What does a Director of Sales do?
The Director of Sales manages and supervises the sales operations of a company. Sales Directors are expected to write sales reports, estimate profits from sales revenue and devise strategies for meeting sales targets. They also research the offers of competitors and use the information to improve products or services development and market expansion. The Director of Sales also takes part in negotiations of sales contracts. They assess products and services costs and advise on marketing strategies to increase the customer base. Directors of Sales perform leadership roles, including supervising and motivating the sales team to meet and exceed their targets.
Director of Sales skills and qualifications
A successful Director of Sales candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Proven experience in a senior sales role.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Outstanding persuasion, presentation and negotiation skills.
- Excellent leadership skills and the ability to motivate people.
- Management experience, including ability to manage multiple projects and achieve sales quotas.
- Knowledge of competitor research and market trend analysis.
- Ability to show customers and other client stakeholders the company’s value proposition.
Director of Sales experience requirements
Directors of Sales require several years of sales experience. Employers typically need candidates to have 7 to 10 years of experience in a senior sales role such as Marketing Director or Sales Manager. It helps if the candidate has held senior leadership or managerial positions. Candidates should be knowledgeable in creating client-focused solutions and positioning products and services against competitors.
Director of Sales education and training requirements
Directors of Sales typically require a bachelor’s degree in business management, sales and marketing management or retail marketing or the higher national diploma equivalent. Employers also consider Director of Sales candidates with a Sales Executive higher apprenticeship. It’s advisable to find candidates with a background in your field, if they will lead a sales team for specialised products or services such as engineering equipment or advanced scientific research software. Proven experience in sales and a solid track record of achieving sales quotas can be used instead of educational qualifications. Desirable professional qualifications for Directors of Sales include those from the Institute of Sales Management.
Director of Sales salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for Director of Sales candidates in the Uk is £75,149 per year. Actual pay may depend on the industry, experience, qualifications, the employer, location and the exact job duties and responsibilities.
Job description samples for similar positions
Here are job description samples for similar positions if you are not looking to recruit a Director of Sales:
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