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How to Become a Sales Executive: Australian Careers in Business

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What is a Sales Executive?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Sales Executive?

A Sales Executive sells products or services on behalf of a company. They are the main contact for clients and work to build lasting ties. Around 71,800 Sales Representatives work in Australia today (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025).

Day-to-day work means finding leads, meeting clients, and closing deals. Sales Executives use CRM tools to track clients and manage their pipeline. They also work with marketing teams to stay aligned with current campaigns.

The role suits people who enjoy variety and thrive on meeting targets. Most roles are full-time and span industries from tech and wholesale trade to health and finance. Some roles involve evening or travel commitments.

Entry is open at many levels. A Certificate IV in Business (BSB40120) takes 12 months at a TAFE or RTO. A Commerce or Marketing degree is another strong path.

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Career snapshots For Sales Executives

Sales Executives work across nearly every industry in Australia. Around 71,800 Sales Representatives work nationwide (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is 43 years and most roles are full-time (83%). Workers average 42 hours per week (ABS, 2025).

Median full-time weekly pay is $1,692, or around $88,000 a year (ABS, May 2025). Top earners in tech and finance can earn much more through commissions and bonuses. Women make up 37% of the workforce in this field.

Work has been steady in recent years. Tech, wholesale trade, and finance are the biggest employers. Most Sales Executives work for private firms.

What will I do?

A Sales Executive drives revenue by finding new clients and keeping existing ones engaged. The role blends strategy with hands-on client work. Tasks vary each day, which suits people who enjoy a mix of desk and face-to-face work.

  • Client Outreach: contact new clients by phone, email, and at events to build a lead list.
  • Sales Presentations: prepare and run presentations that show the value of products or services.
  • Market Research: study trends and rival moves to sharpen sales strategy.
  • Relationship Management: keep in touch with clients to build loyalty and get referrals.
  • Negotiation: discuss terms, pricing, and contracts to close sales.
  • Sales Reporting: track results and prepare reports against agreed targets.
  • Team Collaboration: work with marketing and product teams to align sales and promotions.
  • Customer Feedback: gather client input to help improve products and service.
  • CRM Management: keep client records and deal stages up to date in CRM tools.
  • Follow-Up: check back with leads to answer questions and move deals forward.

What skills do I need?

A Sales Executive needs strong communication skills above all else. They must explain product value clearly, handle objections, and close deals with confidence. Good listening is just as vital as speaking.

Negotiation skills help Sales Executives reach deals that work for both sides. Time management is also vital, as juggling many accounts and follow-ups is daily life. CRM skills are now a standard ask in most roles.

Resilience matters in sales. Not every lead converts, and rejection is part of the job. Sales Executives who bounce back fast and learn from each call tend to do best over time. A data mindset helps track results and spot areas to grow.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Negotiation and persuasion
  • Active listening
  • CRM software skills
  • Goal-setting and target achievement
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Resilience and persistence
  • Adaptability
  • Product and industry knowledge
  • Data analysis and reporting
  • Networking
  • Team collaboration
  • Presentation skills
  • Strategic thinking

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.