Several industrial-goods companies also have product managers. Product management is considered one of the best training grounds for future corporate officers. The representatives handle complaints, suggestions, and problems concerning the company's products, determine what action is required, and coordinate the activities required to solve the problem. The position requires a person who is empathetic, diplomatic, and capable of working with a wide range of people both inside and outside the firm. They usually need a technical background.
Most people start in sales and spend time in training and making calls with senior salespeople.
If they stay in sales, they may advance to district, regional, and higher sales positions. Or they may go into product management and work closely with customers, suppliers, manufacturing, and sales engineering. For such assignments, most companies select experienced personnel who have proven themselves in domestic operations. Career paths lead to management of distribution systems for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, as well as the marketing and management of distribution services, such as transportation companies and distribution centers. Manufacturer s agents act as a producer s sales arm in a territory and are principally responsible for the transactional channel functions, primarily selling.