Sales Managers
Medium40.40%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$63,700
Median$135,160
High (90th %)$--
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Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
The occupation "Sales Managers" has an automation risk of 40.4%, which is slightly below the base risk of 41.2%. This indicates that, while a significant portion of the role includes tasks that can be automated, a substantial part of the job still relies on human insight and specialized skills. The nature of a sales manager's responsibilities combines both repetitive, data-driven activities and highly interpersonal duties that are less susceptible to automation. As organizations increasingly integrate digital tools, the task composition of this occupation is becoming more dynamic, requiring a blend of technical aptitude and managerial creativity. Among the most automatable tasks for sales managers are those that involve processing and synthesizing information as well as routine oversight activities. The top three most automatable tasks are: resolving customer complaints regarding sales and service, reviewing operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability, and overseeing regional and local sales managers and their staffs. These duties frequently follow well-defined procedures or involve data analysis, both of which can be streamlined or performed by AI systems with rule-based logic and data analytic capabilities. As reporting tools and customer service bots become more advanced, these segments of the sales manager’s job will likely continue to face increasing automation. Conversely, tasks that require a deeper level of judgment, interpersonal skills, and decision-making are far more resistant to automation. The most resistant tasks for sales managers include directing clerical staff on handling export records and compliance, coordinating complex sales activities across various products or services, and providing personalized advice to potential customers about technical or specialized equipment. These activities rely heavily on contextual understanding, negotiation, and originality—skills for which AI and automation have significant bottlenecks, as shown by the relatively low automation risk levels associated with originality (3.6% and 3.9%). As a result, while some administrative and routine functions may be automated, the strategic and client-focused aspects of the sales manager’s role are likely to remain human-driven for the foreseeable future.
Filter by Automatable Status
Resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service.
Partially Automatable
Review operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
Partially Automatable
Oversee regional and local sales managers and their staffs.
Non-Automatable
Determine price schedules and discount rates.
Partially Automatable
Direct, coordinate, and review sales and service accounting and record-keeping, as well as receiving and shipping.
Partially Automatable
Direct clerical staff to keep records of export correspondence, bid requests, and credit collections, and to maintain current information on tariffs, licenses, and restrictions.
Partially Automatable
Advise dealers and distributors on policies and operating procedures to ensure functional effectiveness of business.
Partially Automatable
Confer or consult with department heads to plan advertising services and to secure information on equipment and customer specifications.
Partially Automatable
Represent company at trade association meetings to promote products.
Non-Automatable
Assess marketing potential of new and existing store locations, considering statistics and expenditures.
Partially Automatable
Visit franchised dealers to stimulate interest in establishment or expansion of leasing programs.
Non-Automatable
Direct foreign sales and service outlets of an organization.
Partially Automatable
Prepare budgets and approve budget expenditures.
Partially Automatable
Monitor customer preferences to determine focus of sales efforts.
Partially Automatable
Plan and direct staffing, training, and performance evaluations to develop and control sales and service programs.
Partially Automatable
Confer with potential customers regarding equipment needs, and advise customers on types of equipment to purchase.
Partially Automatable
Direct and coordinate activities involving sales of manufactured products, services, commodities, real estate, or other subjects of sale.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyForeign LanguageHistory and ArcheologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationPsychologyEducation and TrainingTherapy and CounselingPublic Safety and SecurityCustomer and Personal Service
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationGetting Information
FacebookAct!AirtableDatabase softwareDropboxEkoApple KeynoteDelphi TechnologyAdobe ActionScriptContact management softwareDelphi DiscoveryEclipse IDEGoogle AdsMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft Dynamics GPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft PublisherMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WordOracle PeopleSoftSAP softwareSmugMug FlickrWeb browser softwareSalesforce softwareTableauLexisNexisGoogle DocsGoogle DriveGoogle SlidesHEAT Software GoldMineIBM Cognos ImpromptuIBM NotesMicrosoft AccessIBM SPSS StatisticsIBM Power Systems softwareLinkedInMarketo Marketing AutomationMcAfeeMicrosoft ExchangeMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WindowsMicroStrategyMinitabNetSuite ERPOracle DatabaseOracle E-Business Suite FinancialsOracle EloquaOracle HyperionOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneOracle TaleoQlik Tech QlikViewRSAP Business ObjectsSAP Crystal ReportsSASSocial media sitesSplunk EnterpriseTax softwareTeradata DatabaseYouTubeNetSuite NetCRMLogMeIn GoToMeetingHuman resource management software HRMSYardi softwareGoogle MeetMicrosoft Azure softwareMicrosoft TeamsMaximizer Software Maximizer EnterpriseOracle Business Intelligence Enterprise EditionSalesforce.com Salesforce CRMGoogle SitesInventory softwarePoll EverywhereWorkforce management