Overview

Sale trainers plan, develop, implement and evaluate training and development programs for company sales staff.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Design and coordinate staff training programs based on organizational and employee needs
• Analyze training needs to ensure objectives and goals of the organization and work area are met
• Develop training resources e.g. preparation of notes and visual displays from researched information
• Conduct training courses including demonstrating equipment, operating video recorders/cameras and leading group discussions or role-playing activities, or employ experts to do so
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs; evaluation involves using such methods as surveys, questionnaires, interviews and observation, then using the results to plan future courses or to amend existing ones
• Obtain information on work-related external courses, prepare reports on their suitability and make recommendations on staff attendance at training courses
• Provide career development sessions for existing staff and conduct induction sessions for new employees
• Assist in the recruitment, development, utilization and retention of work force
• Work with Training Manager and Sales Marketing Managers to design, develop and/or deliver advanced sales manager training program and experienced sales content.
• Workswith Training Manager on Succession Planning process for member or retail operations
• Coordinate follow-up and evaluations with employees to assure new skills and techniques have successfully been implemented on the job
• Work directly with member and retail division and HR managers to assess, deliver and ensure implementation of knowledge and skills

What education and training is required?

A bachelor’s degree in human resources, agriculture education, agriculture business or degree relating to product/services being offered is required.

To pursue a career as a sales trainer:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, mathematics, biology, business courses and computer courses.

Where can I work?

Sales trainers work for companies who have larger sales staffs to ensure they are able to perform their job effectively. Some trainers may be self-employed and contract with companies who need their services.

Future Job Market/Outlook

The job outlook for a sales trainer will be good over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• National Association of Sales Professionals
• Professional Sales Association
• National Ag Retailers Association
• Agricultural Speakers Network