Sales Coordinator

Education and Training: Bachelor’s preferred
Average Salary: $34,000-51,000 per year
Job Outlook: Good

Sales coordinator job descriptions can vary greatly from one company to the next, but in general, the sales coordinator works in tandem with the sales team as a liaison. A sales coordinator is not responsible for actually making sales, but is responsible for communicating with clients and potential clients before, during, and especially after a sale has been made. This administrative position requires excellent communication skills, as well as organizational skills.

Typically, a sales coordinator will handle agreements between the company and clients, support the sales team by communicating about orders and sales positions, and compile sales reports for the company at large. The sales coordinator often coordinates internal sales meetings, monitors sales goals, and prepares presentations and reports of many different types.

Education and Training Requirements

Most companies prefer to hire a sales coordinator who has some experience in an office environment as well as a Bachelor’s degree in sales, marketing, or administration. Most sales coordinators must have basic computer skills, including the ability to put together a PowerPoint presentation and to create reports using Excel, Word, or similar programs.

Since the actual responsibilities of a sales coordinator can vary so much from one company to the next, much training is done on the job. Most of the time, companies offer paid training periods, which may include mentoring by another sales coordinator or a manager of the sales team.

Getting the Job

Some companies prefer to promote sales coordinators from within, but this is not always the case. Applicants should look for jobs that match their skill sets and apply online or in person.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

Sales coordinator jobs are expected to grow at about an average rate, though growth does depend on the economy. Companies in medical and other fast-growing fields may have more need of sales coordinators in the near future.

Sales coordinators in large companies are often promoted to higher level administrative and managerial jobs. Some coordinators with experience in human resources and marketing may move to a higher level job in another area of the company.

Working Conditions and Environment

Although some travel to meet with potential customers may be required, most sales coordinators work in an office setting. They may work in an office with much of the sales team, or they may be centrally located and communicate with the sales team mainly by phone. Although hours can vary from one industry to the next, sales coordinators typically work normal weekday, daytime hours. If the particular industry in which a sales coordinator is employed has a busier season, vacation time may be restricted during this season, or hours may be extended so the company can meet sales goals during this period.

Salary and Benefits

The typical sales coordinator makes between $35,000 and $50,000 per year, with the average being around $40,000 per year. Some commission may be involved if the coordinator assists the team in meeting or exceeding sales goals for a certain period.

These are typically full-time jobs, which include benefits and paid vacation time. Some come with potential bonuses, though these are often commission-based and based on the sales of the entire team.

Where to Go for More Information

MBA Association
http://www.mbaassociation.org

MBA World
25 Hosier Lane
London, UK EC1A9LQ
+44 (0)20-7246-2686
www.mbaworld.com

National Black MBA Association
180 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1400
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 236-2622
http://www.nbmbaa.org