Head of Sales
While every well organised company has a set strategy for growth and development through increased sales, there needs to be a sales team tasked with identifying openings, initiating plans and monitoring success. The head of sales is at the forefront of that team, and is a vital cog in the success of its operation.
In some organisations, the head of sales will occupy a place on the board alongside directors, while they may alternatively report to a sales director. Either way, they will head up the team and oversee the strategic planning and implementation of sales strategies in line with the board’s demands, and they will be expected to run the department with a degree of autonomy.
Part of the head of sales job description might also include liaising with the rest of the company, especially production and supply chain, to ensure that any sales agreements they make with customers can be delivered. They will also be responsible for negotiating deals with important clients, although that task might also be delegated to subordinates within an agreed framework for smaller clients.
Head of Sales skills required
A good head of sales will be completely on top of the processes, capabilities, products and services of the company. That’s partly because they might often be the only company representative in critical meetings, but also because they will be a conduit between the board, the production arm and the team delivering sales targets.
Head of sales jobs therefore always require someone who is a fast learner, is analytical with KPIs and forecasts, and is a superb communicator to clients, prospects and colleagues at all levels.
Head of Sales Jobs in Stockton-on-Tees
Stockton-on-Tees is a large town to the west of Middlesbrough, which is historically notable as being one end of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first commercial railway in the world, which opened in 1825. The railway wasn’t built for fun, though – Stockton was an important industrialised town that had a thriving shipbuilding industry as well as a market that attracted people from miles around. Other industries connected to shipbuilding, such as rope-making and sail-making, also prospered. Two years after the railway was opened, in 1827, another world-changing event took place in Stockton – the strikeable match was invented by local chemist John Walker.
Heavy industry declined in the post-war period, and Stockton residents were more likely to commute to Middlesbrough, Hartlepool or Darlington to work than to work close to home. However in the 1990s and 2000s there was a good deal of redevelopment, with business parks being constructed and a new industry – the call centre – making an appearance here, along with other North East towns and cities. The friendly nature of the local accents is often cited as one of the reasons for the concentration of call centres in this area.
In 2012 Stockton-on-Tees became one of Mary Portas’s twelve “Portas Pilot” town centres which are set for regeneration via some government cash and a sprinkling of expertise. The regeneration is hoped to create new jobs and give the retail sector a boost, which could be good news for anyone looking for a Head of Sales job in the town. With plenty of heavy industry in the immediate vicinity, it’s definitely worth having a local search, too.
Popular locations
Find head of sales jobs at Cast UK
Are you looking for your next head of sales role and want to help push a business to the next league? Or are you running a business and you need someone to hit the ground running as a new head of sales? Whichever you are, Cast UK can help with your recruitment.
If you’re a potential candidate, register with us so we can contact you when a relevant position becomes available.
If you’re looking for a sales head yourself, call one of our consultants on 0333 121 3345 – we’ve got an extensive list of excellent management and executive level sales professionals who are ready to talk.
Contact us