Sales Manager Resume Examples and How to Write

Breaking into sales management or climbing the ladder to your next leadership role can feel like chasing an elusive target. With Australia’s competitive sales landscape and evolving customer expectations, many experienced sales professionals struggle to showcase their leadership potential and revenue-driving achievements in a way that resonates with hiring managers and secures those crucial interviews.

Whether you’re a top-performing sales representative ready to step into management, an experienced sales leader seeking new challenges, or transitioning from another management discipline, this comprehensive guide will help you craft a compelling Sales Manager resume specifically tailored for the Australian market. We’ll explore proven strategies for highlighting your leadership capabilities, quantifying your sales achievements, and demonstrating your ability to build and motivate high-performing teams.

Australia’s sales management sector spans diverse industries from major financial institutions to innovative tech startups and established retail giants. According to SEEK’s employment insights, sales management roles consistently rank among the most in-demand positions across Australian states, with strong growth projected in digital sales, account management, and team leadership positions.

Sales Manager Resume (Text Version)

Sarah Mitchell
Sales Manager
📧 [email protected] | 📱 0421 567 890
🔗 linkedin.com/in/sarah-mitchell-sales | 📍 Sydney, NSW

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven Sales Manager with 7+ years of experience leading high-performing teams across retail and B2B technology sectors. Proven track record of exceeding revenue targets by 25-40% annually while building teams that consistently rank in top 10% nationally. Expertise in strategic account management, new market development, and implementing sales processes that drive sustainable growth.

CORE COMPETENCIES
– Team Leadership & Development • Strategic Account Management
– Revenue Growth & Forecasting • CRM Implementation (Salesforce, HubSpot)
– New Business Development • Sales Training & Coaching
– Market Analysis & Strategy • Client Relationship Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Regional Sales Manager | TechSolutions Australia | Sydney, NSW | Mar 2021 – Present
– Lead team of 12 sales representatives across NSW and QLD, achieving 135% of annual revenue target ($4.2M vs $3.1M goal)
– Implemented structured sales methodology resulting in 28% improvement in conversion rates and 40% reduction in sales cycle length
– Developed strategic partnerships with 15 key enterprise clients, generating $1.8M in recurring annual revenue
– Launched new market entry strategy for healthcare sector, securing 25 new accounts within first 6 months
– Mentored 5 sales representatives to promotion, with 80% retention rate across team

Sales Team Leader | RetailMax Group | Melbourne, VIC | Jun 2019 – Feb 2021
– Managed sales operations across 8 retail locations with combined annual revenue of $12M
– Increased average transaction value by 22% through implementation of consultative selling techniques and staff training programs
– Reduced staff turnover by 35% through improved onboarding processes and performance recognition programs
– Coordinated seasonal campaigns that exceeded sales targets by average of 18% across all locations
– Collaborated with marketing team to launch customer loyalty program achieving 40% participation rate

Senior Sales Representative | Australian Office Solutions | Brisbane, QLD | Jan 2017 – May 2019
– Consistently exceeded individual sales targets by 20-30%, ranking top 3 in national sales team of 45 representatives
– Managed portfolio of 85+ B2B accounts with total annual value of $2.1M
– Secured largest single contract in company history worth $350K through strategic relationship building
– Participated in new product launches and provided market feedback to product development teams
– Trained and mentored 8 junior sales staff on consultative selling techniques

CERTIFICATIONS
– Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) | 2022
– Salesforce Certified Administrator | 2021
– Strategic Selling with Perspective Certification | 2020

ADDITIONAL SECTIONS
Professional Associations: Sales Management Association of Australia (SMAA) Member
Languages: English (Native), Italian (Conversational)
Awards: National Sales Manager of the Year Finalist (2023), Regional Excellence Award (2022)

What is The Best Format for a Sales Manager Resume?

The reverse chronological format is the preferred choice for Sales Manager resumes in Australia. This format effectively showcases your career progression from individual contributor to leadership roles, demonstrating the natural evolution of your sales expertise and management capabilities that Australian employers value highly.

Formatting Essentials:

– Font: Use professional, ATS-friendly fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica
– Font Size: 11-12pt for body text, 14-16pt for your name, 12-13pt for section headings
– Margins: 0.5-1 inch margins on all sides to maximise space while maintaining readability
– White Space: Ensure adequate spacing between sections for easy scanning
– File Type: Always submit as PDF unless the job posting specifically requests another format

Essential Resume Sections:

Header: Include your full name, professional email, mobile number, LinkedIn profile URL, and location (city, state). For Sales Manager roles, ensure your contact details are prominently displayed as networking is crucial in sales.

Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of management experience, key industries, and quantifiable achievements. This section should immediately communicate your ability to drive revenue and lead teams effectively.

