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Sales Director Jobs & Recruitment
If you're a senior sales professional looking for your next sales director, head of sales or business development director role, then use our job search feature to look through the roles we're currently recruiting for.
Alternatively, submit your CV for one of our consultants to review, and we'll get back to you with possible opportunities.
Sales Director Roles & Job Description
Arguably the most prestigious sales role available, sales directors are usually in charge of all sales activity within a business and are responsible for total turnover every year. Heads of sales often have a lot of responsibility for devising sales strategies and presenting results to major stakeholders and the board of a business.
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Salary Survey for Sales Director Jobs 2024
- Average Salary: The average base salary for Sales Director positions in the UK sits around £75,000, with significant variations depending on industry, experience, company size, and location.
- Salary Range: Base salaries typically range from £55,000 for entry-level Sales Directors to £150,000+ for seasoned professionals with proven track records leading high-performing teams.
- Commissions and Bonuses: Many Sales Director roles offer lucrative commission structures linked to achieving or exceeding team sales targets, potentially doubling or tripling the base salary. Performance-based bonuses are also common, further boosting earnings.
- Location: London attracts the highest average salaries, followed by major cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, and Birmingham. Salaries tend to be lower in smaller towns and rural areas.
- Industry: Industries like Finance, Technology, and Professional Services typically offer higher salaries due to complex products, competitive landscapes, and larger deal sizes.
- Experience: Extensive experience leading sales teams and achieving consistent results is crucial. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and business acumen are highly valued.
- Qualifications: Possessing industry-specific credentials (e.g., MBA, Chartered Institute of Marketing) or relevant certifications can enhance earning potential.
Salary Ranges for Sales Director Roles in 2024
Detailed breakdown of salary data from various sources:
Glassdoor reports that the average base salary for Sales Directors is £72,000, while National Sales Directors earn an average of £90,000 in the UK.
Hays lists a salary range of £65,000-£120,000 for Sales Director positions, with Managing Directors earning up to £150,000+.
Totaljobs reports an average salary of £80,000 for Sales Director jobs, with a salary range of £70,000-£130,000.
Additional Factors:
- Company size: Larger companies generally offer higher salaries and more extensive benefits packages.
- Benefits: Benefits packages vary greatly and may include health insurance, pension plans, company cars, stock options, travel opportunities, and leadership development programs.
- Team Size and Performance: Managing larger sales teams and consistently exceeding targets significantly impacts earning potential.
- Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of the specific industry and its dynamics plays a crucial role in success.
The UK Sales Director market is a highly lucrative field for experienced professionals with proven leadership skills and a track record of exceeding sales targets. While base salaries may differ based on various factors, there are ample opportunities for financial growth through commissions, bonuses, and career progression. This makes it an attractive and prestigious career option to consider.
What Makes a Great Sales Director?
As a very senior position, sales directors require real experience managing sales teams, knowing exactly how to motivate their staff and build a team. Natural leaders and sales directors will have the personality to inspire their teams and step into key sales deals when necessary.
The best sales directors will have a proven track record of achieving year-on-year turnover growth and hitting sales targets.
Looking to Recruit a Sales Director?
With over 10 years experience in headhunting for senior sales positions, Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment can help find your business a sales director who will really drive you forward.
Looking to Recruit a Chief Sales Officer (CSO)?
For a headhunting service with detailed knowledge of the market, Aaron Wallis Sales Recruitment can help find your organisation's next CSO.
CSO roles involve strategic leadership, exceptional sales expertise, and the ability to build high-performance teams. Finding the right one can be the difference between hitting or missing your targets.
According to 2024 Glassdoor data, CSO salaries on average are around £106k, varying between £60k and £300k depending on business size and remit.
Looking to Recruit a VP of Sales?
A VP of Sales is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing and driving the sales function of an organisation. They develop and execute sales strategies, manage key client relationships, analyse market trends, build and mentor sales teams, and achieve revenue targets through effective planning and execution. Working with Aaron Wallis to secure this key role will give your business the peace of mind of an end-to-end recruitment process.
According to 2024 Glassdoor data, VP of sales salaries average £122k in the UK. This can range between £76k and £196k.
The Benefits of Recruiting with Aaron Wallis
- 12 Months Rebate
- Assigned Dedicated, Experienced Account Manager
- Psychometric Profiling
- Bespoke Interview Questions
- Fixed Price Recruitment Service
- Candidate Ability & Skills Testing
To place your sales vacancy with Aaron Wallis, click to call: 01908 061400 or submit a vacancy now.
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With hundreds of jobs available, now is the time to look for your perfect position
by Lucy Burrows
Recruitment Consultant
About the author
Lucy Burrows
Lucy is a diligent and stealthily competitive recruiter passionate about delivering clients’ expectations and helping candidates perform their best in interviews. She thrives on ensuring that the role is suitable for every candidate and hearing about the successes of her placements. Her content is straightforward, easy-to-read advice focused on first interview tips.
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