Sales managers play a pivotal role in driving business growth, leading teams, and developing effective sales strategies. From identifying market opportunities to closing deals and managing client relationships, your expertise is crucial for a company’s success. So, how can you craft a CV that highlights your skills and accomplishments?

In this guide, we’ll provide everything you need to build a standout sales manager CV, including:

  • Sample sales manager CV
  • Sales manager CV templates
  • The ideal format for your sales manager CV
  • Tips on writing an effective CV for a sales manager
  • Dos and don’ts when creating your CV
  • Answers to your sales manager CV-related questions

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    Sales manager CV sample

    Sales Manager Cv Example

    DIANE WELLS

    101 Kings Road, Leeds, LS1 9J
    07912345678 
    diane.wells@example-example.co.uk

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    Motivated Sales Manager skilled in leading teams to set record-high sales figures.Experienced in all facets of inside sales, outside sales, customer service and training.Customer-orientated with superior time management skills.

    WORK HISTORY

    BMS PERFORMANCE
    Sales Manager | Leeds, West Yorkshire
    September 2019 – Current

    • Initiated two key partnerships, which resulted in 54% revenue growth.
    • Supervised a sales force of 5 sales associates.Developed quarterly and annual sales department budgets.
    • Trained all incoming sales team members.

    ZENITH
    Sales Executive | Leeds, West Yorkshire
    March 2014 – September 2019

    • Adeptly handled 30 inbound calls per day, generating £50K in sales revenue annually.
    • Improved company customer service rating by 20%.
    • Monitored multiple databases to keep track of all company inventory.

    BEEHIVE
    Sales Assistant | Leeds, West Yorkshire
    October 2011 – March 2014

    • Maintained knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.
    • Greeted customers in a timely fashion while quickly determining their needs.
    • Built relationships with customers to increase the likelihood of repeat business.

    SKILLS

    • Strategic account development
    • Analytical problem solver
    • Extensive personal network
    • Strong interpersonal skills
    • Goal-orientated
    • Trained in consumer marketing
    • Positive and upbeat
    • B2B sales
    • Compelling sales proposal writer
    • Review of contracts

    Education

    Bachelor of Business Administration
    University of Leeds
    Leeds | 2011

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    Sales manager CV templates

    Our CV templates are designed specifically for the UK job market, ensuring that your sales experience, achievements, and skills are showcased clearly and professionally. Browse through our collection to find the perfect template that will help you highlight your sales expertise and make a strong impression on potential employers.

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    The ideal CV format for sales managers

    When creating your sales manager CV, choosing the right format is crucial for effectively showcasing your experience, skills, and qualifications. A well-structured CV can significantly enhance your chances of securing an interview. The two most common CV formats for sales managers are chronological and skills-based.

    Chronological CV

    The chronological CV format is ideal for sales managers with a strong, consistent work history. This format highlights your most recent roles first, allowing employers to quickly assess your career progression, sales achievements, and leadership experience.

    Key benefits include:

    • Showcases your experience: Emphasises your career growth, highlighting your success in sales management.
    • Clear structure: Lists your work history in reverse chronological order, making it easy for employers to follow.
    • Preferred by employers: Familiar format that allows hiring managers to quickly locate the most relevant details.

    Skills-based CV

    A skills-based CV is perfect if you want to emphasise your key abilities over your work history. This format is particularly useful if you’re transitioning into sales management from another field or if you don’t have a long history in the industry.

    Key benefits include:

    • Focus on key skills: Highlights your sales expertise, including negotiation, leadership, and target achievement.
    • Versatility: Great for those with diverse experiences or transferable skills from other industries.
    • Beginner-friendly: Ideal for those with limited work experience or looking to shift into sales management.
    Choose your format now

    How to write an effective sales manager CV

    Writing a good CV begins with understanding the key sections that should be included. To help you get started, here’s a step-by-step guide with each section that should be included in your CV. 

