A company's Director of Sales is responsible for conceiving and implementing sales strategies for its products and services to be sold on the market. The role requires developing strong relationships with customers and analyzing the market for growth opportunities. While some days are spent in the office, other days involve meeting with customers, attending trade shows or visiting other branches of the company.
Skill Sets: A Director of Sales is an accomplished negotiator with excellent people skills. Exemplary written and verbal communication skills are also necessary for this position. The Director of Sales must be effective under pressure and have a proven ability to analyze and exploit a market's potential.
Education: Employers generally prefer a bachelor's degree at a minimum, with a master's degree required for the most desired positions available. Business degrees will typically be an employer's first choice, but a related discipline might suffice, depending on the company's needs.
Career Path: Entry level experience in a sales department or marketing role helps prepare professionals for a Director of Sales position. Pursue a degree in a relevant discipline, but also consider membership in a marketing and sales association for experience networking and exposure to current sales trends.