SMB Sales Manager – Outbound Retention & Acquisition

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: SMB Sales Manager – Outbound Retention & Acquisition

🔹 Company: Apple

🔹 Location: Elk Grove, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Sales & Business Development

🔹 Date Posted: April 19, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading an inside-sales team focused on retaining and growing Apple's SMB customer base while acquiring new customers.
• Setting strategy, mentoring sellers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experiences.
• Driving solution-based selling and owning performance metrics to ensure team success.
• Embodying Apple values and empowering others to tell the Apple story and do their best work.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a dynamic sales leader with a proven track record in fast-paced, dynamic environments. The ideal candidate will have experience in B2B sales, with a focus on SMB retention and acquisition.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Build & Implement Strategy – Design outbound retention and acquisition plans that exceed revenue, unit, and customer-lifetime-value goals.

✅ Lead & Develop Talent – Hire, mentor, and encourage a diverse team of Account Managers to champion a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and celebration.

✅ Drive Solution-Based Selling – Champion consultative conversations that position Apple’s whole ecosystem—devices, services, financing, and support—to solve real SMB challenges.

✅ Own Performance Metrics—Track and act on KPIs such as call activity, conversion rate, customer churn, average revenue per account, and NPS. Recognize wins and give timely, actionable coaching when gaps appear.

✅ Collaborate Cross-Functionally – Partner with Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Retail peers to align campaigns, optimize offers, and share standard methodologies.

✅ Elevate Customer Experience – Ensure every interaction reflects Apple’s high-quality, privacy, and care standards while meeting compliance requirements for a successful contact-center environment.

✅ Embody Apple Values – Model inclusion, curiosity, and excellence; empower others to tell the Apple story and do their best work.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills to translate strategy into clear actions and give candid, constructive feedback.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required, MBA preferred

Experience: 5+ years motivating direct reports and leading high-volume Business to Business sales teams, with proven success in SMB retention and new customer acquisition.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of hitting or surpassing revenue, retention, and customer-satisfaction goals.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and motivate teams with varied strengths in a performance-based culture.
• Excellent communication skills—translating strategy into clear actions and giving candid, constructive feedback.
• Strong analytical competence; comfortable using various analytical tools, CRM data, and sales behavior metrics to guide decisions.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in analyzing sales data and using insights to make strategic decisions and drive team performance.
• Proficiency with sales tools and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, with proven ability to use technology to streamline team workflows.
• Experience working within a complex organizational structure, with the ability to effectively collaborate with peers and partners across various functional departments.
• Self-starter with a proven track record of delivering high impact results.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in B2B sales, particularly in the SMB sector, and a proven track record of driving team success are strongly encouraged to apply.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000 per year (based on industry standards for a sales manager role with 5-10 years of experience in the technology sector)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee discounts on Apple products

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with some flexibility for team meetings and events

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a sales manager role with the given experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Apple operates in the competitive technology sector, focusing on designing, developing, and selling consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. The company is known for its innovative products and strong brand loyalty.

Company Size: Apple is a large corporation with over 200 employees, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. The company has since grown into a global leader in the technology industry.

Company Description:

• Apple is committed to bringing the best user experience to its customers through its innovative hardware, software, and services.
• The company values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, fostering a culture where everyone belongs and is inspired to do their best work.
• Apple Retail leads the way in introducing customers to how Apple can help them start, grow, and evolve their businesses.

Company Specialties:

• Consumer electronics
• Computer software
• Online services
• Retail

Company Website: https://www.apple.com/

ASSUMPTION: Apple's focus on innovation, quality, and customer experience makes it an attractive employer for individuals seeking a challenging and rewarding career in the technology industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level management position, reporting directly to the Sales Director or similar role.

Reporting Structure: The SMB Sales Manager will oversee a team of Account Managers, responsible for driving sales and customer retention within the SMB segment.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with some flexibility for remote work as needed. The work arrangement may include regular team meetings and events to foster collaboration and communication.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a senior sales management role, such as Sales Director or Vice President of Sales.
• Expansion into other business segments or geographic regions.
• Development of leadership and management skills through mentoring and coaching opportunities.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance their career within Apple's sales organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Apple's office environment is modern, collaborative, and designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): Elk Grove, California, United States

Geographic Context:

• Elk Grove is a city located in Sacramento County, California, with a population of approximately 160,000 people.
• The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of housing options, restaurants, and recreational activities.
• Elk Grove is conveniently located near major highways and public transportation, making it an easily accessible location for commuters.

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is full-time, Monday-Friday, with some flexibility for team meetings and events. The work arrangement may include occasional overtime or weekend work to support business needs.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Apple is dynamic, fast-paced, and focused on driving results through collaboration and innovation.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth behavioral interviews with cross-functional stakeholders
• Final interview with the Sales Director or similar role
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales acumen and strategic thinking
• Leadership and team management skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Apple's values

Application Tips:

• Highlight your proven track record of driving sales and customer retention in the SMB sector.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences for this role.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Apple's products, services, and values during the interview process.

ATS Keywords: SMB sales, customer retention, new customer acquisition, sales leadership, team development, solution-based selling, performance metrics, cross-functional collaboration, customer experience, Apple values

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's sales acumen, leadership skills, and cultural fit with Apple's values and work environment.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Salesforce CRM
• Apple's internal sales tools and platforms
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Webex)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for sales and management positions within the technology industry.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Accessibility
• Education
• Environmental Stewardship
• Inclusion and Diversity
• Privacy
• Quality
• Vitality

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Focused on driving results and innovation
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody Apple's values in your daily work?
• How do you foster a culture of continuous learning and accountability within your team?
• How do you balance the need for results with the need for employee development and growth?

ASSUMPTION: Apple values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, fostering a culture where everyone belongs and is inspired to do their best work. Candidates who embody these values and are committed to driving results through collaboration and innovation are strongly encouraged to apply.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a high-volume sales team with varying levels of experience and skill.
• Balancing the need for short-term sales results with long-term customer retention and growth strategies.
• Adapting to a dynamic and fast-paced work environment with changing priorities and goals.
• Navigating a complex organizational structure with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges for this role are common to sales management positions within the technology industry. Candidates with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are well-positioned to succeed in this role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other sales management positions within the technology industry, with a focus on driving sales and customer retention within the SMB segment.
• However, this role is unique in its focus on outbound retention and acquisition strategies, requiring a strong understanding of both customer retention and new customer acquisition tactics.
• Career paths for this role may include progression to senior sales management roles, such as Sales Director or Vice President of Sales, or expansion into other business segments or geographic regions.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance their career within Apple's sales organization.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a strategic plan for outbound retention and acquisition within the SMB segment.
• Coaching and mentoring a team of Account Managers to achieve or exceed sales and customer retention targets.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align campaigns, optimize offers, and share standard methodologies.

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects for this role are designed to assess the candidate's sales acumen, leadership skills, and ability to drive results through collaboration and innovation.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader sales strategy for the SMB segment?
• What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
• How does Apple support the professional development and growth of its sales managers?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the SMB sales team, and how can this role address them?
• How does Apple measure the success of its sales managers, and what are the expectations for this role?

ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview for this role are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the role, the company, and the broader sales strategy for the SMB segment.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Apple's products, services, and values during the interview process.
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.