    Adding your contact details

    Start your CV by placing your contact details at the top. Include your full name, location, phone number, and email address. Make sure to double-check for any errors to ensure recruiters can easily reach you without any issues.

    Example of a contact section

    DIANE WELLS
    Leeds, LS1 9J
    07912345678 
    diane.wells@example-example.co.uk

    Write your sales manager CV personal statement

    Your personal statement is a key section of your CV, allowing you to make a strong first impression. It should be concise, impactful, and focus on what makes you the ideal candidate for the sales manager role.

    For a sales manager, highlight your leadership experience, track record of driving sales growth, and key achievements. Emphasise your ability to lead teams, enhance sales processes, and reach or exceed targets, while showcasing your passion for sales and commitment to business success.

    Example of a sales manager’s personal statement: 

    Dynamic sales manager with 7+ years of experience in driving revenue growth and leading high-performing teams. Proven ability to exceed sales targets, streamline sales processes, and expand market presence. Passionate about building strong client relationships and implementing strategies that deliver results.

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    Adding an experience section to your sales manager CV

    The work experience section of your sales manager CV is essential as it gives employers a clear understanding of your leadership abilities, sales expertise, and how you’ve contributed to the success of your previous teams. This section should highlight not just your job duties, but also your achievements, growth, and the tangible impact you’ve made.

    Instead of simply listing tasks, focus on the results you’ve achieved and how your actions directly contributed to business growth. For example, how have you increased sales, expanded market share, or improved team performance? What strategies have you implemented to achieve or exceed sales targets? Be sure to showcase specific successes and measurable results.

    Example of work experience:

    Sales Manager
    GlobalTech Solutions – London
    January 2020 – Present

    • Increased annual revenue by 25% through the implementation of targeted sales strategies and expanding key client accounts.
    • Led a team of 10 sales professionals, boosting team productivity through training, mentorship, and setting clear performance goals.
    • Developed and executed successful marketing campaigns that resulted in a 15% increase in new business leads.
    • Introduced a CRM system that streamlined sales processes, cutting administrative time and allowing the team to focus more on client engagement.
    • Cultivated relationships with high-value clients.

    Sales Manager
    Peak Performance Ltd – Manchester
    June 2015 – December 2019

    • Surpassed sales targets consistently for four years, driving a significant yearly revenue increase.
    • Expanded market share by 15% in a competitive market through strategic partnerships and new product launches.
    • Streamlined the sales pipeline process, reducing the sales cycle by 25% and increasing deal closure rates.
    • Managed and motivated a team of 8 sales representatives, increasing team performance and morale.
    • Implemented a customer feedback loop that enhanced the customer experience and led to a 10% improvement in client retention.

    Skills to include on your sales manager CV

    The skills section of your sales manager CV should highlight your ability to drive results, manage teams, and strategically approach the sales process. This section should reflect both your core sales abilities and any leadership skills that align with the role you’re applying for. Tailor your skills to the job description by emphasising those specifically requested by the employer.

    General skills for a sales manager CV

    • Strategic thinking
    • Negotiation and persuasion
    • Team leadership and motivation
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
    • Time management and organisation
    • Customer relationship management (CRM)
    • Market analysis and forecasting

    Specific sales manager skills

    • Sales process optimisation
    • Lead generation and conversion strategies
    • Data-driven decision-making and reporting
    • Target setting and performance tracking
    • Sales training and team development
    • Contract negotiation and closing techniques
    • Cross-functional collaboration with marketing and product teams

    Outlining education on a sales manager CV

    When it comes to sales, a formal degree is often not a strict requirement. Many successful sales professionals come from diverse educational backgrounds, and what matters most are your practical skills, work experience, and ability to connect with clients. Sales is a field where soft skills, such as communication, persuasion, and emotional intelligence, often play a more important role than academic credentials.

