Job Description Template: Sales Manager
This template helps Swiss SMEs write a clear Sales Manager job ad. It covers what the role does day-to-day, team leadership and revenue targets, required experience and soft skills, plus a realistic benefits section. Adapt the Pensum percentage, canton location, and language requirements to match your business.
A Sales Manager drives revenue growth, builds and leads a sales team, and owns the relationship pipeline with key accounts. Before posting, decide: will this person manage others, focus on major accounts, or do both? That shapes the entire job ad.
Below is a template structure with all standard sections. Copy the text, fill in your specifics (Pensum, location, team size, commission structure, languages), and remove or expand sections to fit your needs.
About the Role
This section answers: what does a Sales Manager do at your company? Paint a concrete picture of their typical week. Do they inherit an existing team, or build one from scratch? Is the focus geographic, product-based, or customer-segment-based?
Mention reporting line and team size. Example: 'Reports to the Managing Director. Manages a team of 3–5 sales representatives across the German-speaking regions.' Avoid vague mission statements; employers want clarity.
- Develop and execute annual sales strategy for [specific region/product line]
- Recruit, train, and mentor a sales team of [X people]
- Manage a portfolio of [X] key accounts; target annual revenue growth of [X%]
- Forecast quarterly pipeline, track KPIs, and report to leadership monthly
- Conduct weekly team meetings, one-on-ones, and performance reviews
- Represent the company at industry events and client dinners in [region]
Must-Have Requirements
List the non-negotiable skills and experience. Be specific: 'minimum 3 years managing a B2B sales team' beats 'sales experience.' If a language (German, French, Italian, English) is essential, name it explicitly here, not buried in benefits.
Include certifications or software if they genuinely matter. Avoid over-specifying (e.g., don't demand 'exactly' software if retraining is fast). Focus on what predicts success in your sector.
- Minimum [X] years in B2B/B2C sales management, ideally in [your sector: tech, manufacturing, services, etc.]
- Proven track record: managed teams of [X+] and hit or exceeded annual targets
- Fluent in [German/French/Italian] and English (written and spoken)
- Strong CRM knowledge; experience with [Salesforce/HubSpot/Pipedrive/other] preferred
- Resilient, competitive mindset with tolerance for target-driven environments
- Valid driving license and willingness to travel [X]% of the time in [region]
Nice-to-Have & What We Offer
Use this section to hint at bonus qualifications (MBA, sales certification, sector-specific background) without making them dealbreakers. Then pivot to what makes your company appealing: salary range in CHF, Pensum, benefits, and culture.
Always include Pensum (e.g., '80–100%'), gross annual salary or salary band, and location (canton/city). Mention 13th-month salary, holiday days, pension contribution rate, and any flexible work policy. If commission or bonus exists, state the formula or range openly.
- Nice-to-have: CAS or advanced diploma in sales management; familiarity with your industry vertical
- We offer a fixed gross annual salary of CHF [X–Y], plus performance bonus up to [X]% based on revenue targets
- Pensum: [80–100%] on a permanent contract; flexible start date negotiable
- 26 days holiday per year, 13th-month salary, and [X]% pension contribution (BVG-compliant)
- Modern office in [city, canton] with remote work flexibility: up to [X] days/week from home
- Professional development budget CHF [X] annually; access to sales training and leadership coaching
Frequently asked questions
- Should I name the specific canton or city in the job ad?
- Yes. Swiss recruiters and job boards expect location clarity. Name the canton (e.g., 'Zurich') and city, and note if remote work is possible. Vague locations ('Greater Switzerland') confuse candidates and reduce applications.
- What if the role needs two languages (e.g., German and French)?
- List both as must-haves in the requirements section, not optional. Example: 'Fluent German (C1) and French (B2+), English (B2+).' Be honest—multilingual roles attract smaller, more qualified pools.
- How do I write the salary section without legal risk?
- State the gross annual salary or salary band clearly. Mention whether it includes the 13th month or is on top of it. Say 'subject to experience and qualifications.' A legal review is wise if your company is new to hiring; compensation must comply with any applicable GAV (collective labour agreement) and avoid gender-based discrimination.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.