Technical Sales Manager Job Description

A technical sales manager is responsible for design and overseeing sales programs within the
company. He acts as the team leader for sales teams and ensures professional development of the
team. A technical sales manager must ensure that the sales department runs smoothly and that
customer needs are addressed effectively.

Duties

A technical sales manager manages the team of technical professionals supporting sales of the
company's products, solutions as well as services. He also manages customer situations and designs
strategies necessary to maximize customer satisfaction. Apart from that he also develops technical
initiatives geared towards improving the effectiveness of the technical team. A technical sales
manager assesses rewards and coaches technical sales professionals within the organization. He
also provides support to front line sales people overseeing presentations, technical support together
with customer presentations.

Qualification

A technical sales manager must possess a bachelor's degree preferably in a technically related field.
Most professionals holding this position possess a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical
engineering or business management. Employers also prefer Master of Business Administration
(MBA) and Master of Science (MSc) graduates. He must also have prior experience in a sales or
marketing position. Furthermore, a technical sales manager must have be familiar with a wide range
of technologies.

Desirable skills

Technical sales managers must have good communication skills as the job entails developing and
maintaining relationships with partners, customers, peers as well as the sales and marketing team. A
strong leadership skill is a plus and a technical sales manager must also be a self starter. Sales skills
and technical knowledge is mandatory as he will be responsible for holding presentations and
customer discussions.

Compensation

A technical sales manager earns an average salary that ranges from $69,522 to $109,077 per year as
of 2010. Most companies incorporate bonus and commission plans for technical sales managers.
Bonus ranges from $5,109 to $19,958 whereas commission ranges from $17,449 to $46791.
Depending on the company that he works for, a technical sales manager can also enjoy benefits and
incentives such health and insurance coverage.

Outlook

A technical sales manager can work in a wholesale trade firm, a manufacturing company as well as a
technical firm. The work is mainly office based even though he may travel occasionally. The technical
sales manager directs the distribution of products to the customers and ensures smooth coordination
of sales territories, quotas and goals. He also analyzes sales statistics as collected by sales staff.