VOCATIONAL ENTERPRISES SALES MANAGER

DEFINITION

This is supervisory work in directing the sales activities of the Vocational Enterprises Program of the Department of Corrections.

The employee in this class is responsible for supervising the sales activities of the Vocational Enterprises Program which provides products and services to state agencies, tax supported agencies, non-profit organizations, state employees and political subdivisions of the State of Missouri. Work includes identifying potential customers and determining their needs, assigning sales personnel to customers, monitoring customer complaints, consulting with production and management staff on quality control problems and promoting good customer relations. Supervision is exercised over a moderate size staff of Vocational Enterprises Representatives. General supervision is received from a designated superior.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Directs and supervises a sales staff that is responsible for negotiating agreements with customers for the purchase of the products and services provided by the Missouri Vocational Enterprises Program; supervision includes assigning work tasks, monitoring work activities and completing performance evaluations.

Arranges and coordinates sales visits to customers by sales personnel.

Analyzes and evaluates existing customer needs and problems in order to improve services.

Reviews purchase orders for correct pricing, shipping and receiving dates, and delivery schedule.

Determines customer satisfaction and investigates complaints concerning the products and services that are provided to the customer.

Promotes and encourages good customer relations through direct contact and training of sales staff.

Participates in workshops and demonstrations to inform current and potential customers of new products.

Consults with administrative staff in the planning, evaluation and coordination of the sales activities.

Travels with sales personnel to participate in sales presentations or resolve special problems.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of Missouri vocational enterprises products, services, materials and policies concerning product sales and delivery.

Considerable knowledge of the practices of salesmanship.

Ability to make effective sales presentations to customers.

Ability to resolve customer complaints.

Ability to develop and maintain effective contacts and working relationships with factory and service managers, customers, sales and support personnel, and the general public.

Ability to keep records of customer contracts, current products, services provided and potential need for additional or new vocational enterprises products.

Ability to supervise and manage the work activities of a subordinate staff.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Two years of experience in commercial sales (other than retail or route sales work), small business management, marketing or comparable business work involving extensive public contacts; and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in business administration, marketing or closely related areas.

OR

Two years of experience as a Vocational Enterprises Representative under the Missouri Merit System.

(Rev. 7/1/95)