If you enjoy being responsible for the sales growth of a company, then you will make an excellent sales director for a company. Individuals who choose to pursue a career as a sales director are typically highly driven and dynamic people. They are able to effectively communicate with high-powered CEOs and disgruntled customers. They know how to resolve issues and maintain customer loyalty. You may wonder, “How do I become a sales director?” Fortunately, you do not have to have an advanced degree to find a position as a sales director.
What’s it like to be a sales director?
As a sales director, you are responsible for managing a group of sales associates. You will be responsible for implementing new programs that are aimed at increasing the profitability of a company through increased sales. You will have to hold a team of sales associates accountable for reaching monthly targets. The days can be quite long for sales directors, especially during the holiday season. During the holiday season, companies typically expect that sales directors will work with marketing teams in order to develop promotions that help sell additional products. Sales directors may also have to oversee the training of new sales associates. To become a sales director, one should be comfortable with juggling multiple responsibilities at once. Being comfortable in speaking with people on a daily basis is also essential to become a sales director.
Education Requirements
There are no formal education requirements to become a sales director. People do frequently move up to this position through the hierarchy within a company. One may begin working for a corporation as a retail associate and then find that he or she is eventually promoted to a position as a sales director. There are degree programs that can provide people with a helpful foundational knowledge for becoming a sales director. One should choose a major in marketing or business administration during college. Specific courses in risk management, economics, sales and social media marketing techniques can help a person gain the necessary knowledge to be a successful sales director. Communications courses are also essential for those with a desire to enter the sales field. The major way that these professionals are able to push products is through effective communication techniques with customers.
Sales directors may also find that a certificate in conflict resolution can be helpful for this career. Conflict resolution can be helpful when a customer has a complaint aimed at a particular product. A sales director will be ready to handle any disputes that a customer has if he or she has completed a conflict resolution course.
Salary & How to Get a Job
The average salary of a sales director is about $98,000 a year. To get a job in this field, you should show that you are a driven and ambitious individual. As the person who is responsible for setting goals, analyzing data and ensuring that goals are met for a company, ambition is essential. Companies seek highly energetic and motivated people to take on positions as sales directors. When you want to become a sales director, you should be prepared to offer your ideas for increasing the net sales of a company within a short time period and over the next five to ten years.
When you work as a sales director, be prepared for long hours and working under pressure. Sales directors frequently receive a lot of pressure from other directors to reach certain sales for the month or year. Sales directors should be able to deal with stress and have strong leadership skills.