Sales Director jobs

One of the most high-profile roles in any company, a sales director shoulders the weighty responsibility of leading the sales team in order to hit goals and targets set out by the board. While the tasks of professionals in sales director roles vary depending on the organisation, they typically work across strategy and leadership to deliver increasing sales.

Expected job role tasks

Driving sales and overseeing sales performance is the central task of a sales director, with this making up a huge part of the role. They take on the responsibility of hitting targets, and answer to shareholders and the other directors should sales drop. Strategy also comprises a large part of the role. Sales directors work alongside the board to set out an ambitious, but achievable business strategy. They then implement the sales-related actions needed to hit it. Sales must be a highly cost effective department, and consequently budget management falls firmly within the remit of sales directors. 

They must set a budget and ensure the department sticks to it through decision making around aspects of sales like salaries, commission, and whether a meeting is valuable enough to justify the travel costs. People management comprises a huge part of the sales director role: this individual must be a true leader able to motivate and develop their team to hit targets and goals. This segment of the role also includes recruitment, onboarding, and personal development. As a sales expert, sales directors will often be brought in to deal directly with high-value clients or leads, which requires them to complete relationship building and business development tasks.

Sales directors are also charged with protecting profit margins, which mean they need to have a deep understanding of sales figures, expenses, and overheads. They must strive to ensure that sales volumes remain high, while prices are also kept at a level conducive to making a profit. The sales director will also be responsible for communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, including employees, directors, clients, and suppliers - as well as representing the company at conferences, networking events, and trade shows. Additionally, the sales director would be expected to forecast changes in their market, and respond with an effective strategy to navigate any such shifts. They should also identify and report on new business opportunities. 

Primary function

Sales directors are responsible for strategically leading a business’ sales department. They typically sit on the board of directors, where they contribute to the overall corporate strategy from a sales perspective. 

Key hard/soft skills

Sales directors must have outstanding sales and negotiation skills, as well as overall strong business sense. Numeracy, budgeting, and financial skills are a must. The ability to motivate and lead a team, using enthusiasm, drive, and initiative, is key to being successful in a sales director role. Furthermore, candidates for sales director jobs should excel at communication, and be able to work well under substantial pressure. Their planning and organisational skills should be second to none, while IT and reporting skills are also essential. Due to the amount of travel involved in a sales director role, candidates should also be in possession of a full driving license.

Qualifications required

In order to rise to the level of sales director, applicants will need to have significant experience within the industry. While a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree may make a sales director candidate more appealing to a potential employer, those with a proven track record of sales success, formal qualifications are not always deemed essential. However, there are myriad professional qualifications salespeople can take to level up their career and ensure they’re always at the cutting edge of the industry. These include NVQs in sales management, ISSM diplomas in sales, account management, strategic sales and account management, and the CIM Advanced Certificate in Sales Management.