Average Sales Director Salary

Sales directors are high-level management employees and occasional executives who are responsible for directing sales teams, either for an entire company or within a regional or branding division. The sales director provides vision and guidance to his/her team and entrusts it to execute projected revenue quotas for the goods or services provided by the company. These directors may also create or have direct input in sales campaigns and marketing initiatives, and they typically have sales managers underneath them who lead teams in the field. They often interview and hire new sales managers as-needed and also provide direction and standards for training of sales personnel.

As the sales director, this executive has great influence over all sales operations within the company or region; this typically includes approving sales projections by various teams, as well as approving and offering input into budgets from individual sales managers, who may themselves oversee smaller sales campaigns which must be approved by the director. Sales directors also initiate and oversee larger multi-team sales campaigns and initiatives and report on sales results to an executive board on a regular basis.

Those in this position must ensure consistent standards across multiple sales teams by working with managers to help ensure they follow hiring procedures and conduct quality interviews. They must also ensure that sales training creates a standard for excellence within the department and proper follow-ups and performance reviews take place.

Sales directors typically interface with marketing, branding, and supply and logistics teams to ensure that there is efficient operation between these intertwined areas which work to provide consumers with goods and services. Most sales directors have at least an undergraduate degree in a business- or marketing-related field, as well as extensive practical experience as sales managers or team leaders. A sales director typically works in an office environment, but should also expect regular travel for face-to-face meetings with members of regional sales teams. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Sales Director Tasks

• Direct the management staff in meeting sales objectives and goals.
• Plan, direct and implement sales programs for one or more of the company's product line.
• Develop, forecast and monitor budget and utilize operational resources.
• Maintain contact with key markets and customers, while maximizing potential volume.
• Plans and directs sales force activities to maximize profit from all segments of the market.

Sales Directors will find that San Jose offers an impressive pay rate, one which exceeds the national average by 37 percent. Sales Directors can also look forward to large paychecks in cities like Charlotte (+26 percent), Seattle (+17 percent), Miami (+13 percent), and San Francisco (+11 percent). Those in the field find the lowest salaries in Denver, 8 percent below the national average.