Sales Director Job Information

Oversees all sales team activities, sets targets, and develops strategic plans.

Sales Directors oversee all sales activities carried out by the sales team, strategically plan and introduce new products and services, and ensure the business maintains top-notch customer service. They inspire the sales team and make sure they achieve anticipated sales targets.

What Does a Sales Director Do?

Depending on the company and the sector the sales director works in, specific duties may vary but often include:

• Energize and inspire the sales team
• Push their own deals over the finish line
• Prepare sales reports, verify their accuracy, and submit them
• Set monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets and ensure they are being met
• Create strategic plans to meet sales targets and increase the consumer base
• Report targets and strategic plans to upper management
• Evaluate industry trends and the competitive environment to help improve the sales program
• Implement a sales orientation and training program to educate new hires
• Create a referral network with local or regional companies

What Skills Does a Sales Director Need?

To be successful in their position, Sales Directors must possess both hard and soft talents:

Leadership – Leadership is the ability to inspire, support, and guide teams and employees to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.

Communication – Sales Directors must possess outstanding verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills. They must be able to listen actively, observe, and empathize with both employees and management.

Business Development Expertise – The capacity to assess the performance and policies of business entities and spot opportunities for improvement.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking – A Sales Director needs to have the ability to apply knowledge, facts, statistics, and reasoning to offer solutions to business and sales issues.

Technology Proficiency – Understanding both software and network systems, including Microsoft Office, SaaS software, cloud computing, and Salesforce technology.

Time Management Skills – The ability to balance and prioritize tasks to allow you to finish your work quickly and efficiently.

What Is a Sales Director's Work Environment Like?

Unsurprisingly, Sales Directors spend most of their days in a full-time office environment. However, they may also spend a part of the day on the sales floor with their teams or visiting other departments.

A Sales Director tends to work a standard Monday to Friday business hour schedule but may occasionally work on some weekends or evenings depending on the business or if they are attending off-site functions such as conferences or conventions.

What Is the Average Salary of a Sales Director

The average Sales Director's salary in the United States is approximately $187,000 as of mid-2022. Still, the range typically falls between about $164,000 and $214,000 annually.

Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, sales region, company location, industry type, skill set, and years spent in the profession.

Requirements To Become a Sales Director

Education – It's highly recommended that a Sales Director candidate possess a bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a closely related discipline. A Masters in Business Administration (MBA) will tend to put the candidate in an even more favorable position.

Training – Sales Directors frequently require a proven track record of at least seven to ten years in a relevant position, such as an Account Executive, Account Manager, or Director of Sales and Marketing.

Certifications – Common certifications include:

• National Association of Sales Professionals (NASP) – CPSP and CPSL credentials
• Sales Management Association – CSLP and CSOP qualifications
• Salesforce certification
• AIPMM Certified Brand Manager
• Certificate in Analytical Skills from AMA
• Google Analytics and Google AdWords certifications

Becoming a Sales Director

A mix of education and appropriate professional experience is essential to acquiring the position of Sales Director. Consider the following a checklist:

1. Obtain degree – Sales Directors should have a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related profession.
2. Gain experience – Many businesses prefer applicants with 3-5 years of managerial experience and 10+ years of sales experience.
3. Demonstrate proven skills – Use your current position to show you are organized, can accomplish your work, demonstrate good attendance, be a problem solver, and make proactive decisions.
4. Make your intentions clear to management – Express your desire to become a Sales Director.
5. Have positive relationships with colleagues – Sales directors must maintain good relationships with the people they hope to one day motivate, lead, and provide feedback to.
6. Be certified – Certifications can help you stand out to hiring managers.

Being a Sales Director Is Within Your Reach

Sales Directors supervise every sales activity the sales team engages in. They serve as the head and nervous system of any business's sales department. This takes knowledge, experience, and confidence in one's own abilities. With proper preparation and experience, becoming a Sales Director is a worthy and rewarding goal.