en

Services

Belgium’s leading employers trust us to deliver fast, efficient hiring solutions that are tailored to their exact requirements. Browse our range of bespoke services and resources

Read more

About Robert Walters Belgium

For us, recruitment is more than just a job. We understand that behind every opportunity is the chance to make a difference to people’s lives

Learn more

Work for us

Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters Belgium

Learn more
Jobs

Our industry specialists will listen to your aspirations and share your story with Belgium’s most prestigious organisations. Together, let’s write the next chapter of your career.

See all jobs
Candidates

Together, we’ll map out career-defining, life-changing pathways to achieve your career ambitions. Browse our range of services, advice, and resources.

Learn more
Services

Belgium’s leading employers trust us to deliver fast, efficient hiring solutions that are tailored to their exact requirements. Browse our range of bespoke services and resources

Read more
About Robert Walters Belgium

For us, recruitment is more than just a job. We understand that behind every opportunity is the chance to make a difference to people’s lives

Learn more

Work for us

Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters Belgium

Learn more

The automotive sector is crying out for sales talent

In February 2023, the 100,000th electric car hit the road in Belgium, and it is estimated that the total number of electric cars in Belgium will exceed 125,000 by the end of 2023. This represents an increase of as much as 75% compared to 2022. Robert Walters notes strong growth in demand for sales support talent in the mobility sector as a result. Asia Skifati, Associate Director at Robert Walters, explains what opportunities sales professionals can expect in this rapidly evolving sector.  

What exactly does an inside sales employee do?  

Asia: "An inside sales associate reports to the sales supervisor. As the job title suggests, he or she works mainly from the office, and does not go out on the road like an account manager, for example. As an inside sales employee, you manage your own customer portfolio from A to Z: you handle orders from existing customers, analyse the results, give advice and provide sustainable solutions. In addition, you map out the potential market by actively approaching potential customers and analysing their needs. You make quotations and follow them up meticulously. You also maintain close contact with suppliers. Administratively, you ensure that new orders are processed quickly and keep the database up-to-date."  

What skills does a successful inside sales employee need to have? 

"First of all, an inside sales employee must have a commercial attitude. In other words, a real salesperson who is result-oriented and kicks at targets. You are in daily contact with customers, prospects and suppliers, so strong communication skills are also a must.  If you speak several languages, that is obviously a plus", says Asia.   

Of course, not everything goes smoothly every day. In busy periods, it is important to be able to set priorities, be well organised and handle stress.

Does something go wrong? Then the inside sales employee is expected to be empathetic and problem-solving to think with the customer and come up with a solution quickly.

 

What about the demand for inside sales staff at the moment?  

Asia: "The demand for inside sales staff remained continuously high during the first half of 2023, peaking in February and March.   

In general, we can say that this high demand applies to several sectors, but we notice that the mobility sector in particular is pulling the cart. This sector plays an important role in our evolution towards a more ecological and sustainable economy. We see no less than a 75% increase compared to last year in the demand for electric cars. To meet this demand, there is therefore also a need for sales profiles. Besides inside sales staff, sales managers, sales assistants and customer service staff are in high demand. And these do not necessarily have to be people with loads of experience: there are also plenty of great opportunities in this sector for school leavers with a Bachelor's degree or starters with their first work experience. "  

What career opportunities are there for starting inside sales staff? 

"If you start your career in an inside sales position, this is an excellent start to develop quickly both professionally and personally. You gain a lot of knowledge in the short term, get to know the ins and outs of your organisation thoroughly and are the first to know when an interesting opportunity arises within the sales department. Do you like the commercial side? Then you can grow into an outside sales or account manager position, for example. Do you already have more experience and do you want to transfer your knowledge to new employees? Then, provided you have the necessary people management skills, you can advance to the role of sales supervisor," Asia says.  

What salary can an inside sales employee expect?  

"If you have just completed a Bachelor's degree and are starting as an inside sales associate, you can expect a salary of EUR 2100-2700 gross per month. With 3-6 years' experience in a sales support role, you will earn an average of EUR 2400-3000 gross per month. From the moment you have more than 6 years of experience, you can count on a gross salary of 2600-3800 EUR per month. There are usually extras such as meal vouchers or a transport allowance, eco cheques, an insurance package and possibly an annual bonus.    

Some organisations give their employees discounts on their products. In the mobility sector, for example, you can opt for a personal leasing car on very advantageous terms. And last but not least: most organisations currently also offer their employees the option of teleworking," says Asia.  

 

Are you interested?  

Then take a quick look at our vacancies within sales or contact one of our offices.

Share this article

Related Solutions

Sign up for job alerts
Salary Survey
Career Advice
Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialist recruitment consultants

Asia Skifati

Associate Director
Phone: +32 493 22 97 66

Related content

View All
The job and salary of a Sales Assistant

"Opportunities abound for professionals looking to get started as a Sales Assistant," says Alison Pougin, recruitment consultant at Robert Walters. She explains what the responsibilities and career opportunities are in this position, what salary you can expect and in which sectors demand is currentl

Read More
The job and salary of a Customer Service Representative

When you are a recent graduate, the world is at your feet. If you would like to hold on to this feeling a little longer, then you would do well to start your career as a Customer Service Representative. After all, a range of possible career paths stretches out before you from this position. Ian Scho

Read More
The job and the salary of an Account Manager

Are you a driven and enthusiastic professional, a smooth talker and does a good bit of negotiating not scare you away? Then account manager is the ideal job for you. What important role do these sales experts actually play in the success of an organisation? Glenn François, recruitment consultant at

Read More

I'm Robert Walters Are you?

Come join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.