sales director

As a sales director, you perform several duties to ensure your company's products or services are doing well in the market. Some of the tasks you are likely to undertake include:

• Sales audits: the actions of your sales managers and representatives aren't done in a vacuum. As a sales director, you're responsible for auditing your team members and their processes. Audits include reviews of organizational charts and client information. From this process, you draw up reports and presentations to address issues and suggest recommended changes.
• Customer service: you ensure your sales representatives provide the utmost care to the organization's customers. This is done through regular performance reviews and by properly training your sales managers and team leaders.
• Reviews of sales-based information systems: application-based information systems supplement communications in and outside the company. As a sales director, you leverage customer relationship management (CRM) platforms. These tools consolidate and track client interactions, from cold calls to the signing of contracts. Once implemented, you regularly review the statistics generated by the CRM. From this data, you work with the application developer and your managers to fine-tune its modules.
• Report generation: your sales managers and team leaders compile reports that contain data on cold calls, purchases and customer service issues. Once you receive the information, you create a comprehensive sales report. In turn, this is presented to other top-level executives for further consideration.
• Keeping up with the latest sales strategies: as a sales director, you are expected to stay up to date with market conditions, sales trends and the latest sales strategies. You attend conventions and participate in professional associations to improve your skills.

You work in an executive office that's normally on the same floor as other directors in the company. Inside is a desk and a sitting area for small meetings. Your office may even be connected to a larger conference room. As companies continue transitioning from brick-and-mortar operations to virtual environments, you may work as a sales director from a remote location, such as a home office or shared co-working space. You have a laptop and smart device with the necessary tools to compile data and conduct online meetings.

As a sales director, you work alongside sales managers, marketing managers and digital marketing managers. You also work with social media managers, SEO specialists and operations managers. Other professionals you are likely to work with include production managers and account managers.

As a sales director, you work Monday through Friday, usually on a standard 9-5 schedule. There are times when you come in earlier or later, especially when dealing with international clients. However, you don't come in for second or third shifts, even if the company operates on a 24/7 schedule.

When you are a sales director, you are the head of the sales department. You can work your way up from an entry-level sales position to a leadership role, such as a sales manager. You also have opportunities for career growth as a sales director. For instance, you can become the head of sales and marketing or vice president of sales. After gaining sufficient experience and skills, you can even become the company's chief executive officer (CEO).

Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits:

• Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
• Many training opportunities
• A range of jobs in your area

As a sales director, you are the head of the sales department. You are responsible for all operations related to revenue generation and the employees in your sales teams. Your duties include developing and executing sales strategies and communicating company objectives to the sales teams. Other duties include training sales managers, evaluating market conditions, setting targets and keeping track of sales quotas.

Sales managers and sales directors are leaders of sales teams. However, a sales director leads the entire sales department, while a sales manager supervises a team of sales representatives. Therefore, a sales director ranks higher than a sales manager.

Most sales directors are assertive in encouraging their sales workforce toward a successful outcome. A sales director is decisive, feels comfortable as a leader, and works well under pressure. Combining your personal attributes with your sales skills helps you meet targets and achieve company goals. It is important to continue building your communication skills and honing technical skills to succeed in your role.

To become a sales director in Canada, you require a degree or college diploma. Pursue a bachelor's in public relations, marketing or communications. Some employers may also require a master's degree in sales or business administration. Certifications improve your leadership skills and boost your career prospects.

A good sales director knows how to sell. While you don't sell the products, having knowledge of the sales process helps you identify areas that need improvement. You should also be good at finding the best people for the job. When you hire the best sales workforce, you're more likely to hit targets and achieve company goals. You can also be a good sales director by defining a sales process that increases the chance of closing deals and making sales.

Finding a job near you as a sales director is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.