Job Description Template: Sales Representative
This template helps Swiss employers write a clear sales representative job posting. It covers the role's core responsibilities—prospecting, client relationship management, and sales targets—alongside must-have skills like communication and CRM proficiency. Adapt the Pensum (typically 80–100%), location (specify your canton or city), and language requirements to match your business needs.
A well-structured job description attracts qualified candidates and sets clear expectations from day one. This template covers what a sales representative does, what you need them to bring, and what compensation and benefits are competitive in your Swiss market.
Use this as a starting point. Adjust the Pensum percentage, specify your exact location (e.g. Zurich, Basel, Valais), and clarify any language requirements—especially if you work across language regions. Keep descriptions concrete so candidates understand the real day-to-day work.
Role Overview & Main Responsibilities
The sales representative drives revenue by identifying, approaching, and closing deals with new and existing clients. You will own the full sales cycle: prospecting, needs analysis, proposal creation, negotiation, and contract closure. Your pipeline and conversion rate are tracked monthly.
Day-to-day work includes territory management, client visits, CRM data entry, and collaboration with delivery or product teams to ensure client success. You report to the sales manager or directly to the founder in smaller teams.
- Prospect and qualify leads through phone, email, LinkedIn, and in-person meetings
- Maintain and grow existing client relationships; upsell and cross-sell where appropriate
- Document all client interactions and deals in the CRM system
- Prepare and present tailored proposals; negotiate terms and close contracts
- Attend industry events, trade shows, or client breakfasts to expand network
- Report weekly/monthly sales metrics, forecast pipeline, and share market feedback with management
Must-Have Requirements
You have proven sales experience—typically 2+ years in B2B or B2C sales, ideally in your industry or a similar sector. Fluency in the language(s) of your target market is essential; specify here whether German, French, Italian, or English is required. Sales licenses or certifications (if applicable in your sector) should be mentioned.
You are comfortable with targets and metrics, self-motivated, and have strong communication skills. CRM familiarity (Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, or similar) is standard. Reliability and follow-through matter more than charisma.
- 2+ years of sales experience in B2B or B2C; proven track record of quota attainment
- [Language requirement: fluent in German/French/Italian/English as needed for your market]
- Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills
- Comfortable using CRM systems, spreadsheets, and sales tools
- Organised self-starter; able to manage own time and territory
- Valid Swiss work permit or EU citizen with settled status (confirm legal requirements with your lawyer)
Nice-to-Have Requirements & What We Offer
Additional languages (e.g. fluency in German and French for national-level sales) are valuable. Industry certifications, experience with your specific product category, or a book of existing clients you can bring are bonuses. Some teams prefer candidates who understand digital marketing or have LinkedIn prospecting skills.
Compensation is typically a base salary (CHF 60,000–90,000 depending on experience and region) plus commission or bonus structure. Describe your Pensum as a percentage (e.g. 80–100%), working location (office, remote, field-based), and benefits. Common Swiss benefits include 5–6 weeks holiday, 13th-month salary, occupational pension contribution, and flexible hours.
- Additional language skills (German, French, Italian, or English) are valued
- Prior experience in our sector or with our product category
- Existing client network or proven ability to build personal brand on LinkedIn
- Experience mentoring junior sales staff or managing accounts
- Competitive base salary (CHF 60,000–90,000) plus performance commission/bonus
- Pensum: [80–100%]; flexible remote or field-based work; 5–6 weeks holiday; occupational pension; 13th-month salary per GAV (where applicable)
Frequently asked questions
- Should I list a specific salary range or leave it open?
- Swiss job seekers expect transparency. Publish a salary band (e.g. CHF 65,000–85,000 depending on experience) plus details of any commission, bonus, or 13th-month salary. This reduces unsuitable applications and builds trust. If your company policy is to discuss salary only after screening, still indicate a range in the job ad.
- What Pensum should I advertise?
- Full-time sales roles are typically 100% (42–43 hours per week). Some companies offer 80–90% for experienced candidates seeking better work–life balance. Specify the percentage clearly. Part-time sales roles (50–60%) are rarer but possible if you're seeking a second territory manager or contractor status.
- How do I handle language requirements without bias?
- State required languages as job essentials (e.g. 'Fluent German and French'), not preferences. If a candidate can learn the language, note that in screening. Avoid phrases like 'native speaker'; focus instead on the communication level needed (e.g. 'professional fluency for client calls'). Your employment lawyer can advise on fair hiring practices.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.