bringing over eight years of experience in leading high-performing marketing teams, developing successful go-to-market strategies, and a deep understanding of customer psychology to maximize sales outcomes and enhance client acquisition efforts.
- As a motivated individual with a passion for sales and technology, I am committed to leveraging my quick learning ability and strong interpersonal skills to excel in a sales management position. Keen to develop my understanding of sales processes and contribute to achieving and surpassing sales targets.
- Eager to embark on a sales management career path, armed with a recent MBA in Marketing and a solid foundation in persuasive communication. Determined to utilize my theoretical knowledge and enthusiasm for sales to generate impressive results and support the company in meeting its strategic sales goals.
More detailed look into your work history: best advice on writing your sales manager CV experience section
The CV experience is a space not just to merely list your past roles and responsibilities. It is the CV real estate within which you could detail your greatest accomplishments and skills, while matching the job requirements. Here's what to have in your experience section:
- Prove you have what the job wants with your unique skill set and past successes;
- Start each bullet with a strong, action verb, and continue with the outcome of your responsibility;
- Use any awards, nominations, and recognitions you've received as solid proof of your skill set and expertise;
- align your experience with the role responsibilities and duties.
For more help on how to write your CV experience section, check out the next section of our guide:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Developed and executed a strategic sales plan, leading to a 25% increase in revenue within the first year, by identifying and securing new market opportunities.
- Managed a team of 15 sales professionals, providing regular training and mentorship, resulting in a 50% improvement in team sales targets.
- Implemented a customer relationship management (CRM) system that improved client retention rates by 30% through enhanced tracking of client interactions and follow-ups.
- Regularly analysed sales data and market trends to adjust sales strategies responsively, ensuring the team consistently outperformed competitors.
- Collaborated with the marketing department to develop targeted promotional campaigns, which increased brand awareness and lead generation by 40%.
- Negotiated high-value contracts with key clients, securing long-term deals that contributed to a stable revenue base and 20% year-on-year growth.
- Streamlined the sales process by identifying bottlenecks and implementing new sales methodologies, reducing the sales cycle duration by 15%.
- Presented regular sales performance reports to senior management, highlighting achievements and areas for improvement, which facilitated more informed decision-making.
- Actively participated in industry networking events to build strong business relationships, which led to successful partnerships and collaborations.
Work Experience
Regional Sales Manager
Unilever
06/2020-Ongoing
- Orchestrated the launch of a new regional sales strategy which increased market penetration by 35% within the first year, significantly boosting brand awareness.
- Led a team of 20 sales professionals, fostering a dynamic and result-oriented culture that achieved £2.5M in annual revenue, surpassing targets by 15%.
- Masterminded the adoption of a CRM system that improved customer relationship management, leading to a 25% enhancement in customer retention rates.
Work Experience
Area Sales Manager
Procter & Gamble
04/2017-12/2019
- Designed and implemented innovative online sales campaigns for product promotion, achieving a 45% increase in online sales within the first six months.
- Successfully negotiated key contracts with large retailers, leading to an unprecedented 60% increase in product listings across the UK.
- Implemented staff development programs that improved the sales team's product knowledge and sales tactics, leading to a 30% increase in average sales per employee.
Work Experience
Business Sales Manager
Johnson & Johnson
01/2015-03/2017
- Spearheaded a comprehensive training program that enhanced the capabilities of the sales force, resulting in a significant reduction in employee turnover by 40%.
- Expanded the territory by identifying and capturing new business opportunities, contributing to a robust 50% growth in annual sales figures.
- Cultivated strong relationships with B2B clients, driving sustained revenue by steering complex negotiations and closing deals with major industry players.
Work Experience
Corporate Sales Manager
GlaxoSmithKline
08/2013-12/2014
- Streamlined sales processes and introduced a performance monitoring system that lifted overall sales productivity by 20%.
- Coordinated cross-functional initiatives with the marketing department to better align sales and marketing strategies, yielding a 50% uptick in lead conversion rates.
- Championed the acquisition and retention of strategic accounts, resulting in the establishment of long-term contracts that secured continuous revenue growth.