Experience: Your work history in reverse chronological order, emphasising leadership achievements, revenue growth, team development, and strategic initiatives. Every bullet point should demonstrate measurable impact on business outcomes.

Education: Include your degree, institution, location, and graduation year. For sales management roles, business, marketing, or communications degrees are particularly relevant.

Other Sections: Certifications (especially sales methodology or CRM certifications), professional associations, awards and recognition, and any relevant additional qualifications.

What Experience Should Be on Your Sales Manager Resume?

Your experience section should demonstrate your evolution from individual sales success to team leadership and strategic management. Focus on achievements that show your ability to drive revenue, develop people, and implement systems that create sustainable growth for the organisation.

What to Include:
– Team leadership and staff development achievements
– Revenue growth and target attainment with specific figures
– New market development and business expansion initiatives
– Sales process improvements and methodology implementation
– Customer relationship management and account retention
– Training, coaching, and mentoring activities
– Cross-functional collaboration with marketing, operations, and senior leadership

Correct Example:
Sales Manager | Premier Automotive Group | Perth, WA | Jan 2020 – Present
– Lead team of 15 sales consultants across 3 dealership locations, achieving 125% of annual sales target with $18M in total revenue
– Implemented customer relationship management system resulting in 45% improvement in lead conversion and 30% increase in repeat business
– Reduced average days to sale from 21 to 14 days through streamlined sales processes and staff training initiatives
– Developed strategic partnerships with local business networks, generating 200+ qualified leads monthly
– Increased team productivity by 35% through implementation of weekly coaching sessions and performance tracking dashboards
– Achieved 90% staff retention rate through comprehensive onboarding program and career development pathways

Wrong Example:
Sales Manager | Some Car Company | Perth, WA | Jan 2020 – Present
– Responsible for managing sales team
– Helped increase sales
– Did training with staff
– Worked with customers
– Attended management meetings
– Handled paperwork and reports

Entry-Level Sales Manager Resume Samples (Experience)

For entry-level management positions, emphasise your individual sales achievements, any informal leadership experiences, project management, and training or mentoring responsibilities. Highlight instances where you’ve influenced others or driven initiatives beyond your direct responsibilities.

Correct Entry-Level Example:
Senior Sales Representative / Team Lead | Digital Marketing Solutions | Adelaide, SA | Sep 2022 – Present
– Consistently exceeded individual sales targets by 30%+ while informally mentoring team of 6 junior representatives
– Led implementation of new CRM system across sales team, resulting in 25% improvement in lead tracking and follow-up efficiency
– Coordinated quarterly sales training workshops attended by 25+ staff members, contributing to 15% increase in team conversion rates
– Managed key account relationships worth $800K annually, maintaining 95% retention rate through proactive account management
– Spearheaded new client onboarding process that reduced time-to-value by 40% and improved customer satisfaction scores
– Selected for management fast-track program based on leadership potential and sales performance

Wrong Entry-Level Example:
Sales Representative | Marketing Company | Adelaide, SA | Sep 2022 – Present
– Good at selling things
– Sometimes helped other people
– Used computer systems
– Talked to customers
– Went to training sessions
– Want to become a manager

How to Write the Education Section for Your Sales Manager Resume

Education provides the foundation for your analytical thinking, communication skills, and business acumen essential for sales management success. Australian employers often prefer candidates with business-related degrees, though relevant experience can sometimes compensate for formal education gaps.

Include your highest degree first, followed by any relevant diplomas, certificates, or professional development programs. For recent graduates, consider adding relevant coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership potential. If you completed your education overseas, mention any Australian recognition or equivalency assessments.

Sales Manager Resume Example (Education)

Bachelor of Commerce (Management) | Monash University | Melbourne, VIC | 2019
Relevant Coursework: Strategic Management, Consumer Behaviour, Marketing Analytics, Leadership and Teams
Leadership Experience: Commerce Students’ Society President (2018-2019), organised industry networking events for 200+ students
Academic Achievements: Dean’s List (2018, 2019), recipient of Academic Excellence Scholarship

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management | Box Hill Institute | Melbourne, VIC | 2021
Focus Areas: Team Leadership, Performance Management, Strategic Planning

Professional Development: Miller Heiman Strategic Selling Program (2022), Dale Carnegie Leadership Training (2021)

How to Write the Skills Section for Your Sales Manager Resume

The skills section for Sales Manager resumes must balance leadership capabilities with sales expertise and technical proficiency. Australian employers seek candidates who can both drive individual results and develop high-performing teams while leveraging modern sales technologies and methodologies.

Include 8-12 relevant skills that align with the specific role requirements and demonstrate your ability to succeed in both strategic and operational aspects of sales management. Focus on skills that are commonly sought after in the Australian sales management market.

