Green Jobs

Regional Sales Manager

The Regional Sales Manager plans, controls, and directs the sale of lumber, plywood, and other fiber-based manufactured products within a specific geographic location. They manage a group of sales representatives, as well as product managers. 

Their ultimate goal is to increase revenue and profitability for the forestry organization by driving sales growth within their region.

This position may also be referred to as Regional Sales Coordinator, Area Sales Manager or Territory Sales Manager.

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree in business management or marketing is required. Sales experience is a plus, including experience in a leadership or management role.

Helpful courses to take in high school include business and marketing courses, mathematics and computer science courses, and public speaking courses.

Tools of the Trade

  • A customer relationship management tool (CRM) to track sales team performance, to accurately track the sales process and to close leads.
  • Sales analytics tools. These tools help the Regional Sales Manager to provide the sales team with resources such as sales collateral, product information and training materials.
  • Communication and collaboration tools, such as email, instant messaging and video conferencing platforms to communicate with the sales team and customers.

Important Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, as this role requires the management of a sales team. The Regional Sales Manager also must communicate well with the organization’s customers and key stakeholders.

Sales forecasting and planning skills, as well as strong analytical and quantitative skills for data analysis and reporting.

Proficiency with sales management software, such as a customer relationship management tool (CRM).

Job Responsibilities

Regional Sales Managers drive the sales growth of the forestry organization by leading the sales team, developing sales strategies, and building positive relationships with customers. They negotiate contracts, analyze market trends, and actively monitor all sales activity within the region in which they are assigned.

Some responsibilities of a Regional Sales Manager may include:

  • Overseeing and managing a team of sales representatives.
  • Developing and implementing sales plans and strategies to meet the forestry organization’s revenue goals.
  • Generating leads for new business opportunities and potential customers in their assigned region.
  • Building and maintaining positive customer relationships.