District Manager

Education and Training: Bachelor’s degree preferred
Average Salary: $70,000
Job Outlook: Good

District managers can have many different roles depending on the type of organization they work for. A district manager may be in charge of a sales territory, and is primarily responsible for either selling products in the territory or overseeing subordinates sales reps who do the selling to clients. District managers can also be management positions that oversee a number of different offices in an area or retail stores. The primary responsibility of the district manager is to oversee whatever jobs need to be done in a particular area, whether it be management, sales, promotions, etc.

Education and Training Requirements

The district manager usually has at least a bachelor’s degree, and may have advanced degrees like a master’s degree. It is common for people with high school diplomas to work their way up through an organization into a district manager position, especially in retail. It is recommended that students take classes in business, law, management, math and statistics, sales, and management. The district manager should have advanced knowledge of computers and software programs to be able to track work that is being done in their territory and figure out ways to improve performance. On-the-job training is the norm, and there are usually a number of company training programs to improve performance.

Getting the Job

District managers usually are promoted from within a company or organization. Typically, they may start out as a retail associate or sales rep, and work their way up through the organization based on high job performance. Internships with companies will help students gain invaluable experience and knowledge of a company. There are those who are hired for district manager positions from outside the company as well.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

The district manager position is expected to grow as fast as the national average, but individual job growth by industry will vary. Job growth is dependent on the expansion of the economy and the need for companies and organizations to sell to new regions or territories. For district managers who are responsible for managing individual units, the growth could occur if industries like retail expand their sales reach by opening new stores.

District managers usually can move up in a company or organization to a higher-level managerial job. This could include director of sales, director of operations, or any number of positions that oversee subordinates.

Working Conditions and Environment

District managers tend to work in two environments. This first is an office setting. The second is on the road. Many district managers must travel a lot to visit various offices and sales reps throughout the territory they manage. This can be a stressful position as the travel along with the need to consistently meet company goals and projections makes for sometime difficult working conditions. District managers are also expected to work irregular hours and be on call for emergency situations.

Salary and Benefits

The median salary for a district manager is $70,000. This figure could vary widely though based on industry, location, size of firm, responsibility, and length of service. District managers are usually entitled to a full benefits package and may be eligible for bonuses depending on the performance in their region.

Where to Go for More Information

Manufacturers’ Agents National Association
16 A Journey, Ste. 200
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-3317
(877) 626-2776
www.manaonline.org

Manufacturers’ Representatives Educational Research Foundation
8329 Cole St.
Arvada, CO 80005
(303) 463-1801
www.mrerf.org

National Retail Federation
325 7th St., NW, Ste. 1100
Washington, DC 20004
(800) 673-4692
www.nrf.com