Sales Administrator

Job Description:

Sales administrators process sales orders and payments, arrange deliveries and offer after-sales support.

Job Category:

Retail & Consumer

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What you will do:

On a typical day you could:

answer customer enquiries over the phone, by email and face to face
take and process customer orders and payments
do credit checks, raise invoices and deal with paperwork
update customer records
check stock and re-order supplies
organise deliveries
provide after-sales support
type up documents like letters and reports

Skills:

You’ll need:

customer service skills
business management skills
the ability to sell products and services (creativity)
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
persistence and determination
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

To become a Sales Administrator, there are no specific subject requirements, but having a well-rounded education can be advantageous. Sales Administrators typically handle various administrative tasks in support of the sales team. Here are some subjects that can be helpful in preparing for a career in this field:

Mathematics (Maths): A solid understanding of mathematics can be beneficial for handling sales data, calculations, and financial records.
English Language: Good communication skills, including written communication, are essential for creating sales reports, composing emails, and interacting with clients and team members.
Business Studies: Business studies can provide a foundational understanding of basic business concepts and principles, which are relevant to sales and administration.
ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computer software and databases is important for maintaining and organising sales records.
Economics: While not essential, a course in economics can provide a deeper understanding of economic concepts that may be relevant in a sales and business context.

Post School

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.

In the UK, for example, courses include:

Diploma in Business and Administration
Level in Sales and Account Management
Level in Management and Administration

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a business administrator advanced apprenticeship.

Work

You may be able to work your way into this role by starting as a receptionist or administration support worker and learning on the job.

Direct Application

You could apply directly if you’ve got the relevant skills and knowledge needed to do this job.

Telephone, typing and IT skills will also be useful.

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 38-40 hours of work. You could be required to work weekends.

You could work in an office or in a contact centre.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could become a sales admin team leader, personal assistant or office manager.

Sales Administrator