Sales and marketing executives are responsible for driving sales and marketing company products and services.
Sales and marketing executives straddle two company functions that are integral to generating new business. Often categorized as directors, managers or vice presidents, marketing and sales executives are senior-level professionals who work closely with chief executive officers and presidents to ensure that their marketing and sales plans align with overall business objectives.
Function
Sales and marketing executives are responsible for managing their organization's sales and marketing activities. They are responsible for establishing and implementing a sales methodology, tracking the sales pipeline and measuring performance against sales quotas. Their marketing duties include planning, coordinating and implementing marketing programs to identify and acquire new customers. Sales and marketing executives also define their department's monthly, quarterly and annual goals and make sure that sales and marketing objectives align with overall company goals. In addition to working with major customer accounts and overseeing the creation of sales collateral, sales and marketing executives are responsible for building and maintaining relationships with outside vendors, partners and distributors.
Education
Professionals seeking a career as a sales and marketing executive must obtain a bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration or a related major. However, employers usually prefer a master's degree or MBA. As executives progress in their career, management training programs that offer courses such as brand and product management, sales management and evaluation, marketing communication, market research, telemarketing, direct sales and organizational communication are helpful for continuing education.
Skills
Excellent writing, interpersonal and public-speaking skills are essential in a marketing and sales executive position. Sales and marketing executives must be effective leaders, strong negotiators, avid problem-solvers and work well with different personalities and departments. Employers also look for professionals who can assemble and execute sales and marketing plans, achieve revenue targets and run campaigns from start to finish. The abilities to manage different projects simultaneously, facilitate group meetings and motivate team members are also highly desired traits.
Salary
A May 2010 PayScale report states that the average salary range for a director of marketing and sales falls between $50,668 and $108,571. The report also shows that average bonuses for a director of marketing and sales ranges from $5,032 to $24,351. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the annual median salary is $108,580 for marketing managers and $97,260 for sales managers as of May 2008. However, compensation varies depending on title, location, employer and industry. For example, a November 2009 report published by Salary.com states that the average annual salary for a top division sales and marketing executive was $188,236.
Potential
According to the BLS, marketing and sales management professionals will be in demand due to an influx of new products and services that are expected to enter the marketplace over the 2008 to 2018 decade. In addition, the BLS forecasts that jobs will increase 12% for marketing manager and 15% for sales managers. Sales and marketing executives with management training, relevant education and sales or marketing certification will have the best employment opportunities.
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