SDR Team Manager
💰 $85,000 - $135,000 OTE
🎯 Role Definition
The SDR Team Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for building, coaching, and managing a high-performing team of Sales Development Representatives (SDRs). This individual serves as the engine for top-of-funnel growth, directly overseeing the activities and strategies that generate qualified sales opportunities and build a robust pipeline for the Account Executive team. More than just a manager, this role is a mentor and a strategist, responsible for the professional development of their team members, the optimization of outbound and inbound processes, and fostering a culture of achievement, collaboration, and resilience. The SDR Team Manager is the vital link between Marketing and Sales, ensuring seamless lead handoffs and strategic alignment to drive revenue growth.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Senior Sales Development Representative (SDR)
- SDR Team Lead / Mentor
- Junior Account Executive (AE)
Advancement To:
- Director of Sales Development / Inside Sales
- Manager of a larger or multiple SDR teams
- Regional Sales Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Sales Enablement Manager
- Sales Operations Manager
- Account Executive Manager
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Recruit, hire, and onboard a team of ambitious and diverse Sales Development Representatives, building a foundation for team success from day one.
- Provide consistent, hands-on coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback through call reviews, role-playing, and one-on-one meetings to develop SDR skills and drive results.
- Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for new and existing SDRs covering product knowledge, buyer personas, sales methodology, and tool proficiency.
- Manage the day-to-day activities of the SDR team to ensure they are meeting and exceeding targets for outbound prospecting, lead qualification, and meeting-setting.
- Set, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as activity metrics, conversion rates, and qualified pipeline generation for individual reps and the team as a whole.
- Create and refine outbound sales cadences and messaging (email, phone, social) in collaboration with marketing and sales leadership to improve engagement and conversion rates.
- Actively manage and optimize the sales technology stack, including the CRM (e.g., Salesforce), Sales Engagement Platforms (e.g., Outreach, SalesLoft), and data enrichment tools.
- Forecast and manage the team’s contribution to the sales pipeline, providing accurate and timely reports to senior sales leadership.
- Foster a high-energy, positive, and results-oriented team culture that encourages healthy competition, continuous learning, and celebration of success.
- Collaborate closely with the Marketing team to ensure a smooth and effective lead management process, providing feedback on lead quality and campaign effectiveness.
- Partner with Account Executive (AE) leadership to ensure strong alignment on target accounts, lead qualification criteria, and a seamless handoff process.
- Analyze team performance data to identify trends, pinpoint areas for improvement, and implement strategic initiatives to enhance overall productivity and effectiveness.
- Develop and execute strategic outbound prospecting initiatives and account-based marketing (ABM) plays in conjunction with the broader go-to-market team.
- Conduct regular territory and account planning sessions with the SDR team to ensure focused and strategic prospecting efforts.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for resolving any operational or interpersonal challenges that arise within the SDR team.
- Stay current on industry trends, competitive landscape, and best practices in sales development to continuously innovate the team's approach.
- Develop and manage incentive programs, spiffs, and contests to motivate the team and drive performance on key initiatives.
- Guide SDRs in their career development, helping them prepare for future roles within the sales organization, such as Account Executive or team leadership positions.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of all data entered and managed within the CRM system by the SDR team.
- Refine and document the rules of engagement and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the sales development function.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc reporting requests from senior leadership regarding team performance, pipeline health, and campaign ROI.
- Provide qualitative feedback to the Product and Marketing teams based on insights gathered from frontline conversations with prospective customers.
- Collaborate with Sales Operations to refine lead routing rules, system workflows, and reporting dashboards.
- Participate in go-to-market strategy sessions, offering insights on market response and ideal customer profiles.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- CRM Proficiency: Deep expertise in managing teams and reporting within CRM platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot.
- Sales Engagement Platform Mastery: Advanced knowledge of tools like Outreach, SalesLoft, or Apollo.io for building, managing, and optimizing sequences.
- Data Analysis: Ability to analyze team performance data using Excel, Google Sheets, or BI tools to derive actionable insights.
- Lead Generation Tools: Proficiency with prospecting and data enrichment tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator, ZoomInfo, and Lusha.
- Sales Methodologies: Solid understanding and ability to coach on frameworks like MEDDIC, BANT, or Challenger Sale.
- Pipeline Management & Forecasting: Skill in accurately forecasting pipeline generation and managing the top-of-funnel lifecycle.
- Process Optimization: Ability to map, analyze, and improve sales development processes and workflows.
- Call Coaching Software: Experience using conversation intelligence tools like Gong or Chorus.ai for training and feedback.
- Project Management: Competency in planning and executing team-wide initiatives, campaigns, and training programs.
- Reporting & Dashboarding: Ability to build and maintain dashboards that clearly visualize team KPIs and progress toward goals.
Soft Skills
- Coaching & Mentoring: A genuine passion for developing people and helping them achieve their professional goals.
- Inspirational Leadership: The ability to motivate, energize, and lead a team to consistently high performance.
- Exceptional Communication: Clear, concise, and empathetic communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strategic Thinking: The capacity to see the bigger picture and align team activities with broader company objectives.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions.
- Resilience & Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, target-driven environment and can navigate change effectively.
- Empathy: Ability to understand the motivations and challenges of team members and prospects alike.
- Results-Oriented: A strong desire to achieve and exceed goals, with a focus on measurable outcomes.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a business-related discipline.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Business Administration
- Marketing & Communications
- Economics
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 3-5 years of experience in a B2B sales role (SDR or AE), including at least 1-2 years in a formal or informal leadership capacity (e.g., Team Lead, Senior SDR with mentorship duties).
Preferred:
- Proven, quantifiable track record of success as an individual contributor in an SDR or closing role.
- Prior experience directly managing a team of SDRs in a high-growth B2B SaaS or technology environment.
- Demonstrated success in hiring, onboarding, and developing top-performing sales talent.