Sales Director Recruitment

What the role involves

• Setting and executing the commercial strategy to deliver revenue, margin, and growth targets at business or division level
• Leading and developing the sales management team: regional managers, key account directors, and technical sales leaders
• Managing key customer and partner relationships at senior level, including strategic account reviews and major contract negotiations
• Developing pricing strategy, commercial policy, and margin management frameworks across the product and service portfolio
• Reporting commercial performance to the board, PE investors, or parent company, with full transparency on pipeline, forecast, and risk
• Working with marketing and product management on go-to-market strategy for new products, new markets, and new geographies

Who employers are looking for

An engineering or technical background is the foundation for most sales director appointments in industrial and manufacturing sectors. Employers need someone who can engage credibly with the technical sales team, hold meaningful conversations with engineering customers, and make informed decisions on product-commercial trade-offs. A purely commercial background without technical grounding limits effectiveness in these markets.

The commercial leadership track record is the decisive factor. Employers want to see demonstrated achievement in taking commercial functions from a position to a stronger one: revenue growth, margin improvement, team development, and new market penetration over multiple years. P&L management experience at business unit or company level is expected. Board-level communication skills, including the ability to present commercial performance with clarity and handle challenge from investors or non-executive directors, are tested in the appointment process.

International sales experience adds material value for businesses with export revenue or international growth ambitions. Package structures at this level typically include car allowance, a substantial annual bonus tied to commercial KPIs, and often long-term incentive plans (LTIP) or equity participation in PE-backed or private business contexts.

Salary benchmarks

Package varies significantly by business size and revenue responsibility. Smaller technical businesses offer lower base but higher equity or profit share. Car allowance, substantial bonus, and often LTIP or equity are standard at this level.

Industries that hire Sales Directors

• Industrial manufacturing: leading UK or international commercial teams for manufacturers of components, systems, and industrial equipment
• Capital equipment: driving global sales strategy for machinery businesses with complex product lines and long sales cycles
• Technical services: leading commercial growth for inspection, engineering services, or managed service businesses competing on framework contracts
• Defence: leading UK commercial function for defence equipment and services businesses operating under MOD and export procurement
• Automation and controls: leading sales for technology-driven industrial businesses with both direct and distribution channel routes to market

Related roles

• Technical Sales Manager: a direct report function; the sales management layer the Sales Director leads and develops
• Regional Sales Manager: another direct report function in national field sales structures
• Business Development Manager: a senior individual contributor the Sales Director typically sponsors on major new business opportunities

Where we place Sales Director professionals

We place sales director professionals across the UK. Browse by location or register your CV for roles that match your experience.