At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK & Ireland Sales team to drive marketplace growth and achieve ambitious revenue targets.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Nike, a leader in sports and retail innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior leaders across various functions for integrated marketplace strategies.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sales strategies and make a real impact in a global brand.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience and deep understanding of the UK retail market.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
We're seeking a Senior Director of Sales for the UK & Ireland, who is a highly commercial and strategic leader with a deep passion for driving marketplace growth and leading high‑performing sales organizations. This individual combines strong business and sales acumen with the ability to influence at the most senior levels, shaping decisions that unlock revenue, expand consumer right distribution, and strengthen partner relationships. You bring a proven track record of leading and developing sales teams at scale, driving performance, and building a culture of accountability and excellence. You are comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity, translating market insights into clear actions that accelerate growth across channels, geographies, and consumer segments.
What You Will Work On
In this role, you will lead the UK & Ireland Sales function, with accountability for the performance, direction, and development of the country sales team. You will set the commercial agenda, drive execution across key accounts and partners, and ensure the team delivers against ambitious revenue and growth targets. You will lead and deliver key commercial priorities that drive sustainable marketplace growth and elevate Nike's presence across channels. You will partner closely with senior leaders to shape go‑to‑market strategies, optimise distribution, and unlock new growth opportunities across direct and wholesale ecosystems. Your focus will be on connecting strategy to execution, ensuring that marketplace decisions, partner engagement, and channel strategies deliver against commercial targets. You will play a critical role in driving performance, influencing key trade‑offs, and enabling the business to win in a competitive and evolving retail landscape.
Who You Will Work With
You will operate at the centre of a highly connected ecosystem, partnering with senior leaders across Marketplace Direct & Sales, Marketing, Finance, Logistics & Supply Chain, Sports Marketing, Communications, Social & Community Impact, Government & Business Affairs, and Legal to align on commercial priorities and deliver integrated marketplace strategies.
Qualifications
- Proven capability in shaping and implementing innovative sales strategies with measurable impact.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and influence at the most senior levels within a complex, global, matrixed organization.
- Deep UK marketplace and sales expertise, with a strong understanding of UK retail dynamics across direct‑to‑consumer, wholesale, and distributor models.
- Proven experience shaping and optimising distribution strategies, with a clear point of view on how to win across channels and partners.
- Strong track record of working with and influencing key Nike marketplace partners, including distributors and wholesalers across the sports and broader retail landscape.
- Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high‑performing sales teams, creating a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous development.
- Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to translate market dynamics and consumer insights into revenue‑driving strategies.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and executive presence, with the credibility to challenge, align, and influence senior leaders.
- Strategic mindset combined with operational excellence, able to drive clarity, pace, and execution in a dynamic marketplace.
- High resilience and adaptability, with the ability to lead through change and make critical decisions in a fast‑moving commercial environment.
Director of Sales employer: NIKE, Inc.
As a leading employer in the sports retail industry, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our culture prioritises employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and leadership training, particularly for those in strategic roles like the Director of Sales. Located in the vibrant UK & Ireland market, our team thrives on driving marketplace growth while enjoying a dynamic and supportive atmosphere that values accountability and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Sales
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Director of Sales at NIKE, Inc., presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including NIKE, Inc.. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Director of Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Sales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for NIKE, Inc.:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for NIKE, Inc.. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at NIKE, Inc.
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show NIKE, Inc. that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show NIKE, Inc. that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with NIKE, Inc.’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
