What it takes to be a Sales & Marketing Director?

The sales and marketing director is a significant part of the corporate management team because he or she bears the direct responsibility of the sales that goes ahead to make a profit. 

Supervising the sales department, developing and implementing sales strategies, collecting performance data and preparing reports for higher management and shareholders are the primary responsibilities of a sales director.

What is required to become a sales director?

A successful sales director is a great persuader and co-operator. This means excellent motivation and communication skills are essential for this role. To the outside world, the director is the representative of the company. Therefore, taking a diplomatic approach wherever and whenever necessary matters a lot. Good organisational skills aids in handling the responsibilities according to plan. However, when it comes to getting things done properly and timely, your personality will count. That is why a sales director is required to have a pleasant and influential personality which can lead to the accomplishment of tasks appropriately and on time. 

If you are eying a sales director job with a global company in the UK, expertise in one European language (rather more than one) will keep you ahead of others. Most technical sales manager jobs especially, with the large-scale companies in the UK prefer candidates who are well-versed in a European language.  Some companies choose to recruit those who possess a degree relevant to business while some prefer candidates having a technical degree. Actually, the requirements depend on the industry and the company.

Irrespective of the field, an aspiring sales director needs to have an extensive knowledge in finance and accounts. This knowledge will help to devise strategies and plans efficiently.

With the help of these qualifications and skills, you may be able to attain the position of sales director but two things will be decisive in your career advancement. They are your experience and track record.

What are the career opportunities?

Skilled sales directors have a bright future. After a successful tenure as a sales director, you may progress to become the managing director (MD) and then, CEO. Much importance is laid on this role. If your long-term goal is to attain the position of MD or CEO of a company, you must produce a brilliant performance as a sales director. Express your interest and willingness to be an active participant in fields beyond your strictly defined role. As you get promoted, your salary will also get a hike.

What is the salary?

It is worth mentioning that the pay package of sales directors varies according to the industry and the size and location of the company. Irrespective of that, financial rewards are really good for these high-ranking professionals. The annual average salary of a sales director in the UK is around £71,000. Large-scale companies pay a sales director near about £100,000. When you become MD or CEO, you can expect a whopping amount of as much as £150,000 as your salary per annum.

What are the working conditions?

Regular office hours for sales directors are from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (Monday to Friday). However, during contingency, such professionals are required to work beyond the usual working hours.

Although it is an office-based work, there is a requirement of travelling to other locations within the UK and abroad often to attend meetings with clients, suppliers, stakeholders and other companies.

If you land up with a sales director job in a high-profile company, you better be ready to communicate with the press. Your PR skills will be in focus.

With such crucial responsibilities, there is excessive pressure, extensive travelling and long working hours. The only way to succeed is to stay focused on your goals and deliver the best. 

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