A job brief is the first impression candidates have of your role. To make it compelling:
- Be Clear and Concise: Avoid jargon. State the role’s purpose in simple terms.
- Highlight Impact: Explain how this role contributes to sales growth, team success, and business expansion.
- Show Growth Opportunities: Top candidates are motivated by career progression. Mention leadership potential, exposure to senior management, or opportunities to expand into new regions.
- Add Employer Value: Emphasize company culture, perks (bonuses, travel, training), and work-life balance.
Example Brief for ASM:
“As an Area Sales Manager, you’ll lead a motivated sales team, drive revenue growth across your region, and play a vital role in shaping customer relationships. If you thrive on leadership, performance, and strategy, this role offers the opportunity to make a measurable impact while advancing your career in sales leadership.”
How Recruiters Can Create an Effective Job Description
Non-technical recruiters should focus on:
- Using role-relevant language: Instead of technical sales terms, emphasize leadership, revenue growth, and team management.
- Avoiding vague descriptions: Be specific about expectations (e.g., “Achieve monthly sales targets of X” instead of “Increase sales”).
- Aligning with company goals: Ensure the JD reflects business strategy (e.g., regional expansion, customer retention).
- Balancing must-haves and nice-to-haves: Too many requirements can deter applicants.
Recommendations on Job Titles (Controlling Candidate Pool)
To Attract a Smaller, Specialized Pool (Precise Titles):
- Regional Technology Sales Manager
- Retail Area Sales Lead
- Corporate Services Sales Manager
To Attract a Larger, Broader Pool (Generic Titles):
- Sales Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Regional Manager
When to Use Specialized Titles:
- Example: If you need an ASM with retail industry experience, use “Retail Area Sales Manager.” This narrows applicants to those with domain knowledge.
When to Use Broader Titles:
- Example: If you are open to diverse sales backgrounds and want a large pool, use “Sales Manager.” This widens reach but increases screening workload.
Job Title:
Area Sales Manager (ASM) (Also known as Regional Sales Manager, Sales Manager)
Job Summary:
We are seeking a results-driven Area Sales Manager to lead and grow our sales operations within a designated region. The ASM will be responsible for setting sales targets, mentoring sales representatives, building client relationships, and ensuring revenue goals are achieved. This role plays a critical part in aligning sales performance with company objectives and driving long-term business growth.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a team of sales representatives within the assigned region.
- Develop and execute sales strategies to meet and exceed regional targets.
- Monitor key performance metrics (KPI: revenue, conversion rates, retention).
- Train, coach, and motivate sales teams for improved performance.
- Foster strong client relationships and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Collaborate with marketing and operations to align regional sales goals.
- Provide regular sales reports and insights to senior management.
- Identify growth opportunities within the region and expand market presence.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field (MBA is a plus).
- Proven experience in sales leadership (3–7 years in managerial sales roles).
- Strong knowledge of sales strategies, CRM tools, and performance tracking.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and make data-driven decisions.
- Flexibility to travel within the assigned region.
Must-Have Skills:
- Leadership and team management.
- Sales forecasting and target setting.
- Proficiency in CRM software (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, etc.).
- Negotiation and deal-closing skills.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
Soft Skills:
- Leadership: Inspire and guide sales teams towards success.
- Communication: Effectively engage with both clients and team members.
- Problem-Solving: Identify bottlenecks and provide effective solutions.
- Relationship Building: Foster long-term partnerships with key accounts.
- Organizational Skills: Manage multiple teams, territories, and reports efficiently.
Hard Skills:
- Sales Management: Setting targets, tracking performance, and scaling results.
- CRM Software Expertise: Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM.
- Performance Metrics Analysis: Using data to drive decisions.
- Sales Strategy Development: Crafting territory plans and market entry strategies.
- Team Leadership: Training, coaching, and improving rep productivity.