What is a Technical Sales?
A Technical Sales Manager will not only work to seek out clients, but they will be called upon for their technical expertise by other departments or members of their team. Technical Sales Managers can also be known by the name Technical Sales Engineer as well. The common factor between the positions is it is a skilled individual uses a combination of sales and technical/engineering skills to sell products or services.
Among many others, Technical Sales Manager roles require some of the following skills and attributes:
- A high level of technical knowledge and/or a technical background.
- The ability to identify key prospects and close deals of a highly technical, high value nature.
- Strong business acumen.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- A demonstrable track-record of meeting and exceeding sales targets.
- Well-developed client handling skills.
- The ability to produce detailed reports.
- An analytical mind.
- Provide after sales support to clients.
Some of the best senior Technical Sales Engineers come from an engineering, manufacturing or product development background and have an in-depth technical knowledge of their particular industry. Depending on the size of the organisation, there can be a variety of roles within Technical Sales Engineering that include Sales Engineer, Senior Sales Engineer, Pre-Sales Consultant, Technical Sales Executive and Technical Sales Manager. Unlike traditional sales roles, Technical Sales Managers may still be involved with the client after the deal has been closed to provide after-sales advice and support. These roles can span multiple industry sectors from construction through to software. With the common theme being that the product sold is complex or has a variety of complex applications. People within these positions often start in purely technical roles before growing into these positions once employers establish their natural sales ability.
Recruiting for Technical Sales Manager roles
Candidates with a Science and engineering background or degree with communication and sales skills face good prospects, as the demand for technical sales engineers is increasing. As this type of role uses a hybrid of sales, engineering, even a development background, senior roles within the industry can be hard to find. We can help you source exceptional Technical Sales candidates who are driven to succeed and will deliver results for your business. We do this through your guidance on your technical subjects, taking your knowledge to map out potential candidates at your competitors or similar local businesses. Call us today to find out how we can use proactive, tried and tested methods to deliver the best candidates for your business requirements.