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
Senior Telesales Executive (Internal Promotion)
5-8 years as an individual contributor, with at least 2-3 years at a senior level.Skills to master
- Consistently exceeding personal quota, informal mentorship of junior reps, strong understanding of the full sales cycle, excellent objection handling, and a proactive approach to process improvement.
You're ready to move on when
- You're already coaching new hires without being asked.
- You're the 'go-to' person for complex deals or tricky objections.
- You consistently hit 120%+ of your personal target.
- You've shown initiative in improving team processes or sharing best practices.
- 2
Telesales Team Lead / Junior Manager (External Hire)
8-12 years in sales, with 3-5 years in a formal team lead or junior management role at another company.Skills to master
- Experience managing a small team (2-4 reps), basic performance management, coaching skills, and familiarity with sales CRM and engagement tools.
You're ready to move on when
- You've successfully managed a small team to hit targets in a previous role.
- You can articulate your coaching philosophy and provide examples of developing reps.
- You're comfortable with basic sales reporting and forecasting.
- You're looking for a step up in team size and strategic responsibility.
- 3
Field Sales Manager (Transition)
10-15 years in field sales, with 3-5 years in a management role, looking to transition to an inside sales leadership position.Skills to master
- Strong leadership and coaching abilities, experience managing a sales pipeline, strategic account management, and a willingness to adapt to the high-velocity, data-driven nature of inside sales.
You're ready to move on when
- You've managed a successful field sales team and are looking for a new challenge.
- You're comfortable with technology and data-driven decision-making.
- You understand the nuances of the inside sales model and are eager to learn.
- You can demonstrate transferable skills in coaching, performance management, and strategy.