Last Updated On 08 Aug, 2020

How to Become a Zonal Business Manager

About Zonal Business Manager

A Zonal Business Manager is responsible for managing all business-related activities conducted in a particular 'zone'. The responsibilities of a Zonal Business Manager are limited to the 'zone' or area in which he/she is working. The job responsibilities of a Zonal Business Manager include ensuring the growth of business and profits of a company in a particular zone and conducting sales and marketing related activities.

Zonal Business Managers act as head of their respective zones and are answerable to the higher management about the business activities in that zone. It is a senior-level management position in a company. A person usually gets promoted to the post of Zonal Business Manager after having 3-5 years of experience as a Regional Manager. Zonal Business Managers usually don't work at the ground level. They take important decisions related to the management of RMs, form strategies of growth and take a final call on activities such as recruitment, salary appraisals etc.

Job Responsibilities of Zonal Business Manager

The duties that a person working at a Zonal Business Manager position for a company have been listed below. The exact nature of their job changes as per the type of company that they are working for.

  • Strategising and ensuring proper execution of business-related plans for their Zone.

  • Forming sales, distribution and marketing-related activities and ensuring that they are properly implemented in their Zone.

  • Ensuring the growth of customer base, sales figures, customer satisfaction index.

  • Keeping an eye on target competition and driving progress based on the metrics set by their company.

  • Coordinating product launches and availability.

  • Reviewing the health of the distribution network of the company and driving additions as and when necessary etc.

Eligibility to become Zonal Business Manager

Zonal Business Managers are senior-level professionals that rank one above the Regional Manager position. Hence, they must not only have a management degree from a top b-school in India or abroad but also a good amount of work experience in the field. Given below are the requirements to become a Zonal Business Manager.

Education Required

  • Zonal Business Managers are usually required to have completed a postgraduate management course.

  • Most of the companies require ZBMs to have a PGDM or MBA degree from a reputed institute.

  • They may have a UG degree in management or a technical degree. Companies usually don't specify any particular UG requirements.

Work Experience

Around 10 years of work experience is usually mandated for Zonal Business Managers. They are promoted after 3-5 years in a Regional Manager role.

Skills Required

Given below are the skills that a candidate for Zonal Business Manager role must possess:

  • In-depth understanding of the sales network of a company

  • Advanced written and verbal communication skill

  • Ability to coordinate with large teams

  • Target-driven approach

  • Mindset for efficiency and excellence etc.

Courses to Become a Zonal Business Manager

Given below are the UG and PG courses that can help you develop the required skills and knowledge to become a Zonal Business Managers. Companies usually prefer candidates with an MBA or PGDM degree for Zonal Business Manager roles. You can either go for a general undergraduate degree course or pursue a UG course 

Course

Total Fee (Approx)

Colleges for Business Management

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 8.00 lakh

Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS)

Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 2.60 lakh

Bachelor of Business Management (BBM)

Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 3.00 lakh

Masters of Business Administration (MBA)

Rs.15,000 to Rs. 25.00 lakh

Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)

Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 14 lakhs

MBA in Business Process Management

Rs.40,000 to Rs. 6.00 lakh

MBA in Sales Management

Rs. 5 lakhs to 20 lakhs 

MBA in Business Analytics

Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 15.00 lakh

For admission to the best business management colleges in India, you can fill our Common Application Form (CAF). If you require any information about admissions or courses, please give us a call at 18005729877.

Types of Job Roles Zonal Business Manager

The job responsibilities of Zonal Business Managers depend on several factors such as:

  • Target Audience in their Zone

  • The scale of Operations of the Company

  • Type of Products / Services of the Company

These are also the factors that define the job roles of a Zonal Business Manager. For eg., a company with a very large-scale network can have multiple Zonal Business Managers for each Zone. In such a case, these ZBMs will be managing different teams and activities such as Sales, Marketing etc. Here are some of the job roles related to Zonal Business Managers.

  • Vice President of Operations

  • Zonal Sales Manager

  • Head of Distribution

  • Head of Marketing

  • Regional Manager etc.

Employment Sector/Industry for Zonal Business Manager

Zonal Business Manager is a job position that is common across all of the companies that have a sales and distribution network. Hence, there are many types of companies that have job openings for Zonal Business Managers. However, candidates should keep in mind that since ZBMs must have in-depth knowledge of their sectors, companies usually either promote their Divisional Heads or Regional Managers to ZBM roles or require that ZBM candidates have relevant work experience.

