How do I become an area manager?
Manage your career upwards with a job as an area manager.
The standard salary for the job is almost £18,000 more than the average UK worker takes home, so take a look at what you can earn in the job role closest to you.
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Area manager roles are open to anyone with ambition, drive and the willingness to work hard in their industry.
Here’s all you need to know to get started, from Sun Jobs.
What is an area manager role?
As the title suggests, an Area Manager is responsible for the day-to-day business operations and financial success of a business within a defined geographical area - or sometimes a defined business area.
The duties will vary according to the type of business but usually include setting and hitting sales targets, hiring staff and building local teams, providing leadership, managing budgets, customer service for key accounts and also acting as a bridge between corporate strategy and on-the-ground execution.
The pay for an area manager looks high – why does it pay so much?
The job is a stepping stone from a junior manager or supervisor position up to senior management.
It pays well as it’s a highly responsible role but also provides the pipeline of senior talent moving up in the business.
The average salary is £48,456 per year but you can earn much more with commission and bonuses.
How do I become an area manager?
First and foremost, you’ll need a strong track record in your current role, which will usually be the rung below area manager or in a related business where you can demonstrate transferable skills.
Having a degree isn’t usually a requirement, although some firms is in specialist areas such as pharmaceuticals may prefer graduate candidates.
What is most important is that you have significant management experience, have built strong teams and show leadership in your current job.
It also helps to have qualifications in business, marketing, and sales.
Do I need any special skills or talents to be an area manager?
Plenty! As you will be managing multiple locations, you have to be organised, be a natural problem solver and ‘read the market’ to see what you need to do to stay ahead of the competition in your area.
Excellent communication, accounting and maths skills are essential and are the ability to motivate staff and manage people effectively.
It's important to understand the business thoroughly and to have insight into the strategy and direction of your company so you can contribute to its overall success as well as the success of the area you manage.