Sales Operations Job Description

Sales Operations Skills You Should Know

Really understanding how to apply technology to how we get work done, meaning working with our IT partners in terms of applying, whether it's, you know, in today's world, Gen AI or just systems workflow. Definitely being personable. Understanding how the business is put together, understanding financials, because in a sales operations role you definitely deal with the revenue execution component of a company. And so understanding all the elements of what drives those financials is extremely critical as well. 

The Pros of Sales Operations

A pro for this role is I'm interacting with the sales team. I mean, sales teams typically have a budget. They do a lot of fun events. I get to go on a lot of golf excursions. Dealing with customers is certainly a benefit. Really understanding and being connected to what their requirements are, what they need, and helping them be successful. I find that extremely rewarding. 

The Challenges of Sales Operations

The hours sometimes, because any global role you're going to find yourself on a lot of early and late phone calls, a constant balance of trying to keep multiple stakeholders happy when they all have little different objectives, but really trying to find that happy medium there. So that can be fun, but sometimes that can be coming from a day and finding that you haven't made anybody happy, including yourself. So I think that's definitely a downside of the role. 

Tip For Any Sales Role: Learn to Negotiate

Anytime you're trying to sell an idea, you are absolutely negotiating. There are trade-offs. There are ways to influence people. It's not about being right. It's about getting the outcome that you want to happen. And sometimes that requires a little bit of maneuverability, the ability to think three or four steps ahead. It's more about that ability to pull the different ideas from a bunch of individuals, how to make a good argument, how to navigate a conversation to where you want it to go.

Career Benefits of Operations Roles

When working in an operations role, whether it's in supply chain or the business unit or marketing,  nn element of being in an operational role shows that you have the ability to influence. You typically understand metrics and analytics, and no two days are ever alike. So in an operations role, honestly, every single day is a new opportunity and a new problem to solve and a new challenge, and I find that extremely rewarding.