Director of Client Relations

Director of Client Relations

For over 78 years, Ernest has been committed to the success of our extended family, our customers, our employees, and the packaging industry itself. When you work with Ernest, you'll enjoy the advantages of learning proven methods of success, a proactive approach, and having fun while earning what you're worth with a lot of really awesome people.

Director of Client Relations (aka Director of Sales) Location :
Salem, OR Sales Territory : 100 miles local radius Full-time | Base Salary + Bonus | Comprehensive Benefits | Exceptional Culture Salary range : 100 - 130k

At Ernest, our people are the heart of our success and that includes our clients. As we continue to grow, we're looking for a Director of Client Relations to lead from the front. This is more than a sales leadership role it's about building deep relationships, championing a high-performance team, and becoming the face of Ernest in your territory. We're looking for a talented and driven sales leader who can inspire a team of Client Relationship Managers (CRMs), drive growth through new business development and account expansion, and create unforgettable client experiences along the way.

You know how to lead in every setting from boardrooms to BBQs, ballgames to cold call walk-insand you make clients feel like partners and teams feel unstoppable. If that's your style, you'll fit right in at Ernest.

• Motivate and manage a team of B2B Client Relationship Managers (aka outside sales reps)
• Drive performance, accountability, and professional development
• Coach your team in sales strategies, tools, and account planning
• Lead monthly sales meetings and conduct regular reviews to keep goals on track

• Serve as the go-to sales leader for your regioninternally and externally
• Build authentic, lasting relationships with business clients
• Represent Ernest at appreciation events, sports outings, and client meetings
• Partner with supplier reps to drive value and strengthen relationships

• Guide and support your Client Relationship Managers as they hunt for new business and grow key accounts
• Equip your team to uncover client needs, deliver customized solutions, and build long-term loyalty
• Coach CRMs to deepen account penetration and maximize GTM growth across their portfolios
• Be a strategic partner in removing roadblocks, navigating client challenges, and ensuring successful outcomes

• Create and execute a yearly business plan focused on profitable growth
• Recommend process improvements to elevate the sales function
• Support company policies related to credit, collections, pricing, and more
• Approve pricing deviations and oversee sales promotions, campaigns, and contests

• Proven B2B outside sales success
• Experience managing and growing an outside B2B sales team
• Strong leadership, communication, and coaching abilities
• Track record of strategic thinking and operational execution
• Confidence in building rapport at all levels from clients to colleagues
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record
• Industry experience not required we hire for potential and performance

We don't just build sales teams, we build careers. Our culture is rooted in connection, development, and a shared belief that when one of us moves forward, we all move forward. You'll be empowered to lead, equipped to succeed, and supported by a team that celebrates every winbig or small.

Let's build something great together.