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What does a Sales Director do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A sales director is responsible for leading and managing a team of salespeople in an organization. They set sales targets, develop sales strategies, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the sales team. In addition, they also work to build relationships with clients and customers.

Sales Director job duties include:

  • Develops and implements sales plans and strategies
  • Oversees and manages a sales team
  • Sets sales targets and objectives
  • Motivates and inspires sales team members
  • Analyzes sales data and trends
  • Identifies new business opportunities
  • Develops relationships with key clients and customers
  • Negotiates contracts and deals
  • Provides leadership and direction for the sales team
  • Ensures that sales targets are met or exceeded

Sales Director Job Requirements

A Sales Director typically has a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field. They may also have a master's degree or certification in sales management. A Sales Director typically has 5-10 years of experience in sales, with at least 3 years in a management role. They must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as strong leadership and organizational skills.

Sales Director Skills

  • Communication
  • Persuasion
  • Negotiation
  • Closing
  • Prospecting
  • Business Acumen
  • Building Relationships
  • Coaching
  • Time Management
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Objection Handling

Related: Top Sales Director Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Sales Director

Sales directors are responsible for managing and motivating a team of salespeople in order to achieve targets and grow the business. They work closely with other members of the senior management team to develop strategy and ensure that sales goals are aligned with the company’s overall objectives.

To become a sales director, you will need several years of experience in sales, preferably at a management level. Strong leadership, communication and negotiation skills are essential, as is the ability to think strategically and plan for long-term success.

If you have the relevant experience and skills, the next step is to put yourself forward for promotion or apply for suitable jobs. Once you have secured a role as a sales director, it is important to build good relationships with your team and other members of the senior management team. You should also look for opportunities to improve processes and increase efficiency within the sales department.

Related: Sales Director Resume Example

Related: Sales Director Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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