What is a sales executive?
The role of a sales executive in the sports sector is to grow sales of products or services among individual or business customers: sports equipment, memberships, advertising space or event services.
What does a sales executive do?
They identify their customers' needs, present products or services persuasively, negotiate the terms of sale and manage the ongoing client relationship. They also prospect for new customers and work to retain the existing portfolio.
The essential qualities and skills of a sales executive
- Command of sales techniques
- Strong interpersonal skills
- A gift for persuasion
- Active listening
- Knowledge of the products and the market
Salary and career prospects
A sales executive's pay is usually made up of a basic salary plus a performance-related element, which can account for as much as 50% of annual earnings. An entry-level profile earns around €25,000 to €30,000 gross per year, rising beyond €45,000 for experienced professionals.
What training do you need to become a sales executive?
The role is open to graduates from two years of higher education, such as a BTS NDRC or MCO, but a five-year business school qualification is an asset for moving into key-account negotiation roles or management positions.
