What Does a Sales Project Manager Do?
Find out what a sales project manager does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a sales project manager.
Sales project managers are responsible for managing the sales process of a company. They work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that all projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications.
Sales project managers may also be tasked with developing new products or services, identifying potential clients, and creating marketing plans to attract new business.
Sales Project Manager Job Duties
A sales project manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Creating and maintaining sales goals as well as forecasting future sales trends
- Coordinating with other departments within a company, such as marketing or finance, to ensure that all relevant parties have been informed of the project’s status
- Developing and managing budgets for each project while accounting for all costs
- Working with clients to define their needs and goals in order to create effective solutions to meet their requirements
- Developing proposals that detail products or services that meet client needs, outlining pricing information and terms of sale
- Resolving customer service issues by communicating with clients to explain product features and benefits and answering any questions about products or services
- Conducting market research to identify potential clients and determine their needs
- Coordinating with outside vendors to obtain products or services from them such as printing materials, arranging travel, etc.
- Reporting on project status to upper management and keeping them informed about any delays or issues with the project
Sales Project Manager Salary & Outlook
Sales project managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of commissions and bonuses.
- Median Annual Salary: $82,500 ($39.66/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $145,000 ($69.71/hour)
The employment of sales project managers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.
Demand for project managers will depend on the overall demand for goods and services produced by companies. As firms continue to outsource projects to save money, demand for project managers will increase. However, automation may limit the need for project managers in some industries.
Related: Sales Project Manager Interview Questions and Answers
Sales Project Manager Job Requirements
A sales project manager typically needs the following qualifications:
Education: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field is often a requirement to become a sales project manager. Some of the most common majors for this role include business administration, marketing, and finance.
Training & Experience: Sales project managers typically receive on-the-job training to learn the specific processes and procedures of the company. This training may include learning the company’s software, computer systems and other processes. Sales project managers may also receive training in the specific products or services the company offers.
Certifications & Licenses: Certifications can offer validating evidence of a professional’s qualifications and increase their earning potential. There are several certifications available for a sales project manager to increase their knowledge and skills and further their career advancement.
Sales Project Manager Skills
Sales project managers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication: Communication is another essential skill for a sales project manager. You might be in charge of communicating with clients, other sales representatives and other project managers. You might also be in charge of communicating with other departments, such as finance, to ensure that the sales team has the resources they need to complete their projects.
Leadership: Leadership skills can help project managers guide their teams to success. You can use your leadership skills to motivate your team, encourage them to work hard and help them overcome challenges. Leadership skills can also help you delegate tasks and motivate team members to take on certain responsibilities.
Organization: Organization is another skill that can be useful for a project manager to have. As a project manager, you can be responsible for managing many different tasks at once. Having good organizational skills can help you keep track of all the different responsibilities you have and make sure they’re all being completed on time.
Time management: Time management is another skill that can be useful for a project manager to have. This is because they often have many tasks to complete within a certain time frame. Having good time management skills can help a project manager meet deadlines and complete projects on time.
Problem-solving: Problem-solving skills allow you to identify and resolve issues that may arise during the sales process. As a project manager, you may be responsible for finding solutions to problems that arise during the sales process. For example, if a sales representative is having difficulty reaching a potential client, you may step in to help them resolve the issue.
Sales Project Manager Work Environment
Sales project managers work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. They are responsible for managing the sales process from start to finish, which includes developing sales strategies, setting quotas, and overseeing a team of sales representatives. They often work long hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet deadlines and quotas. Sales project managers may travel frequently to meet with clients or potential clients. They may also travel to attend sales training seminars or conferences.
Sales Project Manager Trends
Here are three trends influencing how sales project managers work. Sales project managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Need for a More Agile Sales Model
The sales industry is changing rapidly, and businesses are beginning to adopt a more agile sales model. This means that sales teams need to be able to move quickly and adapt to changes in the market.
Project managers can play a key role in this process by helping to keep teams on track and ensuring that they are always working towards a common goal. They can also help to ensure that team members are properly trained and prepared for new challenges.
More Focus on Digital Marketing
As digital marketing becomes more important, sales professionals will need to focus on developing skills in this area.
Sales project managers can utilize this trend by becoming familiar with the latest digital marketing tools and techniques. This will allow them to better manage projects that involve digital marketing components, such as social media campaigns or website development.
Greater Attention to Customer Experience
Customer experience has become an increasingly important factor in business success. In order to provide a great customer experience, businesses need to pay attention to all aspects of the customer journey, from initial contact to long-term retention.
Sales project managers can use this trend to their advantage by ensuring that they are aware of the needs of their customers throughout the entire process. This includes understanding what makes customers happy and what frustrates them, as well as knowing how to communicate with them effectively.
How to Become a Sales Project Manager
A successful project manager career starts with a strong foundation in the basics. This includes understanding the different phases of the project lifecycle, how to plan and manage projects, and how to lead teams effectively.
Once you have this foundation, it’s important to continue learning and developing your skills. Take on new challenges, try out new methods and tools, and learn from other project managers. Network with other professionals in the field, attend conferences and workshops, and read industry publications.
Advancement Prospects
Sales project managers can advance their careers by taking on larger projects and responsibilities. As they successfully complete projects and demonstrate their abilities, they may be given more challenging assignments. They may also be promoted to a higher position within their company, such as sales director. Those who are self-employed may be able to increase their earnings by taking on more clients or charging higher rates.
Sales Project Manager Job Description Example
The Sales Project Manager (SPM) is responsible for the successful planning, execution, monitoring, and closure of sales projects. The SPM will work with the sales team and other departments to ensure that all projects are completed on time, within budget, and within scope. The SPM will also be responsible for creating and maintaining project documentation, as well as communicating project updates to stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience managing sales projects, as well as excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all sales project management related inquiries
- Oversee and manage the entire sales project management process from start to finish
- Work closely with internal teams to ensure that all sales projects are completed on time and within budget
- Ensure that all sales project deliverables meet or exceed customer expectations
- Manage multiple sales projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of quality control
- Develop detailed project plans and timelines for all sales projects
- Track and report on project progress and performance against milestones and objectives
- Escalate and resolve any project issues or risks in a timely manner
- Facilitate regular project status meetings with internal and external stakeholders
- Prepare and distribute project reports and presentations as needed
- Manage post-project evaluations and feedback processes
- Continuously seek ways to improve and optimize the sales project management process
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, sales, or related field
- 5+ years experience in sales management, with a proven track record of success
- Experience developing and managing budgets
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong negotiation and presentation skills
- Ability to work independently and with a team
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- MBA or other advanced degree
- 10+ years experience in sales management
- Experience in the software industry
- Experience working with international clients
- Fluency in more than one language