Sara Sterling
Sales Enablement and Training Manager
Professional Overview
Sara is an experienced sales and training professional with a strong track record of driving growth, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the performance of sales teams. As the Sales Enablement and Training Manager at Panera Bread, she is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive training programs that equip the company's sales force with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to excel in their roles.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Sales Enablement and Training Manager at Panera Bread, Sara is responsible for designing and delivering targeted training programs that improve the sales capabilities of the company's nationwide team. She collaborates closely with sales managers and executives to identify skill gaps, develop customized training curricula, and measure the impact of training initiatives on sales performance. Under her leadership, Panera Bread has experienced a 15% increase in sales conversion rates and a 20% reduction in onboarding time for new sales representatives.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Sara held several sales and sales management positions within Panera Bread, including Area Sales Manager and Senior Sales Manager. In these roles, she consistently exceeded revenue targets, implemented innovative sales strategies, and mentored junior sales professionals. Additionally, she has experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having served as a Pharmaceutical Sales Specialist at AstraZeneca, where she consistently ranked among the top sales representatives in her region.
Academic Background
Sara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Kentucky, where she graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Sales strategy and execution
- Sales team development and training
- Customer relationship management
- Proficient in CRM systems and sales enablement tools
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Sara has demonstrated a strong commitment to driving sales performance and fostering the growth of sales teams. As the Sales Enablement and Training Manager at Panera Bread, she has played a pivotal role in improving the company's sales conversion rates, reducing onboarding time, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the sales force. Her expertise in sales training and enablement has made her a valuable asset to the organization, and she is widely recognized as a subject matter expert in her field.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience in sales, sales management, and training, Sara is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful impact in her role as the Sales Enablement and Training Manager at Panera Bread. Her proven track record of driving sales performance and her commitment to developing high-performing sales teams make her a valuable asset to any organization.