Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy, and consent to receive emails from Rise
Jobs / Job page
Director-Sales (People Leader) image - Rise Careers
Job details

Director-Sales (People Leader) - job 1 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.

American Express Glassdoor Company Review
4.2 Glassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star icon Glassdoor star icon
American Express DE&I Review
4.4 Glassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star icon Glassdoor star icon
CEO of American Express
American Express CEO photo
Stephen J Squeri
Approve of CEO

Average salary estimate

$152500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$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

Are you ready to step into a leadership role that truly makes a difference? At American Express, we’re on the lookout for a passionate and driven Director - Sales (People Leader) to join our Southern Region of Merchant Acquisition team in Washington, DC. In this vital role, you'll lead a dynamic sales team of six virtual Managers of Business Development, guiding them in developing and executing strategies to engage high-value merchant prospects. Your leadership will not only drive top-line growth but also ensure that your team thrives in a culture of success and support. As part of our Merchant Acquisition and Supplier Enablement team, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping the acceptance of American Express-branded Cards across a vast territory. Your focus will be on establishing strong acquisition strategies, creating effective business processes, and fostering collaboration with various internal partners. You’ll be the driving force behind maximizing profitability while ensuring adherence to business compliance standards. It’s about more than just sales—it’s about building a culture of excellence and growth within your team. If you’re an expert in strategizing, negotiating, and leading with a people-first approach, we would love to have someone like you to guide our team through the evolving landscape of the payment industry. Together, we will uphold our commitment to delivering the world’s best customer experience and create meaningful connections. Join Team Amex, and let’s lead the way together!

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

The Director - Sales (People Leader) at American Express has significant responsibilities including leading a team of six Managers of Business Development, developing and executing a comprehensive sales strategy, ensuring strong compliance and operation processes, and collaborating with internal partners to drive business success. This role emphasizes team growth, performance management, and the development of effective sales techniques, all aimed at acquiring new merchant business.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications are needed for the Director - Sales (People Leader) position at American Express?

To be qualified for the Director - Sales (People Leader) position at American Express, candidates should possess demonstrated sales leadership experience, particularly in managing and motivating teams effectively. Required skills include strategic thinking, negotiation prowess, financial acumen, strong problem-solving capabilities, and excellent communication skills. Additionally, experience in outside sales and a focus on colleague development are integral.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How does the Director - Sales (People Leader) contribute to team culture at American Express?

As a Director - Sales (People Leader) at American Express, you play a pivotal role in shaping a thriving team culture. By focusing on colleague development, providing consistent coaching, and fostering an environment that prioritizes recognition and support, you create a motivated team that is ready to drive performance and achieve business objectives together.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is the salary range for the Director - Sales (People Leader) role at American Express?

The salary range for the Director - Sales (People Leader) role at American Express typically falls between $115,000.00 to $190,000.00 annually. This figure may vary based on factors like location, experience, and other relevant job-related criteria, and it is complemented by sales incentives and equity opportunities.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What benefits does American Express offer to the Director - Sales (People Leader)?

American Express offers a comprehensive benefits package for the Director - Sales (People Leader) role, which includes competitive base salaries, bonus incentives, a retirement savings plan with a 6% company match, medical, dental, vision insurance, flexible working arrangements, and extensive parental leave options. Additionally, employees have access to wellness programs and career development opportunities.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Director-Sales (People Leader)
Can you discuss your experience in leading a sales team?

When discussing your experience leading a sales team, highlight specific examples of how you motivated team members, set clear expectations, and drove performance results. Use metrics to demonstrate improvements in sales success and team satisfaction.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you approach developing a winning sales strategy?

Explain your method for developing a sales strategy by discussing market analysis, identifying target demographics, setting attainable goals, and outlining clear execution plans. Emphasize the importance of adapting strategies based on data and feedback.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe a time when you had to drive change within your sales team.

Share a concrete example of a significant change you implemented in your sales team, detailing the steps you took to manage the change process, overcome resistance, and achieve buy-in from your team members. Discuss the outcomes and learnings.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What techniques do you use to coach team members to improve their sales skills?

Discuss specific coaching techniques you employ, such as one-on-one mentoring, role-playing scenarios, and regular feedback sessions. Highlight your focus on individual development plans tailored to each team member’s strengths and growth areas.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you ensure compliance in your sales processes?

Explain the importance of compliance in sales and describe how you implement training and checks to ensure all team members adhere to compliance standards. Mention any tools or systems you use to monitor adherence effectively.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What strategies do you use for pipeline management?