Sales Manager Resume Skills (Hard Skills)

• CRM Systems (Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics)
– Sales Analytics and Forecasting
– Sales Methodology Implementation (SPIN, Challenger, Solution Selling)
– Territory and Account Management
– Sales Process Optimisation
– Budget Management and Financial Analysis
– Market Research and Competitive Analysis
– Sales Training Program Development
– Performance Metrics and KPI Management
– Digital Sales Tools and Automation

Sales Manager Resume Skills (Soft Skills)

• Team Leadership and Development
– Strategic Planning and Execution
– Communication and Presentation Skills
– Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
– Coaching and Mentoring
– Relationship Building and Networking
– Adaptability and Change Management
– Problem-solving and Decision Making
– Time Management and Prioritisation
– Emotional Intelligence and Motivation

How to Pick the Best Sales Manager Skills:

1. Review the job description carefully and identify the specific leadership competencies, sales technologies, and industry knowledge mentioned
2. Prioritise management skills that demonstrate your ability to lead, develop, and motivate sales teams effectively
3. Include relevant sales methodologies and CRM systems that are commonly used in Australian business environments
4. Balance hard and soft skills to show both technical competency and leadership capability
5. Highlight industry-specific knowledge relevant to your target roles and sectors
6. Ensure authenticity by only including skills you can confidently discuss and demonstrate in interviews

Sales Manager Resume Examples (Skills)

• Team Leadership: Built and led sales team of 20+ representatives, achieving 95% retention rate and promoting 8 team members to senior roles over 3 years
– Revenue Growth: Implemented territory management strategy that increased regional sales by 42% year-over-year while expanding market share in competitive landscape
– CRM Implementation: Led Salesforce deployment across 3 departments, resulting in 35% improvement in lead conversion and $500K increase in pipeline visibility
– Sales Training: Developed comprehensive onboarding program reducing new hire ramp-up time from 6 months to 4 months while improving first-year performance by 25%

Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Sales Manager Resume?

Additional sections can significantly enhance your Sales Manager resume by demonstrating your commitment to professional development, industry engagement, and leadership beyond your direct role responsibilities. These sections are particularly valuable in sales management, where networking, continuous learning, and industry knowledge are crucial for success.

Valuable bonus sections include:

Licenses & Certifications: Include sales-specific certifications, leadership development programs, and industry credentials. Popular options include Certified Sales Professional (CSP), sales methodology certifications, and management training programs.

Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like the Sales Management Association, Australian Marketing Institute, or industry-specific associations demonstrates professional commitment and networking capabilities.

Languages: Particularly valuable in Australia’s multicultural business environment. Additional languages can be crucial for roles involving international clients or diverse market segments.

Awards and Recognition: Sales achievements, leadership awards, and performance recognition validate your track record and differentiate you from other candidates.

Speaking Engagements and Publications: Conference presentations, industry articles, or thought leadership content demonstrate expertise and industry standing.

Volunteer Leadership: Non-profit board positions, community leadership roles, or volunteer management experience showcase leadership skills and community commitment.

Sales Manager Resume Examples (Other Sections)

Right Example:
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
– Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) | 2023
– Strategic Selling with Perspective Certification | Miller Heiman Group | 2022
– Salesforce Certified Administrator | 2021

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
– Sales Management Association of Australia – Active Member since 2020
– Australian Marketing Institute – Professional Member
– Local Chamber of Commerce – Board Member (Marketing Committee)

Wrong Example:
OTHER THINGS
– Have some certificates
– Won awards at work
– Member of business groups
– Did some volunteering
– Good at presenting

Consider including relevant side projects like mentoring emerging sales professionals, developing sales training content, or contributing to industry publications. These activities demonstrate thought leadership and commitment to advancing the sales profession.

How to Write a Sales Manager Resume Objective or Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your opening statement—it should immediately communicate your value as a sales leader and compel hiring managers to continue reading. Focus on your years of management experience, specific industries or markets, and quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive revenue and develop teams.

Key elements to include:
– Years of sales and management experience
– Specific industries or market segments you’ve worked in
– Quantifiable achievements (revenue growth, team performance, market expansion)
– Leadership philosophy or approach (team development, strategic selling, customer-centric)
– Relevant qualifications or certifications

Sales Manager Resume Summary Examples

Right Example:
Dynamic Sales Manager with 8+ years of experience leading high-performing teams across technology and financial services sectors. Proven ability to exceed revenue targets by 20-35% annually while building teams that consistently rank in top quartile nationally. Expert in consultative selling methodologies, CRM implementation, and developing scalable sales processes that drive sustainable growth. Track record of promoting 12 team members to leadership roles while maintaining 90%+ retention rates.

Wrong Example:
Experienced Sales Manager looking for new challenges in a dynamic organisation. I have worked in sales for many years and have managed teams. I am good at building relationships with clients and helping my team achieve their goals. Seeking a role where I can contribute to company growth.

