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Director-Sales (People Leader) - job 3 of 4

You Lead the Way. We’ve Got Your Back.

With the right backing, people and businesses have the power to progress in incredible ways. When you join Team Amex, you become part of a global and diverse community of colleagues with an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities and each other. Here, you’ll learn and grow as we help you create a career journey that’s unique and meaningful to you with benefits, programs, and flexibility that support you personally and professionally.

At American Express, you’ll be recognized for your contributions, leadership, and impact—every colleague has the opportunity to share in the company’s success. Together, we’ll win as a team, striving to uphold our company values and powerful backing promise to provide the world’s best customer experience every day. And we’ll do it with the utmost integrity, and in an environment where everyone is seen, heard and feels like they belong.

Join Team Amex and let's lead the way together.

Global Merchant and Network Services (GMNS) is the merchant network of American Express that acquires and maintains relationships with millions of merchants around the world who welcome American Express-branded Cards. The Merchant Acquisition and Supplier Enablement (MASE) team within GMNS is a nationwide organization comprised of over 160 professionals dedicated to signing and enabling U.S. merchants for AXP Card acceptance. 

The Director - Sales (People Leader) will be a part of the Southern Region of Merchant Acquisition and will be responsible for the development and execution of a winning sales strategy to sell merchant card acceptance to high value merchant prospects. This position will lead a district sales team of 6 virtual colleagues (Managers of Business Development) within an 8-state territory to sign new business and new product adoption within the geography. This sales team generates top line growth while maintaining bottom line profitability and high margins for the Merchant Services – U.S. business. The Director - Sales (People Leader) will be responsible for establishing an acquisition strategy, designing clear execution plans, developing and utilizing tools to manage the sales process, ensuring quantifiable metrics are in place and collaborating with other internal business partners to accelerate and drive the business. They must understand the diversity of needs within the territories in order to highlight the appropriate products and value propositions to drive profitable charge volume. In addition, leadership skills in developing and growing the team’s colleagues is a premium skillset required for this position. As coaches, we are leading our sales team through a transformation to a B2B-focused sales organization, operating in an increasingly competitive environment in the ever-rapidly changing payment industry landscape.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Effectively managing and motivating the team’s performance and sales success
  • Ensuring proper business process, conduct and compliance controls and adherence
  • Providing regular and effective coaching to develop each team member’s sales effectiveness
  • Ensuring the team builds and manages profitable pipelines
  • Gathering and sharing effective practices, sales strategies, as well as marketplace & competitive intelligence
  • Serving as an escalation point for team members to overcome both internal and external challenges
  • Managing sales tracking reporting, expense processing, operating & marketing budgets for the team

Minimum Qualifications

  • Demonstrated sales leadership and ability to successfully lead people, drive performance and manage dynamic change
  • Keen focus on colleague development and building a thriving culture while leading the region to meet the business objectives of American Express
  • Experience in building, engaging and motivating a geographically dispersed team and driving team results effectively
  • Ability to build strong Blue Box linkages at all organizational levels and across multiple functions 
  • Proven strategic thinking 
  • Extensive negotiation experience
  • Strong financial/analytical skills 
  • Problem solving and decision-making ability 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills 
  • Outside sales experience required 
  • Candidates must reside in Washington DC or nearby surrounding area of Maryland or Virginia

Preferred Qualifications

  • 3-5 years people - leadership experience preferred

Salary Range: $115,000.00 to $190,000.00 annually + sales incentive + equity (if applicable) + benefits

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we’ll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.

We back our colleagues and their loved ones with benefits and programs that support their holistic well-being. That means we prioritize their physical, financial, and mental health through each stage of life. Benefits include:

  • Competitive base salaries 
  • Bonus incentives 
  • 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan 
  • Free financial coaching and financial well-being support 
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits 
  • Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need 
  • 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy 
  • Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location) 
  • Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program 
  • Career development and training opportunities

For a full list of Team Amex benefits, visit our Colleague Benefits Site.

American Express is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. American Express will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including, but not limited to, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. For positions covered by federal and/or state banking regulations, American Express will comply with such regulations as it relates to the consideration of applicants with criminal convictions.

We back our colleagues with the support they need to thrive, professionally and personally. That's why we have Amex Flex, our enterprise working model that provides greater flexibility to colleagues while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite, in a hybrid model (combination of in-office and virtual days) or fully virtually.

US Job Seekers/Employees - Click here to view the “Know Your Rights” poster and the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.

If the links do not work, please copy and paste the following URLs in a new browser window: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters to access the three posters.

Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.

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Average salary estimate

$152500 / YEARLY (est.)
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$115000K
$190000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Director-Sales (People Leader), American Express

Join Team Amex as the Director - Sales (People Leader) and lead the charge in developing a winning sales strategy within the vibrant Washington, DC area! You’ll be part of American Express's dynamic Merchant Acquisition and Supplier Enablement (MASE) team, which is dedicated to empowering merchants to accept AXP Cards. In this exciting role, you’ll manage a team of six Managers of Business Development across eight states, guiding them to cultivate robust merchant relationships and drive top-line growth. Your leadership will be pivotal as you establish clear execution plans, create innovative sales strategies, and provide the coaching necessary to elevate your team's performance. At American Express, we value diversity and inclusion, and you’ll help foster a thriving culture that supports colleague development and promotes outstanding customer experiences. You’ll navigate a competitive landscape, leveraging your expertise to understand the unique needs of merchants and offer compelling value propositions. Your analytical skills and strategic thinking will be essential as you manage sales pipelines, monitor budgets, and share best practices with your team. This isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to create an impactful career path while being recognized for your contributions. If you’re passionate about leading teams, driving sales, and making meaningful connections, we want you to be a part of our mission! Apply today and discover your potential at American Express.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director-Sales (People Leader) Role at American Express
What are the responsibilities of the Director - Sales (People Leader) at American Express?

