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Sales Supervisor
What is a Sales Supervisor?
A sales supervisor oversees the work of retail or non-retail sales employees. The sales supervisor may also perform some tasks of a manager, such as purchasing, accounting and budgeting. Retail sales supervisors may ship goods, arrange displays and help customers as well as assist staff. Whether overseeing retail or non-retail sales activities, they make day-to-day decisions regarding the employees they supervise.
Job Responsibilities of a Sales Supervisor
Sales supervisors of retail sales employees may:
- Greet and assist customers
- Respond to customer inquiries and complaints
- Direct and supervise employees engaged in sales, taking inventory, reconciling cash receipts, or in performing services for customers
- Monitor sales activities to ensure that customers receive satisfactory service and quality goods
- Inventory stock and reorder when necessary
- Instruct staff on how to handle difficult or complicated sales
- Meet financial objectives by preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances and initiating corrective actions
- Formulate pricing policies and accuracy
- Attend trade shows to identify new products and services
- Coach, counsel, recruit, train and discipline employees
- Approve contracts with vendors
- Utilize information technology to record sales figures for data analysis
Sales supervisors of non-retail sales employees may:
- Confer with company officials to develop methods and procedures to increase sales, expand markets and promote business
- Resolve customer complaints regarding services, products or personnel
- Provide staff with assistance in performing difficult or complicated duties
- Monitor sales staff performance to ensure that goals are met
- Formulate pricing policies on merchandise according to profitability requirements
Career Outlook for Sales Supervisors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of sales managers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 43,200 openings for sales managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
An effective sales team remains crucial for profitability. As the economy grows, organizations will focus on generating new sales and will look to their sales strategy as a way to increase competitiveness.
With the job market tight, you will need the right background to land a good position in this field. A business associate degree from Bryant & Stratton College could be just what you need to put you ahead of the competition.
What can I do with a Business Associate Degree?
A business associate degree from Bryant & Stratton College will set the stage for you to become a sales supervisor, whether you chose retail or non-retail work. This degree provides you a broad background in business with emphasis in business communications, sales, marketing, accounting, business law, information technology and management principles. With this degree you can excel in many business-related fields, including sales supervision.
This associate degree will provide you with an understanding of global business issues. You will develop the communication and math skills necessary for a career as a sales supervisor. You will also learn the primary functions of management and understand how they apply to decision-making. And, you will gain the information technology skills necessary to handle common business applications.
Since an associate degree is generally required to become a sales supervisor, Bryant & Stratton College’s program will set you well on the path to meeting your career goals.
Additional Training/Requirements for Sales Supervisors
Sales supervisors are often required to have a certain amount of experience in sales before becoming supervisors. And, depending on what state you are in, and the industry you work in, you may have to obtain a license to sell.
Some employers may look for supervisors with bachelor’s degrees. Should that path become a viable option, you will be able to pursue one of several bachelor’s degrees at Bryant & Stratton College.
Employment Settings for Sales Supervisors
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sales managers’ responsibilities vary with the size of their organizations. However, most sales managers direct the distribution of goods and services by assigning sales territories, setting sales goals, and establishing training programs for the organization’s sales representatives.
The largest employers of sales managers are as follows: wholesale trade, retail trade, professional, scientific, and technical services, manufacturing, and finance and insurance.
As you can see, there is a wide array of career options available. The diverse, well-rounded education you will receive from Bryant & Stratton College in obtaining your business associate degree will prepare you to take on whichever option you may choose.
A good sales supervisor must have excellent customer service, communication and leadership skills. You must be detail oriented. You must be able to lead others as well as take direction from your managers. This is normally, a full-time position.
For insights into a career as a sales supervisor, please visit the Business Degrees section of our blog. Here you will find valuable information about business and sales and supervisory careers. Explore the website and be sure to visit the Business Associate Degree page.
While these projections can help career-minded people evaluate potential employment fields, it is important to note that job market data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook is only intended to provide insight on occupational opportunities. It should not be construed as a guarantee of salary or job title. Neither BLS nor Bryant & Stratton College can guarantee employment in any field.
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