Work Experience
Sales Performance Manager
British American Tobacco
05/2012-07/2013
- Drove team to exceed sales targets by developing a rigorous accountability system, with quarterly targets achievement soaring to 95%.
- Implemented a highly successful customer feedback loop that enabled swift product improvements and a 40% improvement in customer satisfaction scores.
- Forged and solidified alliances with channel partners, contributing to a 30% yearly growth in sales through partner networks.
Work Experience
Senior Sales Manager
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
02/2010-04/2012
- Developed and executed a sales revitalization plan, which catapulted underperforming territories to the top 10% in sales performance within the company.
- Led entry into new market segments, introducing products successfully, and capturing a 20% market share within two years of launch.
- Leveraged analytics to refine sales tactics, driving a 25% improvement in sales efficiency and reducing the cost of customer acquisition.
Work Experience
Lead Sales Manager
Diageo
11/2009-01/2010
- Initiated a company-wide sales process overhaul that elevated the average transaction value by 18% through upselling and cross-selling initiatives.
- Crafted and enforced rigorous sales training programs, equipping staff with advanced negotiation skills that led to closing high-value contracts.
- Piloted a digital transformation in the sales department, incorporating data-driven decision-making that enhanced quarterly sales plans and execution.
What to add in your sales manager CV experience section with no professional experience
If you don't have the standard nine-to-five professional experience, yet are still keen on applying for the job, here's what you can do:
- List any internships, part-time roles, volunteer experience, or basically any work you've done that meets the job requirements and is in the same industry;
- Showcase any project you've done in your free time (even if you completed them with family and friends) that will hint at your experience and skill set;
- Replace the standard, CV experience section with a strengths or achievements one. This will help you spotlight your transferrable skills that apply to the role.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
If you have experience in diverse fields, highlight how this has broadened your perspective and skill set, making you a more versatile candidate.
Key sales manager CV skills: what are hard skills and soft skills
Let's kick off with the basics. You know that you have to include key job requirements or skills across your CV. For starters, take individual skills from the job description and copy-paste them into your CV, when relevant. Doing so, you'll ensure you have the correct skill spelling and also pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. There are two types of skills you'll need to include on your CV:
- Hard skills - technical abilities that are best defined by your certificates, education, and experience. You could also use the dedicated skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies you're apt at using that match the job requirements.
- Soft skills - your personal traits and interpersonal communication skills that are a bit harder to quantify. Use various CV sections, e.g. summary, strengths, experience, to shine a spotlight on your workspace achievements, thanks to using particular soft skills.
Remember that your job-winning CV should balance both your hard and soft skills to prove your technical background, while spotlighting your personality.
Top skills for your sales manager CV:
HARD SKILLS
Sales Forecasting
Market Research
Business Development
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Negotiation
Strategic Planning
Marketing Strategy
Revenue Growth
Data Analysis
Budget Management
SOFT SKILLS
Leadership
Communication
Problem-Solving
Teamwork
Adaptability
Motivational Skills
Decision-Making
Time Management
Emotional Intelligence
Conflict Resolution
PRO TIP
Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
CV education and certificates: your academic background as proof of your skill set
A common misconception about your sales manager CV education is that you only need it, if you have less professional experience. That is completely false. The CV education section serves to back up your technical (and sometimes personal) capabilities, fill in gaps in your work history, and show you have the initial industry background and know-how. When creating your education section:
- List your degrees in the reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent (and relevant) ones first;
- Include your degree and university names, start and graduation dates. It's optional to also denote you received a "First-Class Honours" for diplomas that are more relevant to the role;
- Curate your relevant university coursework, projects, or thesis work if you happen to have less professional expertise and need to integrate more job keywords and skills.
Your professional qualifications don't need to stop at your academic background. It's advisable to also select up to three of your most noteworthy (and relevant) industry certificates and feature them in a dedicated section. Once more, include the certificate name, the institution that issued it out, and the date you obtained it on. You could feature both hard skills and soft skills certificates, as in the examples below:
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
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Key takeaways
Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your sales manager CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:
- Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
- Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
- Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
- In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
- Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.
