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sales director.
Finding sales directors - through Executive Search and targeted direct approach
Finding a sales director is one of the most important recruitment decisions a company can make. Whether they are a sales director, sales director or head of sales – the right leader determines how successfully your sales team will perform in the future. They shape the sales strategy, develop staff, tap into new markets and bear significant responsibility for turnover and growth.
The challenge: many of the best sales executives cannot be reached through traditional recruitment methods.
As a specialist recruitment consultancy and head-hunter for sales, we recruit sales directors through Executive Search and targeted direct approach. For over 25 years, we have been helping companies attract leaders who excel professionally, fit into the team on a personal level and drive the long-term development of the sales organisation.
We don’t just fill a vacancy. We find the leader who will drive your sales forward.
A vacant sales management role costs more than just a job vacancy
The effects of a vacant sales management role rarely become apparent overnight. They develop gradually – and that is precisely why they are often underestimated.
Without clear leadership, sales teams lose their bearings. Strategic decisions are postponed, potential goes untapped and important projects grind to a halt. At the same time, pressure mounts on senior management and HR to fill the vacancy as quickly as possible.
The risk of making a poor placement is even greater.
A manager may be outstanding in their field but still not be the right fit for the company. If their leadership style, personality or expectations do not align with the existing sales culture, this leads to friction, demotivation and, in the worst case, the loss of good employees.
The longer a key sales position remains unfilled, the greater the impact on turnover, staff retention and competitiveness.
This is precisely why filling a sales management role is one of the most important recruitment decisions a company can make.
Why many companies struggle to find the right sales director
The best sales directors are not actively looking for a new job.
Successful executives are well-established within their organisations. They do not respond to job adverts or traditional recruitment campaigns. Anyone wishing to recruit a sales director via Executive Search must approach these leaders in a targeted and discreet manner.
Leadership skills cannot be judged from a CV.
A compelling CV says little about whether someone can develop your sales team, manage change and drive sustainable growth. Personality, leadership style and cultural fit are what really matter.
Many recruitment consultancies rely on the same pool of candidates.
Those who repeatedly tap into the same pool of candidates rarely find exceptional leaders. Truly suitable sales directors are found where traditional recruitment processes end: in the hidden candidate market.
Time is your biggest cost factor.
The longer a key position remains unfilled, the more your business will suffer from of a lack of leadership, delayed decisions and missed revenue opportunities.
What sets SALESJOB apart from traditional recruitment consultancies
Access to executives whom others cannot reachThe best sales directors rarely actively seek out a new challenge. They are successful, in permanent roles and do not respond to job adverts or standardised recruitment campaigns. Our Executive Search assignments are based on direct, personalised approaches and a Europe-wide network of over 16,800 sales contacts. This enables us to reach executives who do not come to the fore through job adverts or traditional recruitment methods.
We assess leaders - not just CVs
A compelling CV does not necessarily make for a successful sales director. That is why we assess not only professional qualifications, but also leadership style, strategic thinking, the ability to drive change and cultural fit. You will only be introduced to candidates who are a good fit for your company, both professionally and personally.25 years of sales expertise
Unlike a generalist head-hunter, SALESJOB has focused exclusively on sales and sales leadership roles for over 25 years. CEO Clemens Nau and COO Michael Lainer themselves bring decades of experience in senior sales roles to the table. They engage with candidates on an equal footing – as experienced sales experts, not merely as traditional recruiters. This practical insight enables us to realistically assess leadership skills, identify potential and read between the lines to determine who can successfully lead your sales team.Transparent fixed-fee structure instead of percentage-based commission
When filling a senior sales management role, the best decision counts – not the highest salary. That is why we work with a transparent fixed fee rather than a percentage commission based on the eventual annual salary. This provides budget certainty and guarantees independent advice – even during the final salary negotiations.Guarantee beyond the placement
A successful placement does not end with the signing of the contract. Should the executive we have placed leave your company within the first six months, we will refill the position once, free of charge. In this way, we reduce your risk and give you additional planning certainty.
How we work
Every Executive Search assignment begins with a thorough understanding of your company. Only once we know what kind of leader your sales team needs do we begin the targeted direct approach of suitable candidates.
We understand your situation
No standard questionnaires and no search based on a generic job description. Through in-depth discussions, we clarify how your sales team is structured, what your objectives are, and what kind of leader will fit in with your team and your corporate culture. Together, we refine a precise requirements profile - in terms of professional expertise, strategic thinking and interpersonal skills.
Discreet direct approach
We identify suitable sales directors within your market environment and approach them personally and confidentially - even if they are currently employed and not actively seeking a new role. This enables us to reach executives who do not come to light through job advertisements or traditional recruitment channels.
Quality over quantity
We assess leadership experience, strategic competence, motivation and cultural fit through face-to-face interviews. You won’t receive a collection of CVs, but a carefully curated selection of highly suitable candidates. This ensures you only hold interviews that are truly worth your time.
