What does a Vice President of Sales do?
The VP of Sales is the head of the sales department and is responsible for everything that happens within the department. They’re ultimately responsible for the company’s sales performance because they make decisions, set goals and lead the sales staff. The VP of Sales tests different sales plans and adjusts the sales strategy as needed to increase profits. They typically work closely with the sales team, but they also work with other department heads, key clients and other stakeholders. Industries of all types hire VPs of Sales because all businesses rely on strong sales to succeed.
VP of Sales skills and qualifications
To be successful in VP of Sales careers, candidates need certain skills and qualifications, including:
- Strong leadership and sales skills
- Analytical skills to evaluate data and use it to make decisions
- Understanding of market trends and adaptability to follow those trends
- Motivational and influential
- Problem-solving and customer service skills
- Strong organizational skills and strategic planning
VP of Sales experience requirements
A Vice President of Sales needs several years of sales experience to perform the duties well. Having leadership experience, such as working as a Sales Lead, Assistant Sales Manager or Sales Manager, also prepares the candidate for the VP of Sales position. You might look for someone who has senior management experience for the role. Some companies might prefer candidates who have previous experience in the same or a similar industry to better understand the sales strategies they use.
VP of Sales education and training requirements
While there isn’t a minimum education requirement for a VP of Sales, some companies require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a business-related major. Others prefer a master’s degree because the position is high-ranking. Sales certifications can also give candidates an advantage. The National Association of Sales Professionals offers different certifications, including the Certified Professional Sales Person, Certified Professional Sales Leader and Certified Master Sales Professional. Other organizations also have prominent certifications that show a candidate’s sales skills.
VP of Sales salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a VP of Sales is $141,256 per year plus $20,000 in profit sharing per year. Salaries often vary based on the company, industry, location, experience and sales success of the department.
VP of Sales salary expectations
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Common salary:
170007.19 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
38000.00 -395000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If VP of Sales isn’t quite what your company needs, look at these additional job descriptions for similar positions:
VP of Sales job description FAQs
What makes a good VP of Sales?
A successful VP of Sales is highly motivated and knows how to inspire others. Being able to spot and develop sales talent in team members helps the VP grow a successful sales department. A VP of Sales is excellent at communicating and forming relationships with the sales team, marketing team, other executives and clients. They’re entrepreneurial, stay current with the latest sales trends, adapt well to change and aren’t afraid to try new things.
Do VPs of Sales have different responsibilities in different industries?
The VP of Sales always leads the sales team and focuses on improving sales. However, the strategies and methods used might vary by industry. Low-cost retail products available in big-box stores sell differently than high-end luxury products or SaaS products. Companies that sell to other businesses also take a different approach. The responsibilities might also vary based on the size of the organization. VPs of Sales at large corporations head much larger departments with often greater responsibilities than smaller companies.
What’s the difference between a VP of Sales and a Director of Sales?
VPs and Directors of Sales are both high-ranking leaders in the sales department, but the VP usually ranks higher than the Director. The VP of Sales usually directs the sales department as a whole, while the Director oversees the Sales Managers and other sales team members. They often work together on sales strategies and plans. Smaller companies might not have both positions.
Who reports to a VP of Sales?
The Vice President of Sales oversees the entire sales department, although not all sales team members will report directly to the VP of Sales daily. While the VP is in their chain of command, entry-level sales team members will likely report to Sales Leads or various levels of sales management. The organizational structure can vary, but the Director of Sales, if the company has one, usually sits just belong the VP of Sales and reports to the VP. Below the Director is the Sales Manager and additional layers of management, such as Assistant Sales Managers and Sales Leads.
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