Technical Sales Representative
Technical Sales Representative
A Technical Sales Representative (or Technical Sales Engineer / Technical Sales Specialist) balance the dual specialism of technical expertise, and selling. The core objective of a Technical Sales Representative is to persuade the client that the product or service that they are selling best satisfies their needs.
Evidently, the primary differentiator between a Technical Sales Representative and a Non-Technical Sales Representative is the need for technical knowledge. This is not just learning about the technology of specific product they are selling, but having an authentic understanding of market knowledge, information about the client, competing products and the wider technological climate. Technical Sales Representatives need to be able to skilfully incorporate technical knowledge into their sales pitch in a persuasive manner to maximise the chance of the client buying their product / service.
Responsibilities for a Technical Sales Representative vary between specific roles and further vary on a daily basis. A Technical Sales Representative will predominantly be responsible for selling technology based products and services, visiting clients, making technical presentations / sales pitches, business development, identifying and establishing new business, negotiating terms of contract etc. Other duties of a Technical Sales Representative include providing pre-sales and post-sales support such as product education and advice, reviewing costs and sales performance, coordinating sales projects and liaising with other members of sales teams / other technical experts.
Career prospects for a Technical Sales Representative are strong, with plenty of opportunities for progression. To excel in the technical sales domain, individuals must consistently meet and exceed sales targets, break into new markets, successfully develop business and win new clients. You may also progress by developing your expertise in a particular (or multiple) technological areas, or moving into a managerial position to coach and mentor junior colleagues.
A degree is not always necessary for an entry-level Technical Sales Representative role, but there are other ways to gain an advantage over other applicants, such as enhancing your expertise through attending relevant training courses. Solid foreign language skills are also highly beneficial, especially in companies with international presence.
The market for Technical Sales Representatives continues to grow as an increasing number of companies identify a need for employees with mix of technical and product knowledge and sales skills. Typical employers range from multinational conglomerates to small specialised businesses with a standalone Technical Sales Representative, any organisation that has a specific product or service to sell.
In comparison to other technical roles, a Technical Sales Representative must have a suitable personality to succeed. For example, whilst a solid technical background and technical expertise in one (or more) specific areas of technology is paramount, a Technical Sales Representative must also have effortless sales skills, a self-assured persona and an ability to relay complex technical information coherently and confidently. Technical Sales Representatives must also be resilient and have strong business acumen, able to forge robust working relationships quickly and effectively.
Salary for a Technical Sales Representative tends to vary depending on candidate experience, the role / product / industry etc. Unlike other roles within the technology sphere, Technical Sales Representatives have the opportunity to earn commission on top of their base salary. Technical Sales Representative roles in London tend to offer higher salaries.
If you are interested in a career as a Technical Sales Representative or would like to find out more, call on of our specialist consultants today.
https://www.client-server.com/job-search?term=technical+sales