Sales director job description

A sales director is responsible for achieving and exceeding sales targets within assigned territory and accounts. The overall goal is to meet revenue growth projects for a business. The job includes developing strong client relationships and understanding customer trends in the relevant area. 

What does a sales director do?

The main job responsibilities for a sales director include:

• Managing and overseeing senior management and their teams with regards to sales strategies and growth objectives
• Achieving sales targets
• Developing and executing strategical plans to achieve desired growth and expand customer base
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting customer relationships, likely with business owners at this level
• Reporting on forces that shift tactical budgets and strategic direction of accounts
• Effectively communicate the vision and direction of the organisation to all relevant staff through proposals and presentations

What skills are needed to be a successful sales director?

To become a successful sales director, you’ll ideally have built up the following skills from your years of experience working in sales:

• Excellent persuasive and negotiation skills
• Excellent understanding of how to run a business
• Be a key motivator and leader
• Initiative, drive and enthusiasm
• Excellent communication skills
• Organisational and planning skills
• Be able to work under pressure
• Good IT, budget and report writing skills
• A full driving licence

What qualifications do I need to become a sales director?

Although most individuals at this level have a degree, if you have years of experience in sales, a proven track record of success in building revenue and growth, and can display excellent leadership skills, becoming a sales director is achievable. Other qualifications might include:

• BA/BS degree or equivalent
• Proven sales executive, manager or sales and marketing director experience
• Proven ability to communicate, present and influence all levels of the organisation including executive and C-level
• Proven ability to drive a sales process from plan to close
• Proven ability to articulate distinct aspects of products and services
• Proven ability to position products against competitors
• Experience as head of sales, developing client-focused, differentiated and achievable solutions 
• Professional certifications in Strategic Sales, Account Management and Sales Management

Is a sales director role the right move for me?

If the below sounds like you, a career as a sales director could be for you:

• Managing stress
• Good people skills
• Committed to continuous development attending professional workshops, industry events, certification courses, and reviewing professional publications
• Expert in your industry
• You love working with numbers
• You enjoy negotiating and can do it well
• You are a good mentor and coach to others
• You have the ability to effectively and proactively assess and discipline employees when they fail 
• You enjoy travelling a lot for work

Read this blog to find out about a day in a sales director’s shoes.

What are the working conditions for a sales director?

As a director, you will likely be in and out of the office attending events, travelling to meet with clients, and visiting other branches/companies within your district. So if you enjoy not being tied to your desk and having lots of face time with people, then working as a sales director could suit you well.

What is the average salary for a sales director?

According to our most recent data in 2018, the average salary for a sales director was £69,259.95. This figure showed a 3.68% increase from the data collected from the Simply Sales Jobs site in 2017. 

To view the latest sales director vacancies, click here.

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