Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Finola Twomey, Revenue Manager
Finola Twomey, Group Director of Sales, Marketing and Revenue for Fota Collection, has always known a career in tourism & hospitality was her calling. With a vast experience gained throughout her career, she shares insights about the opportunities to build your career in key roles behind the scenes in tourism.
Videos on the Web
- Corporate Sales Manager- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Selling or Influencing Others Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Working Life
As a corporate sales manager you typically work in an office environment, as opposed to a retail sales manager who may spend at least some of their time on the ‘shop floor’.
You are responsible for overseeing sales operations and for setting sales targets, as well as monitoring sales team performances.
Part of your duties also involve recruiting and training new sales team members, as well as motivating and supporting the existing sales teams.
You collaborate with other members of the management team, including marketing managers, to developing the business
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Direct and coordinate activities involving sales of manufactured products, services, commodities, real estate or other subjects of sale.
- Resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service.
- Review operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
- Oversee regional and local sales managers and their staffs.
- Determine price schedules and discount rates.
- Prepare budgets and approve budget expenditures.
- Monitor customer preferences to determine focus of sales efforts.
- Plan and direct staffing, training, and performance evaluations to develop and control sales and service programmes.
- Direct, coordinate, and review activities in sales and service accounting and record-keeping, and in receiving and shipping operations.
- Direct clerical staff to keep records of export correspondence, bid requests, and credit collections, and to maintain current information on tariffs, licenses, and restrictions.
Qualities - Corporate Sales Manager
You should have good leadership and communication skills and you should be able to motivate others.
Attention to detail is important as it is your responsibility to set ambitious but achievable targets and to ensure that they are met. As such, you need business acumen and a good understanding of the particular industry/product/service the company is selling.
You need excellent organisational skills and the ability to work well under pressure.
Interests - Corporate Sales Manager
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Corporate Sales Manager
This is a senior role which requires significant knowledge and experience. Many Corporate Sales Managers start their careers as sales or customer service staff and then progress to supervisors and eventually a Manager role. Any other experience in the relevant industry will also be beneficial.
The most relevant degree subjects include business, management and marketing. Although a degree can sometimes be required, experience and track record are often more important to the employer.
You can often progress to an even more senior management role over time by building up experience and taking on more responsibilities.
Training can also help you progress and there are both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and management which can support you in your career.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business, hospitality, customer service, events promotion, digital marketing, management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: hospitality, travel, tourism, business management, sales, marketing, digital marketing.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Sales, Recruitment.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: hospitality management, travel, tourism, business, customer events, PR, marketing management.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: sales, marketing, business, public relations, promotions.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Professional organisations sometimes offer training or networking events, so check out:
Restaurants Association of Ireland
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Corporate Sales Manager
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €55k - €110k
Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, and duties.
Data Source(s):
CPL / Excel Recruitment / Azon/ Sigmar/ Brightwater
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Corporate Sales Manager
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Buyers and procurement officers; Marketing associate professionals; Estate agents and auctioneers; Conference and exhibition managers; and organisers Property, housing and estate managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Despite a strong employment growth rate for this occupation, employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022. Employment is spread across a number of roles including marketing associate professionals, buyers & procurement officers, conference/expo managers and estate agents. Employment permits issued in 2022 were primarily for roles in the ICT sector such as digital marketing and accounts managers with language skills required for some.
The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues in sourcing candidates for procurement roles. The number of job adverts for this role grew in 2022, driven by increases for buyers/procurement officers and conference organisers etc. In addition, procurement/tendering documentation skills were not confined to this occupation, but were also in demand outside of sales roles, albeit in small numbers.
Useful Contacts - Corporate Sales Manager
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Irish Management Institute
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Marketing Institute of Ireland (MII)
- Marketing House, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18
- (01) 295 2355
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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The Executive Institute
