Sales teams remain under-resourced heading into 2026, with more than seven in ten operating below ideal capacity. Hiring is concentrated in revenue-critical positions, led by business development managers, sales representatives and national sales managers.
Employers are also seeking key account and account management capability. They are prioritising experienced candidates who can deliver quickly, grow pipeline and strengthen client relationships, particularly as capped bonuses and limited capacity increase competition for proven performers.
54%
of sales teams have their bonuses capped in 2026.
40%
of sales teams have their bonuses paid monthly or quarterly (both 40%).
51%
of teams describe themselves as under-resourced.
Sales
• General Manager Sales
• Sales Director
• National Sales Manager
• National Business Development Manager
• Business Development Manager
• Regional Sales Manager
• Territory/Area Sales Manager
• Sales Manager
• Sales Team Leader
• Sales Engineer
Account management
• Customer Success Manager
• Enterprise Account Executive
• Key Account Manager
• Account Manager
• Account Executive
Our process begins with a detailed consultation. We meet with you to understand the role, required skills, experience level, and cultural fit. This ensures the search is tailored to your business needs.
Once the brief is clear, we promote your vacancy across job boards, LinkedIn, our AI tools, and internal database. Our recruiters also headhunt passive candidates, ensuring you reach both active job seekers and hidden talent.
We review applications, conduct phone or video interviews, verify qualifications, and check references. Only the top candidates are shortlisted, saving you time and ensuring you meet the most suitable professionals.
Shortlisted candidates are presented to you for interview. We manage scheduling, prepare candidates, and provide you with market insights to help evaluate and compare applicants effectively.
After you choose your preferred candidate, we assist with salary negotiations, and manage counter-offers. We also follow up after placement to ensure long-term success.
"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."
Take a closer look at what’s driving hiring in your industry, from shifting employer priorities to the roles most in demand. This comprehensive report reveals the key trends shaping recruitment and workforce strategy this year, providing your business with a competitive edge in today’s uncertain labour market.
Copyright 2026, people2people Recruitment
