The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Channel Coordinator / Partner Operations Assistant
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Data entry accuracy, basic CRM usage, understanding of partner programme rules, responding to routine queries, process adherence.
You're ready to move on when
- You can manage a high volume of administrative tasks without errors.
- You consistently meet deadlines for operational processes (e.g., MDF claims).
- You're proactive in identifying minor process improvements.
- You've shown a keen interest in learning more about the 'why' behind the processes.
- 2
Sales Operations Analyst (Junior)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- CRM reporting, sales process understanding, data analysis (basic Excel), supporting sales teams with operational tasks, understanding sales metrics.
You're ready to move on when
- You're comfortable pulling and interpreting basic sales data.
- You've successfully supported a sales team with their day-to-day operational needs.
- You understand the importance of sales pipeline and forecasting.
- You've shown an ability to work cross-functionally with sales and other departments.
- 3
Business Development Representative (BDR) / Sales Development Representative (SDR)
1-3 yearsSkills to master
- Outreach, lead qualification, understanding customer needs, objection handling, CRM logging, pipeline generation.
You're ready to move on when
- You've consistently hit or exceeded your targets for lead generation or qualified meetings.
- You're skilled at engaging with external stakeholders and building initial rapport.
- You have a good understanding of our products and value proposition.
- You're looking for a role that combines your external communication skills with more operational depth.