As the Director - Sales (People Leader) at American Express, you will be responsible for developing and implementing effective sales strategies to expand merchant card acceptance. You will lead a sales team of six virtual colleagues across eight states, ensuring they achieve top-line growth while maintaining profitability. Key duties include managing team performance, coaching individual sales success, and collaborating with internal partners to drive business outcomes.

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What qualifications are required for the Director - Sales position at American Express?

Candidates for the Director - Sales (People Leader) position at American Express should have demonstrated sales leadership experience, preferably with 3-5 years of people management. Strong financial and analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to build strong linkages at various organizational levels. Candidates should also possess excellent communication skills and a proven track record in outside sales.

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How does American Express support the career development of a Director - Sales?

At American Express, career development is a priority, particularly for the Director - Sales (People Leader) role. Colleagues are provided with training opportunities, coaching for professional growth, and access to resources that promote continuous learning. The company fosters an environment where every individual’s contributions are recognized, encouraging growth tailored to personal career goals.

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What is the team structure for the Director - Sales (People Leader) at American Express?

The Director - Sales (People Leader) at American Express oversees a district sales team of six virtual Managers of Business Development. This structure allows for effective management across an expansive territory while leveraging collaboration and support tools to ensure alignment and execution of sales strategies. This team dynamic promotes shared success and accountability in achieving sales targets.

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What benefits does American Express offer to a Director - Sales?

American Express offers a comprehensive benefits package for the Director - Sales (People Leader) position, including competitive base salaries, bonus incentives, retirement savings plans with a 6% company match, comprehensive health benefits, and flexible work arrangements. The company also provides extensive parental leave, wellness support, and opportunities for personal well-being, ensuring colleagues thrive both professionally and personally.

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Common Interview Questions for Director-Sales (People Leader)
Can you describe your experience in leading sales teams in a virtual environment?

When asked about leading virtual sales teams, focus on specific strategies you implemented to ensure communication, collaboration, and accountability. Discuss tools and technologies you used to maintain visibility on team performance and how you motivated your team members to exceed sales goals despite geographical distances.

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How do you develop a successful sales strategy for a diverse range of merchants?

To effectively develop a sales strategy for diverse merchants, explain your approach to market research, understanding merchant needs, and tailoring solutions accordingly. Emphasize your ability to analyze data and trends to craft propositions that resonate with different customer segments.

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What techniques do you use to coach your team for better sales performance?

Discuss your coaching philosophy by highlighting techniques such as regular one-on-ones, role-playing scenarios, and fostering a culture of feedback. Mention how you track performance metrics and use them to guide training programs that elevate team effectiveness.

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Describe a successful negotiation you led and what made it effective.

Detail a specific negotiation experience that resulted in a win-win outcome. Highlight the strategies you employed, such as understanding the counterpart’s needs, preparing thoroughly, and maintaining a focus on mutual benefits to build trust and create a positive negotiating atmosphere.

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How do you maintain compliance and adherence to business processes within your team?

Share your methods for ensuring compliance by establishing clear guidelines and regular training sessions for your team. Emphasize the importance of accountability, conducting audits, and using technology to monitor adherence to business processes effectively.

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What is your approach to building a strong sales pipeline?

Explain how you identify potential leads, qualify prospects, and nurture relationships to build a strong sales pipeline. Discuss specific tools or processes you utilize to track opportunities and prioritize actions that convert leads into customers.

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How do you handle challenges faced by your sales team?

Describe your problem-solving approach when addressing challenges faced by your team. Focus on active listening, engaging with team members to gather insights, and collaboratively finding solutions that empower them to overcome obstacles.

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What role does data play in your sales strategy?

Emphasize the critical role data plays in shaping your sales strategy. Discuss how you analyze sales metrics to drive decision-making, forecast trends, and adjust tactics to optimize performance and meet business goals.

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How do you ensure your team remains motivated in a competitive sales environment?

Share your strategies for keeping your team engaged and motivated, such as setting clear objectives, celebrating successes, and fostering healthy competition. Mention initiatives that recognize individual achievements while also encouraging teamwork.

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What do you consider the most important attribute for a successful Director - Sales?

Discuss the importance of leadership qualities, adaptability, and the ability to inspire and influence a team. Share how these attributes contribute to building a high-performing sales culture that aligns with the values of American Express.

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American Express is a multinational financial services corporation and global leader in providing personal, small business, and corporate credit cards.

593 jobs
MATCH
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BADGES
Badge Family FriendlyBadge Office VibesBadge Work&Life BalanceBadge Rapid Growth
CULTURE VALUES
Inclusive & Diverse
Empathetic
Collaboration over Competition
Growth & Learning
Transparent & Candid
BENEFITS & PERKS
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Life insurance
Disability Insurance
Child Care stipend
Employee Resource Groups
Learning & Development
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
April 3, 2025

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