For entry-level management positions, focus on your individual sales achievements, informal leadership experiences, and management potential rather than extensive team leadership experience.

Entry-Level Sales Manager Resume Summary Examples

Right Example:
Results-oriented sales professional with 4+ years of consistent top-tier performance and emerging leadership experience in B2B technology sales. Consistently exceeded individual targets by 25-40% while mentoring junior team members and leading cross-functional projects. Proven ability to build strategic client relationships worth $2M+ annually. Ready to transition proven individual success into team leadership role, bringing fresh perspective on digital sales strategies and data-driven performance management.

Wrong Example:
Sales representative with some experience who wants to become a sales manager. I have been successful in my current role and think I would be good at managing people. Looking for an opportunity to step up into management and learn new skills in a supportive environment.

How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Sales Manager Resume

LinkedIn is the cornerstone of professional networking in Australia’s sales community, with recruiters and hiring managers using the platform extensively to identify and engage potential Sales Manager candidates. When updating your resume, synchronising your LinkedIn profile ensures consistency and maximises your visibility in the competitive Australian sales management market.

Sales leaders in Australia leverage LinkedIn not just for job searching, but for building industry networks, sharing thought leadership, and demonstrating their expertise to potential employers and clients. An optimised profile can attract inbound opportunities and establish your reputation as a sales management professional.

LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Sales Managers

Your LinkedIn headline should be more expansive and keyword-rich than your resume header, incorporating industry terms, leadership qualities, and specific expertise that will help you appear in recruiter searches.

Ineffective Headlines:
– “Sales Manager at ABC Company”
– “Experienced Sales Professional”
– “Looking for new opportunities”
– “Sales and Marketing Manager”

LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences

Your LinkedIn summary can be more detailed and personal than your resume summary, allowing you to tell your leadership story and explain your management philosophy. Use this space to discuss your approach to team development, your passion for driving results, and your understanding of the Australian business landscape.

LinkedIn summaries benefit from first-person language and can include insights about industry trends, your leadership style, and specific examples of how you’ve developed talent or transformed sales operations. Consider mentioning your involvement in Australian sales communities or your commitment to developing the next generation of sales professionals.

Showcasing Sales Manager Experience on LinkedIn

LinkedIn’s expanded format allows you to provide more context around your achievements while maintaining the quantifiable results that make your resume compelling. Use the platform’s media features to showcase sales team achievements, training materials you’ve developed, or presentations from industry conferences.

Consider publishing articles about sales management trends, sharing insights about team development, or commenting thoughtfully on posts from Australian sales leaders. This activity demonstrates thought leadership and keeps you visible in your network’s feed.

LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Sales Managers

LinkedIn allows up to 50 skills, providing more space than your resume to showcase both technical and leadership competencies. Prioritise skills frequently searched by Australian recruiters, such as “Sales Management,” “Team Leadership,” “Revenue Growth,” “CRM,” and “Business Development.”

Actively seek endorsements from team members, peers, and senior leaders who can validate your management capabilities and sales expertise. Consider taking LinkedIn’s skill assessments for relevant competencies like “Sales” or “Leadership” to display verified skill badges.

LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Sales Managers

Location Strategy: Clearly indicate your location and consider mentioning your willingness to travel or relocate within Australia if relevant to your career goals.

Network Development: Connect with sales professionals across Australia, join groups like “Australian Sales Professionals,” “Sales Leaders Australia,” and industry-specific associations relevant to your target sectors.

Content Engagement: Share insights about Australian market conditions, comment on posts from local business leaders, and engage with content from Australian sales organisations and industry publications.

Recruiter Appeal: Use keywords that Australian sales recruiters commonly search for, including specific industries, company sizes (SME, Enterprise), and technologies relevant to your target roles. Mention your track record in the Australian market and understanding of local business culture.

Creating a compelling Sales Manager resume is your ticket to unlocking leadership opportunities in Australia’s dynamic sales landscape. By implementing the strategies in this guide—from showcasing your team development achievements to quantifying your revenue impact—you’ll build a resume that positions you as the sales leader organisations need to drive growth and success.

Your resume is most effective when paired with a targeted cover letter that articulates your leadership vision and demonstrates your understanding of the specific organisation’s sales challenges and market position. For comprehensive guidance on crafting compelling application materials, explore our detailed cover letter writing resources and review current Sales Manager opportunities to understand what today’s Australian employers prioritise in their ideal candidates.

As Australia’s business landscape continues to evolve with digital transformation and changing customer expectations, skilled Sales Managers who can adapt, innovate, and inspire their teams will remain highly sought after. Invest in your professional development through organisations like the Sales Management Association and local business networks to stay ahead of industry trends. Your next sales leadership role is waiting for a resume that truly showcases your ability to drive results and develop people.

Sales Manager Resume: Example, Template + How to Write One in Australia