Recruitment Update

The demand for sales leadership talent remains strong in 2025, with businesses continuing to prioritise candidates with technical expertise, stakeholder management skills, and commercial acumen. Hiring managers face ongoing challenges in sourcing high-calibre sales professionals, particularly in roles such as Business Development Managers, Sales Representatives, and Key Account Managers. The integration of AI in sales functions is influencing the required skill set, with CRM optimisation (48%), AI-assisted content writing (43%), and sales data visualisation (36%) emerging as key competencies.

Attracting top sales talent is increasingly reliant on offering competitive KPI bonuses (57%), flexible work arrangements (53%), and career growth opportunities (50%). Notably, the percentage of companies communicating KPIs and commission structures at the interview stage has risen from 57% to 68%, reflecting a shift towards greater transparency in the recruitment process.

of sales teams plan to grow their teams in 2025

80%

of sales teams have started using AI to maximise their efficiency

55%

of teams describe themselves as slightly or significantly under-resourced

Industry Leaders Highlight

"To attract and retain sales staff, employers must prioritise both workplace flexibility and meaningful team connections. The freedom to choose where they work remains crucial for employees, alongside strong engagement with teams and senior leaders. Beyond this, offering opportunities to participate in activities outside their immediate job scope has become a key strategy.

Looking ahead to 2025, both junior and senior sales professionals will need to refine their ability to understand customer needs through skills like concise communication and active listening. With professionals becoming increasingly time-poor and businesses competing for their attention, salespeople who can acknowledge this reality will stand out. Another critical skill is the ability to communicate effectively across multiple platforms. Customers no longer want, nor have time for, endless meetings, and emails often create barriers due to their limited engagement. Successful sales professionals must be adept at leveraging digital, analogue, and in-person communication to engage with their audience."