    In your sales manager CV, focus on showcasing the relevant experience and skills that highlight your ability to drive results, manage teams, and navigate the sales process. If you’ve taken any specialized sales training or certifications, be sure to mention those, but remember that experience and a proven track record often speak louder than degrees.

    This is also a great opportunity to highlight any additional language skills. Depending on the clientele you’ll be engaging with, being bilingual or multilingual can be a huge asset in sales, opening doors to new markets and enhancing client relationships.

    Example of education section:

    Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
    University of London, 2015 – 2018

    Languages
    Fluent in English & Spanish

    Dos and don’ts for a sales manager CV

    DO

    • DO tailor your CV for each application

      Customising your CV for the specific sales role you’re applying for is essential. If the job requires experience in B2B sales, highlight your expertise in managing key accounts and driving business-to-business relationships. If the role focuses on sales team leadership, emphasise your management and mentoring experience. Tailoring your CV demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to understand the company and the position you’re applying for.

    • DO highlight key achievements and sales results

      Sales managers are evaluated by their ability to drive revenue and lead successful teams. Rather than just listing job duties, focus on quantifiable achievements. For example, include metrics like “increased sales revenue by 25%” or “expanded market share by 15%.” This gives hiring managers a concrete understanding of how you’ve contributed to business success and why you’re the right candidate for the job.

    DON’T

    • DON’T neglect soft skills

      While experience and qualifications are important, soft skills such as communication, leadership, and negotiation are equally essential in sales management. Be sure to showcase your ability to motivate teams, close high-stakes deals, and manage client relationships. These skills are crucial for any sales manager and can set you apart from other candidates.

    • DON’T forget to proofread

      Spelling and grammar mistakes can be a red flag for employers. A well-organised, error-free CV reflects professionalism and attention to detail. Always proofread your CV before sending it off, or better yet, ask someone else to review it. A polished CV shows you’re committed to quality, both in your work and in your application.

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    Your sales manager CV questions answered

    How can I improve my chances of getting an interview?

    To increase your chances of landing an interview, make sure to include a tailored cover letter with your CV. A cover letter allows you to explain why you’re passionate about sales, why you’re interested in the specific company and role, and how your experience and skills align with the job requirements. Personalising your cover letter will showcase your enthusiasm and make your application stand out from the competition.

    Can I use a CV template for my sales manager CV?

    Using a CV template can be an effective way to structure your sales manager CV. Templates provide a professional layout that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements in a clear and organised manner. They save time by offering a foundation you can personalise, ensuring your CV looks polished and is easy for hiring managers to navigate.

    Should I include achievements or KPIs on my sales manager CV?

    Absolutely! Sales managers are expected to deliver results, so including quantifiable achievements on your CV is a must. Highlight your sales targets, how you exceeded them, and specific KPIs you’ve improved. For example, mention how you increased sales revenue by a certain percentage or successfully led a team to meet quarterly sales goals. This demonstrates your ability to produce tangible results and boosts your CV’s appeal.

    What if I have sales experience but no management experience?

    If you have a solid sales background but haven’t yet held a formal management role, focus on the leadership qualities you’ve demonstrated in previous positions. Perhaps you led a small team, mentored junior sales reps, or played a significant role in developing a sales strategy. Emphasise these experiences to show that you’re ready to step into a management position and have the skills to lead effectively.

    What if I have a lot of experience in different industries?

    If your experience spans multiple industries, you can still craft a targeted sales manager CV by focusing on the transferable skills that apply across sectors, such as team leadership, sales targets, and client management. Tailor your CV to showcase how your diverse background can bring unique perspectives and advantages to the role you’re applying for, rather than simply listing every job you’ve held.

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    Create Your sales manager CV today

    Ready to craft a CV that highlights your sales leadership and achievements? We’ve got you covered! With our expert tips, templates, and examples, you’ll have everything you need to stand out to hiring managers. When you’re ready, use our easy-to-use CV builder to personalise your CV and download it in just a few simple steps.

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