How we determine whether a sales director is a good fit for your company
A successful sales director is far more than just the best salesperson in the team. They develop people, set the strategic direction and create the conditions for sustainable growth. That is precisely why a compelling CV alone is not enough.
Thanks to our decades of experience in sales, we know what really matters when filling a sales management role. In every Executive Search assignment, we assess not only professional qualifications but also leadership style, personality, past achievements and the ability to successfully develop sales teams.
- Strategic sales development rather than short-term turnover
A modern sales director not only drives today’s turnover but also shapes the sales of tomorrow. They define a clear sales strategy, tap into new markets, develop existing customer relationships and create structures that enable long-term growth. - Leadership that brings out the best in people
The best sales teams are not built through pressure, but through good leadership. A successful sales director sets clear targets, develops staff on an individual basis and creates a culture in which performance, personal responsibility and motivation can flourish. - Understanding figures - making decisions
Sales today is driven by data. That is why we ensure that candidates are not only familiar with modern CRM systems and forecasts, but can also define and analyse KPIs and use them to make the right strategic decisions. - Shaping change successfully
New markets, digitalisation, AI, changing consumer behaviour and increasing competitive pressure present companies with ever-changing challenges. Strong sales leadership recognises changes at an early stage, continuously develops the sales organisation and takes the whole team with them on this journey. - Technical expertise alone is not enough
The candidate with the strongest technical expertise is not automatically the best fit. What matters is whether their leadership style, values, communication skills and personality align with your company. That is why we always assess every manager in terms of cultural fit. After all, sustainable sales success arises where expertise and corporate culture align.
It is precisely this combination of sales expertise, leadership experience and personality that we look for in every sales management placement - so that your new sales director not only takes on the role, but also drives the long-term development of your sales team.
Clemens Nau, CEO & Founder
For over 25 years, Clemens Nau has been managing Executive Search assignments for senior sales roles.
His strength lies in combining his own sales experience with many years of Executive Search practice. Before founding SALESJOB in 2000, he held senior sales positions himself – including roles in logistics, the automotive industry and as sales director of an international company.
As a result, he does not assess candidates solely on the basis of their CVs, but on the basis of genuine sales experience. He recognises which leaders develop teams, successfully navigate change and drive sustainable revenue growth.
In face-to-face interviews, he engages with candidates as an equal - as a sales expert, not as a traditional recruiter. This is precisely one of the reasons why managing directors and HR managers have been entrusting SALESJOB with filling demanding sales roles for many years.
Let’s discuss your sales leadership needs
Are you looking for a sales director who excels professionally, fits in well with your company culture and can drive the long-term development of your sales team?
Then let’s have a non-binding discussion about your requirements. You will receive a realistic assessment of how we would approach the search, which profiles are realistic, and what the next steps would be.
Frequently asked questions
How do you find qualified sales directors who aren’t actively looking for a new role?
We identify qualified sales directors through Executive Search and direct, personalised approaches. To do this, we utilise our Europe-wide network, targeted market analyses and individual research. This enables us to reach executives who are currently in successful roles, are not actively looking for a new position and would not be reachable via job advertisements.
What sets SALESJOB apart from other recruitment consultancies?
Companies choose SALESJOB because we understand sales from our own practical experience. For over 25 years, we have specialised exclusively in filling sales roles and assessing executives not just on the basis of their CV, but on the basis of genuine sales experience. Combining Executive Search, direct personal approaches and a transparent fixed-price model, we find sales directors who demonstrate professional competence and are a long-term fit for the company.
How do you ensure that the new sales director is a good fit for our company?
As well as sales experience and leadership skills, we also assess personality, leadership style, motivation and cultural fit. During a face-to-face interview, we assess whether a candidate is a good fit for your team, your corporate culture and your strategic goals. You will only be introduced to executives whom we believe are a strong fit, both professionally and personally.
How long does it take to fill a sales management role?
On average, filling a sales management role takes approximately three months. The exact duration depends on the sector, region, job requirements and the availability of suitable candidates. Thanks to our existing network and targeted direct outreach, we are often able to identify suitable executives at an early stage.
How much does it cost to recruit a sales director?
At SALESJOB, the recruitment is carried out at a fixed price agreed in advance. Unlike percentage-based fee models, the price is not based on the candidate’s future annual salary. This means you know the costs before the search even begins and benefit from transparent budget planning.
How discreet is the search for a sales director?
The search is conducted personally and confidentially. We approach potential candidates discreetly and only share information about your company or the role on a selective basis. In this way, we protect both your interests and the confidentiality of the executives we approach.
For which companies is Executive Search worthwhile when looking for a sales director?
Executive Search is always worthwhile when filling a sales management role is business-critical or when suitable candidates are difficult to reach via job advertisements. Companies benefit particularly from targeted direct approaches for sales management positions, as the best sales directors are usually successfully employed and are not actively looking for a new role.