Introduction
The renewals manager role is pivotal for organizations seeking to maintain and expand their customer base while driving long-term growth. In 2025, demand for renewals managers is expected to remain steady, with opportunities across industries such as healthcare, finance, and tech. Entry-level renewals managers can transition into mid-level roles through cross-functional collaboration and strong performance, while experienced professionals may advance to senior positions like Staff or Principal renewals manager.
Role Overview
The renewals manager is responsible for managing client relationships, ensuring renewals, and driving customer satisfaction. Key responsibilities include identifying new clients, negotiating contracts, managing renewals, and collaborating with other teams to achieve organizational goals. This role impacts critical metrics such as pipeline coverage, win rate, net revenue retention, and CSAT scores.
Career Growth Path
Junior Renewals Manager (0–2 years)
- Responsibilities: Entry-level focus on client acquisition and basic renewal processes.
- Timeline Expectation: By 1–3 years, candidates often gain the ability to lead small scopes independently or mentor junior renewals managers.
Renewals Manager (2–5 years)
- Responsibilities: Owns scoped projects, manages cross-functional collaboration, and ensures renewals while maintaining high client satisfaction.
- Impact: Leads to increased pipeline coverage, improved win rate, and enhanced customer retention rates.
Senior Renewals Manager (5–8 years)
- Responsibilities: Leads complex initiatives, mentors peers, and sets strategic direction for renewals operations.
- Impact: Demonstrates a clear impact on organizational growth through increased renewal rates and client satisfaction.
Staff/Principal Renewals Manager (8+ years)
- Responsibilities: Sets technical/functional direction, drives org-wide impact, and leads high-value renewals projects.
- Impact: Results in significant increases in renewal success rates and strategic influence within the organization.
Key Skills in 2025
Hard Skills
- Prospecting
- Discovery
- Objection Handling
- CRM Hygiene
- Negotiation
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Problem Solving
- Stakeholder Management
- Time Management
Tools Stack 2025
- Salesforce
- HubSpot CRM
- Gong
- Chorus
- ZoomInfo
Salary & Market Signals
In 2025, renewals managers can expect competitive salaries ranging from $70k to $120k, depending on experience and location. The role is in high demand, particularly for those with cross-functional collaboration skills and a proven track record of client acquisition and retention.
Education & Certifications
- Education Background: Bachelor’s or equivalent experience.
- Relevant Certifications: MEDDICC and Sandler Training are highly recommended to enhance renewals management capabilities.
Tips for Success
To succeed as a renewals manager, focus on:
- Portfolio Recommendations: Showcase high-impact projects with clear outcomes and metrics.
- ATS Keywords: Use keywords like Prospecting, CRM Hygiene, and Negotiation in your applications.
- Interview Focus Themes: Prepare to discuss your impact-driven approach, systematic problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration.
Avoid common pitfalls such as vague bullet points without measurable outcomes or overemphasis on tools without demonstrating impact.
Conclusion
The renewals manager role is a strategic position with significant earning potential and career advancement opportunities. By focusing on client retention, renewals management, and cross-functional collaboration, renewals managers can build long-term success. Encourage immediate action to enhance skills and prepare for future roles, while maintaining a growth mindset for sustained career progression.