softwareZoomMicrosoft Visual BasicOracle E-Business Suite FinancialsOracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneMicrosoft Dynamics GPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookLexisNexisMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft PublisherMicrosoft WordOracle PeopleSoftSage 50 AccountingSAP softwareFacebookSalesforce softwareTableauAct!AirtableAvidian Technologies ProphetDatabase softwareDropboxEkoGoogle AdsGoogle AnalyticsGoogle DocsGoogle DriveHEAT Software GoldMineIBM Cognos ImpromptuIBM NotesMicrosoft AccessStructured query language SQLIBM Power Systems softwareLinkedInMarketo Marketing AutomationMcAfeeMicrosoft ExchangeMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAMicrosoft WindowsMicroStrategyNetSuite ERPOracle DatabaseOracle EloquaOracle HyperionOracle PeopleSoft FinancialsOracle TaleoQlik Tech QlikViewDelphi TechnologyRSAP Business ObjectsSAP Crystal ReportsSASSocial media sitesHubSpot softwareSplunk EnterpriseTax softwareTeradata DatabaseYouTubeLogMeIn GoToMeetingScheduling softwareApple KeynoteYardi softwareGoogle MeetMicrosoft TeamsContact management softwareDelphi DiscoveryEclipse IDENetSuite NetCRMOracle Business Intelligence Enterprise EditionSalesforce.com Salesforce CRMGoogle SitesInventory softwarePoll EverywhereWorkforce management softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareZoomHypertext markup language HTMLOracle Fusion ApplicationsMicrosoft DynamicsBlackbaud The Raiser's EdgeMicrosoft Azure softwareSAP BusinessObjects Crystal ReportsOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementBentley MicroStationMicrosoft SharePointSmugMug FlickrScheduling softwareAdobe Creative Cloud softwareFileMaker ProGeographic information system GIS softwareAdobe AcrobatGoogle AnalyticsHubSpot softwareGoogle SlidesAdobe AcrobatIBM SPSS StatisticsMaximizer Software Maximizer EnterpriseMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAMinitabNortonLifeLock cybersecurity softwareOracle Fusion ApplicationsOracle PeopleSoft FinancialsOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementSoftware on Sailboats Desktop Sales ManagerSoftware on Sailboats Desktop Sales ManagerVanguard Software Vanguard Sales ManagerVanguard Software Vanguard Sales ManagerHypertext markup language HTMLAdobe ActionScriptBentley MicroStationSAP BusinessObjects Crystal ReportsEden Sales ManagerEden Sales ManagerBlackbaud The Raiser's EdgeSage 50 AccountingAvidian Technologies ProphetStructured query language SQLNortonLifeLock cybersecurity softwareFileMaker ProHuman resource management software HRMSMicrosoft Office softwareWeb browser softwareAdobe Creative Cloud software
Chief Executives
Medium38.73%
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
General and Operations Managers
Medium47.73%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Medium42.51%
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Marketing Managers
Medium51.50%
Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
Administrative Services Managers
Medium45.13%
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.
Purchasing Managers
Medium51.82%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Medium55.39%
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
Medium49.25%
Purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. Purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing. May negotiate contracts.
Logisticians
Medium47.96%
Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
Management Analysts
Medium51.36%
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Medium47.26%
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
Online Merchants
High68.87%
Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.
Business Intelligence Analysts
Medium52.10%
Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers
Medium52.75%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers
Medium51.95%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
Advertising Sales Agents
Medium59.01%
Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or Internet establishments or public spaces.
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
High72.23%
Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Medium63.33%
Sell services to individuals or businesses. May describe options or resolve client problems.
Brokerage Clerks
High79.00%
Perform duties related to the purchase, sale, or holding of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases or sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.
Customer Service Representatives
High68.30%
Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.
Public Relations Managers
Medium48.75%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Fundraising Managers
Medium46.88%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
Supply Chain Managers
Medium53.29%
Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Medium45.64%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
Medium54.46%
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
Fundraisers
Medium50.88%
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Search Marketing Strategists
Medium53.88%
Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Low30.74%
Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.
Public Relations Specialists
Medium47.68%
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.
Retail Salespersons
Medium52.39%
Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
Medium58.11%
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Medium64.30%
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
Real Estate Brokers
Medium50.81%
Operate real estate office, or work for commercial real estate firm, overseeing real estate transactions. Other duties usually include selling real estate or renting properties and arranging loans.
Real Estate Sales Agents
Medium50.79%
Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
Telemarketers
High78.30%
Solicit donations or orders for goods or services over the telephone.
Procurement Clerks
High71.53%
Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.
Order Clerks
High80.71%
Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints.