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
Sales Training Manager (L5) within a larger organisation
3-5 years at L5 levelSkills to master
- Managing a team of trainers, owning a significant programme portfolio, demonstrating measurable business impact, and influencing senior stakeholders across a region or major business unit.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeding programme impact metrics and budget targets.
- Successfully leading a major sales methodology rollout or transformation initiative.
- Developing and promoting talent within your own team.
- Receiving strong positive feedback from VPs of Sales and other GTM leaders.
- 2
Head of Sales Enablement for a smaller, high-growth company
4-6 years in a similar leadership roleSkills to master
- Building an enablement function from scratch, managing a broad scope (training, content, tools), proving ROI with limited resources, and operating effectively in a fast-paced, often ambiguous environment.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully scaling enablement programmes through periods of rapid company growth.
- Demonstrating strong cross-functional collaboration and influence across all GTM functions.
- Building robust measurement frameworks and consistently reporting on business impact.
- Being recognised as a strategic partner by the executive team.
- 3
Senior Sales Leader (e.g., Regional Sales Director) with a passion for development
5-7 years in sales leadership, followed by a transitionSkills to master
- Deep understanding of the sales process, P&L management, leading large sales teams, and a proven track record of coaching and developing sales talent. You'd need to bridge your sales leadership experience with formal enablement methodologies.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeding sales targets while maintaining high team morale and low churn.
- Being recognised internally for exceptional sales coaching and talent development.
- Proactively seeking out and implementing sales training best practices within your own team.
- Demonstrating a strategic vision for how enablement can drive broader business outcomes.