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Director-Sales (People Leader) - job 4 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.)
min
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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

As the Director-Sales (People Leader) at American Express in Washington, D.C., you will be at the forefront of guiding a talented team to new heights in the dynamic payment industry. Your role, pivotal in the Merchant Acquisition and Supplier Enablement team, involves crafting and executing innovative sales strategies tailored for high-value merchants. Leading a dedicated group of six Business Development Managers across an expansive eight-state territory, you'll be instrumental in driving new business and product adoption. Your success will come from effectively motivating your team, ensuring they meet performance goals while embracing accountability and compliance. At American Express, your leadership will not just impact sales numbers; it will transform how merchants perceive our offerings, enhancing their customer experiences. You'll utilize strategic thinking to develop acquisition strategies, track sales processes, and foster collaboration across various business functions. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives on colleague development, consistently sharing best practices, and tackling marketplace challenges head-on. Moreover, your exceptional communication and negotiation skills will be essential in shaping a well-connected team that delivers results. This role is not just about hitting targets; it’s about nurturing a culture of growth and support in a diverse work environment where everyone belongs. Join Team Amex and lead the charge in providing exceptional card acceptance solutions while building lasting relationships in the community.

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

The Director-Sales (People Leader) at American Express is responsible for leading a team of six business development managers across an eight-state territory. This role involves crafting effective sales strategies, motivating team performance, ensuring compliance, and managing sales processes. The Director collaborates with internal partners to enhance business outcomes and is tasked with developing talent within the team to meet the organization's objectives.

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What qualifications are needed for the Director-Sales (People Leader) position at American Express?

Candidates for the Director-Sales (People Leader) role at American Express should possess demonstrated sales leadership experience with a focus on colleague development. Ideally, applicants will have 3-5 years of people leadership experience and a strong understanding of negotiating and strategic decision-making. Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage a geographically dispersed team are also essential for success in this role.

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How does American Express support growth and development for the Director-Sales (People Leader)?

American Express is committed to nurturing professional growth through continuous development opportunities for the Director-Sales (People Leader). The company provides comprehensive training resources, mentorship programs, and access to a wealth of knowledge sharing within a dynamic and supportive environment. Their holistic benefits package further reinforces their dedication to employees' physical, financial, and mental well-being.

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What is the pay range for the Director-Sales (People Leader) position at American Express?

The salary range for the Director-Sales (People Leader) position at American Express is between $115,000.00 to $190,000.00 annually, with additional incentives based on performance. Salary determination will consider various factors including location, experience, and relevant skills, ensuring a well-rounded compensation package that reflects the value brought to the company.

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What kind of team culture can new hires expect in the Director-Sales (People Leader) role at American Express?

New hires in the Director-Sales (People Leader) role at American Express can expect a culture that emphasizes collaboration, diversity, and support. The organization prides itself on creating an environment where colleagues feel seen and heard, fostering a sense of belonging. Leadership encourages a growth mindset and provides tools to help individuals thrive, both personally and professionally within a vibrant team dynamic.

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

When discussing your experience leading a sales team, focus on specific examples where you motivated your team to meet and exceed targets. Highlight the strategies you implemented for training, performance tracking, and how you adjusted tactics in response to market changes. Showcasing your ability to inspire and develop others will resonate with interviewers.

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How would you approach the development of a new sales strategy?

To develop a new sales strategy, I would begin by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the current market and understanding customer needs. Engaging your team in brainstorming sessions would ensure diverse perspectives are considered. Formulating clear objectives, identifying key metrics, and keeping avenues for regular feedback would be essential components of an effective strategy.

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What techniques do you use to motivate remote sales teams?

Motivating remote sales teams can be effectively achieved through regular check-ins, recognition of individual accomplishments, and fostering camaraderie through collaborative tools. I prioritize transparent communication and provide tailored training sessions to help team members feel connected and empowered to perform at their best.

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Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision regarding your team.

When addressing a tough decision regarding my team, I would detail the context, the decision-making process, and the outcome. Emphasize your approach to balancing team morale with business needs, demonstrating your commitment to making choices that benefit the organization while considering the team's dynamics.

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How do you ensure compliance and ethical conduct within your sales team?

Ensuring compliance and ethical conduct requires constant vigilance and education. I incorporate training sessions on company policies and industry regulations, create an open dialogue environment, and encourage reporting of ethical dilemmas. This proactive approach helps build a culture of integrity within the sales team.

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What role does data play in your decision-making process?

Data plays a crucial role in guiding my decisions. I utilize sales performance metrics, market trends, and customer feedback to inform strategy adjustments and identify growth opportunities. Integrating data analytics ensures that my decisions are evidence-based and responsive to evolving market scenarios.

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Could you describe your experience with B2B sales?

In discussing your B2B sales experience, focus on specific achievements, such as securing key partnerships or exceeding sales targets. Detail how you tailored solutions to meet business clients' unique needs and the strategies you implemented to engage with and nurture long-term relationships.

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How do you conduct performance reviews for your peers?

Conducting peer performance reviews involves a balance of constructive feedback and nurturing positive development. I prefer a collaborative approach, incorporating self-assessments and encouraging open discussions. This method fosters a trusting environment where team members can grow from feedback.

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What strategies do you use for pipeline management?

Effective pipeline management necessitates a blend of technology and communication. I utilize CRM tools to track prospects and sales activities, while also emphasizing regular updates and reviews with my team. This ensures transparency, accountability, and enables the identification of potential challenges early in the process.

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How do you handle conflicts within your team?

When handling conflicts within my team, I prioritize open communication and impartial mediation. I create a safe space for team members to express their concerns and facilitate discussions to reach collaborative resolutions. This approach promotes harmony and reinforces respectful teamwork.

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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 2, 2025

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