Discuss your approach to pipeline management, including how you prioritize leads, monitor sales progress, and adjust tactics as needed. Explain how you leverage CRM tools to maintain visibility across the sales process.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you handle conflicts or challenges that arise within your team?

Share your conflict resolution strategy, emphasizing active listening, empathetic communication, and a focus on collaborative problem-solving. Provide an example of a past resolution that led to a positive outcome.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you analyze market trends to inform your sales strategy?

Describe your process for analyzing market trends, including data sources you consult, the metrics you consider important, and how you translate these findings into actionable strategies for your sales team.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is your experience with negotiations in sales?

Discuss your negotiation style, emphasizing the importance of understanding client needs and the outcomes you’ve achieved through successful negotiations. Share examples of deals that were particularly significant.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Why do you want to work as the Director - Sales (People Leader) at American Express?

Articulate your passion for the American Express brand, its values, and your desire to contribute to a culture of excellence. Reflect on how your leadership style aligns with their mission and how you envision driving impact in the role.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Similar Jobs
Photo of the Rise User
American Express Remote Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Posted 2 days ago
Inclusive & Diverse
Empathetic
Collaboration over Competition
Growth & Learning
Transparent & Candid
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Life insurance
Disability Insurance
Child Care stipend
Employee Resource Groups
Learning & Development

As a Data Sourcing Architect Manager at American Express, you'll lead critical data solutions for regulatory reporting automation, enhancing finance operations.

Photo of the Rise User
American Express Remote Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Posted 2 days ago
Inclusive & Diverse
Empathetic
Collaboration over Competition
Growth & Learning
Transparent & Candid
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Life insurance
Disability Insurance
Child Care stipend
Employee Resource Groups
Learning & Development

Join American Express as a Compliance Analyst and use your analytical skills to drive improvements in our reporting and metrics for risk management.

Posted 13 days ago

Lead revenue optimization efforts at Cirrus Asset Management as the Director of Revenue Management, focusing on multifamily property pricing strategies.

Posted 13 days ago

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Business Development Executive focused on steering the sales process and nurturing client relationships in a growing market.

Posted 11 days ago

Exciting opportunity for a proactive Business Development Representative to drive growth at Fiscal World Partner in a fully remote setup.

Garage seeks a passionate Sales Associate to enhance the shopping experience at The Florida Mall.

Photo of the Rise User

Join Abercrombie & Fitch Co. as a Brand Representative, engaging customers with exceptional service and stylish approaches.

Photo of the Rise User
Posted 2 days ago

As a Sales Manager at TASCHEN, you'll lead sales initiatives across the East Coast, building strong relationships in the art and publishing sectors.

Posted 7 days ago

Become a key player at LKQ Corporation as a Route Salesperson, driving deliveries while ensuring excellent customer service.

KnitwellGroup Hybrid Store 3136 - Denver Premium Outlets - ANN - Broomfield, CO 80023
Posted 6 days ago

Become a Sales Lead at KnitWell Group, where you ensure exceptional customer interactions while supporting and developing a dynamic team.

Photo of the Rise User
Inclusive & Diverse
Rise from Within
Mission Driven
Diversity of Opinions
Work/Life Harmony

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

3896 jobs
MATCH
Calculating your matching score...
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 4, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!
LATEST ACTIVITY
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Toledo just viewed Registered Nurse (Part-time) at Calibrate
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Toledo just viewed Clinical Research Associate II at Alimentiv
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Toledo just viewed Clinical Research Associate II at Precision for Medicine
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed IT Support Engineer at Level AI
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dayton just viewed Customer Content Specialist at Cision
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cuyahoga Falls just viewed Senior Corporate Communications Manager at Bumble Inc.
Photo of the Rise User
27 people applied to Sales Associate at Thingtesting
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Senior Financial Analyst at Workday
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Financial Planning and Analysis Lead at JLL
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Senior Financial Analyst at American Express
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Senior Analyst, Operations at American Express
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Strategic Finance Analyst, Corporate at Benchling
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Senior Analyst, Project Finance at Apex Clean Energy
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Senior FP&A Analyst, Sales at GitLab
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed FP&A Analyst at Lithic
Photo of the Rise User
42 people applied to Amazon Assistant at Remote VA
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Westerville just viewed Summer Internship - Public Health Data Science at Cotiviti
V
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Part-Time Executive/Personal Assistant at VirtuHire
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Chillicothe just viewed Area Manager at The Hemp Co by Curaleaf at Curaleaf