How to hire an area sales director

How to hire an area sales director, step by step

Here's a step-by-step area sales director hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an area sales director job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new area sales director
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post an area sales director job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   The area sales director hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an area sales director to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an area sales director that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of area sales directors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Area Sales Director	Description	Hourly rate
   Area Sales Director	Sales managers direct organizations' sales teams. They set sales goals, analyze data, and develop training programs for organizations’ sales representatives.	$27-67
   Director Of Sales & Business Development	A director of sales business development is responsible for monitoring the business and project plans, ensuring that the sales targets are met, according to project requirements and specifications. Directors of sales business development perform data analysis to track business performance and identify opportunities to grow revenues and profits... Show more	$18-84
   Director Of Sales And Operations	Directors of Sales and Operations are executives who oversee the performance of the company. They set the strategic direction for the company's sales force... Show more	$48-90

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Customer Service
   • CRM
   • Sales Management
   • Sales Process
   • Revenue Growth
   • Business Development
   • Home Health
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Direct Sales
   • Sales Efforts
   • Sales Strategy
   • Sales Performance
   • Direct Reports
   • Account Management

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Identify key decision makers, demonstrate ROI for proprietary product, drive design wins and achieve preferred print position.
   • Achieve continuous profitability improvements through cost reduction programs successful OEM contract negotiations and outsourcing installation program.
   • Launch and monitor new CRM system to maximize sales effectiveness.
   • Train sales teams in customer relationship management (CRM) software and sales skills.
   • Launch sales initiative for start-up company with unique delivery method for continuing medical education programs targeting physicians and other healthcare professionals.
   • Develop and implement an organizational restructure that result in improve go to market strategy and ROI.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your area sales director job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An area sales director salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, area sales directors' average salary in hawaii is 48% less than in pennsylvania.
   • Seniority. Entry-level area sales directors earn 60% less than senior-level area sales directors.
   • Certifications. An area sales director with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an area sales director's salary.

   Average area sales director salary

   $90,206yearly

   $43.37 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level area sales director salary

   $57,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

4. Writing an area sales director job description

   An area sales director job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an area sales director job description:

   Area sales director job description example

   RapidAI is the global leader in using AI to combat life-threatening vascular and neurovascular conditions. RapidAI is empowering physicians to make faster decisions for better patient outcomes, leading the next evolution of clinical decision-making and patient workflow. Based on intelligence gained from over 5 million scans in more than 2,000 hospitals in over 60 countries, the Rapid platform transforms care coordination, offering care teams a level of patient visibility never before possible. RapidAI - where AI meets patient care.
   
   At RapidAI, we believe in leveraging cutting-edge technology and research to impact millions of lives. Our software products enhance doctors' capabilities across hospitals worldwide to respond to and make the best decisions for patients quickly. We are looking for a high-energy employee who is excited to be at the forefront medical device software development. The successful candidate will meet the criteria defined below, and in doing so, will help deliver the best patient care to patients all around the world.
   
   Working closely with the Vice President of US Sales, experienced and strategic Area Sales Director will be responsible for the identification, measurement, development and communication of the Rapid AI's sales strategy and goals within the identified region.
   
   To achieve this, the director will drive key performance indicators and measure sales execution against those KPI's. S/He will leverage data to identify optimal sales strategy by market and customer segment. They will identify training and resource needs and work cross-functionally to build and develop capabilities against those KPI's. Candidate will be a strategist and a leader able to guide a sales team while also implementing its vision, mission, and long-term goals. This role will require the right candidate to implement a strategy that will allow the company to grow and scale quickly, while guiding their respective team on the ground to manage a current base of business. Candidate will have a strong background in hiring, training, and developing people for long-term performance and should be able to share examples of how they achieved this and what the results were. Candidate will be comfortable working with and influencing other departments and demonstrate the ability to motivate and energize teams, accelerate change, and think strategically.
   
   What you will do:Partner with the VP of US Sales in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the expansion of Rapid AI solutions within your prescribed geography Identify, assess, and inform the VP of US Sales of internal and external issues that affect the organization Drive and represent RapidAI's values and mission Foster effective teamwork between your region and the entire U.S. organization Recruit, hire and develop excellent Sales representatives Provide strategic advice and guidance to the Executive Team to keep them aware of developments within the industry and your region, and to ensure that the appropriate policies are developed to meet the company's mission and objectives Establish and maintain effective formal and informal links with major customers, key decision-makers, and other stakeholders, to exchange information and views and to ensure that RapidAI is providing the appropriate range and quality of services Work in partnership with RapidAI Marketing, develop and maintain an effective local marketing and market development strategy to promote Rapid AI's service to broadest base of hospitals within your region Represent the company in negotiations with customers, suppliers, government departments and other key contacts to secure the most effective contract terms for the CompanyOversee the preparation of quarterly reports to the VP of US SalesOversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of your regional Enterprise Account Executive TeamSet Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) to monitor all Sales progress on a quarterly basis. Follow up as appropriate and ensure achievement of goals Create and implement effective direct sales strategies and lead team toward achievement of corporate sales objectives.Provide leadership through effective communication of vision and active coaching and development, while taking appropriate action to hold teams accountable to objectives.Provide sales management, budget control, compensation guidance.Ensure effective hiring, orientation, training, development, and retention of sales staff.Provide guidance and coaching through field visits, observations, and measurement of results.Identify changes in healthcare policy, delivery systems, and competitive pressures to develop and implement strategies and tactics accordingly.Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual sales forecasts.Establish effective relationships and collaboration with all internal departments at RapidAI (Marketing, Finance, Service, Clinical)
   
   What you bring:Bachelor's degree required Strategic thinker with the ability to communicate key messages clearly and conciselyA proven record of success in senior level management, preferably in the healthcare industry Excellent command of written and spoken EnglishA minimum of 5 years' senior level experience managing people and resources Significant experience in developing routes to market in the Stroke sector Demonstrate strong coaching and people development skills Demonstrated exemplary leadership, coaching and business skills while developing and managing business relationships in the medical device market Demonstrate strong negotiating skills Proactive communication skills with the ability to negotiate contracts and develop support at the Executive level of a TrustProactive communication skills with a collaborative and inclusive personal style. You are equally comfortable working with a small dynamic group as you are in front of a large audience Well organized with excellent follow up skillsA very high level of commercial awareness Strong and demonstrated leadership skills Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to assess and develop people for growth and higher-level opportunities Ability to read, analyze and interpret complexity Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations on complex topics to public groups and or Executive Team and BODAn ability to travel up to 70%, dependent upon location and demands of the business Proven experience working with executive audiences, communicating company and industry wide topics, and getting involved with the details and managing the challenges that exist in every part of a complex organization Requires high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion, decision-making and self-direction to accomplish multiple goals of client practices and solutions.In depth understanding of challenges that face health plans and health care in general is required.
   
   What we offer you:RapidAI offers coverage for medical, dental & vision.Medical Benefits - We offer a range of policies. Life Insurance/AD&DShort and Long Term Disability.Healthcare and Dependent care flexible spending accounts are available 401K plan RapidAI provides a monthly stipend for internet/cell/phone services.Time Off:We have 10 company paid holidays!RapidAI has a flexible vacation policy. We urge employees to take vacation! Vacation allows employees to renew, reinvigorate, and rejuvenate.Other Cool Benefits:Equity - Stock OptionsIncentive CompensationAnd most importantly - You are joining an awesome team!
   RapidAI is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type in regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right area sales director for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your area sales director job on Zippia to find and recruit area sales director candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit area sales directors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new area sales director

   Once you have selected a candidate for the area sales director position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new area sales director first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire an area sales director?