Given below are the different types of industries hiring Zonal Business Managers.

  • Telecommunication Companies
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Tour and Travel Firms
  • Insurance Firms
  • Retail Companies etc.

Top Recruiting Companies of Zonal Business Managers

Given below are some of the top companies hiring Zonal Business Managers in India.

  • Airtel

  • Vodafone

  • Michael Page

  • Hewlett Packard

  • Baja Allianz etc.

Planning to choose Zonal Business Manager as your career?

Pay Scale/Salary of Zonal Business Manager

A Zonal Business Manager usually earns a fat paycheck as it is a very important role for any organisation. Zonal Business Managers in India earn a salary of around Rs. 18,27,000 per annum on average. However, the exact salary for Zonal Business Managers will vary by the company as well as the amount of experience a candidate has. Given below are the salary details of Zonal Business Managers

Job RoleEntry-Level SalaryMid-Career SalarySenior-Level Salary
Zonal Business ManagerRs. 8 - 10 LPARs. 15 - 18 LPARs. 15 - 30 LPA

Books & Study Material to Become Zonal Business Manager

Given below are some of the best books recommended by experts for professionals working as Zonal Business Managers.

  • Sales Management. Simplified by Mike Weinberg

  • Cracking the Sales Management Code: The Secrets to Measuring and Managing Sales Performance by Jason Jordan and Michelle Vazzana

  •  by Sales Manager Survival Guide: Lessons From Sales' Front Lines by David Brock

  • Coaching Salespeople into Sales Champions by Keith Rosen

  • How to Be a Power Connector: The 5+50+100 Rule for Turning Your Business Network into Profits by Judy Robinett

  • To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others by Daniel H. Pink

Pros of becoming a Zonal Business Manager

  • Zonal Business Managers are important and influential people who control many business decisions of a company.
  • They have control over one of the most important aspects for any company -- the sales and distribution network.

  • They can lead a lavish lifestyle and have the potential of earning Rs. 30 - 40 lakhs per year.

Cons of becoming a Zonal Business Manager

  • Candidates can only apply for this role after 10 - 15 years of experience.
  • Professionals have to go face cut-throat competition in the market as well as office politics to get into this role.

  • ZBMs have an immense responsibility and are answerable to the core management of an organisation.

Do you think this is the right career choice for you?

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FAQs about Zonal Business Manager

What are the skills required for a Zonal Business Manager?

A Zonal Business Manager must have good communication skills, ability to coordinate and motivate large teams to action, strategising sales and marketing plans, understanding of the distribution network of a company etc.

Which type of companies hire Zonal Business Managers?

Zonal Business Managers are required in any company that has a sales and distribution network. Common types of companies hiring Zonal Business Managers include Telecoms and Pharma companies.

How can I apply for Zonal Business Manager roles?

You can find job postings for Zonal Business Managers on the website of various companies. Companies also advertise vacancies on various job portals.

How much salary does a Zonal Business Manager earn?

The salary of a Zonal Business Manager depends on his/her experience and size of company. The entry-level salary can be around Rs. 8 - 10 LPA but senior ZBMs in large organisations can earn more than Rs. 30 LPA.

What are the best courses to become a Zonal Business Manager?

Companies usually ask for a MBA or PGDM degree for Zonal Business Manager aspirants. Specialisations such as Sales Management, Marketing, Business Analytics etc. will be the best choices.

How much work experience is required to become a Zonal Business Manager?

The work experience required for Zonal Business Manager role is usually 10 - 15 years.

What is the best advice for a person who wishes to become a Zonal Business Manager?

Build expertise in a particular sector of industry and develop an understanding of the Sales and Distribution network of your company. Depending on your experience and performance, you will be promoted to Zonal Business Manager.

How can I become a Zonal Business Manager?

After completing your undergraduate education, it is best to spend some time gaining experience in the sector of your choice. After 3-5 years of experience, go for a management course such as MBA or PGDM and rejoin the workforce. You will again have to spend some time gaining working experience and moving your way up to a Zonal Business Manager role in your company.

What tasks does a Zonal Business Manager perform?

A Zonal Business Manager performs tasks such as evaluating progress reports, strategising and planning for the growth of sales and marketing, ensuring proper execution of sales and marketing activities, ensuring customer satisfaction and availability of products in the market, talking to prospective vendors and clients, compiling and providing progress repots to the respective VPs etc.

What is a Zonal Business Manager?

A Zonal Business Manager is an individual who managers the sales and distribution network of a company in a particular Zone.

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