Director, Strategic Sales

Join the corporate office of Express Employment International as the Director of Strategic Sales. In this role you will be responsible for driving revenue growth and expanding market presence through the development, acquisition, and management of major key accounts, including national, zone, and high-potential clients. You will own the full sales lifecycle, from pipeline development and lead generation through complex negotiations and deal closure, all while building and maintaining strong executive-level relationships.

With a primary focus on advancing strategic opportunities and securing new businesses, this leader also partners cross-functionally to ensure long-term client success and continued account expansion. You will play a critical role in strengthening brand presence at a national level by introducing and scaling new products and solutions, including Extend HR and ExpressLane/Simple VMS, across key accounts.

 

This position is remote eligible for any candidate living within the continental US states. If the employee lives in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, they will be based at the corporate office with an expectation to be onsite 80% of the time.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the full sales process for major national, zone, and high-potential key accounts, owning lead generation, RFP responses, negotiations, contract reviews, and successful deal closures
• Develop and execute strategic account plans designed to expand sales, deepen relationships, and maximize revenue growth within assigned key accounts
• Build and maintain strong C-level relationships with key clients, delivering thought leadership, presenting new products and services, resolving escalated issues, and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction
• Oversee contract negotiations and reviews, collaborating closely with internal legal, contracts, and stakeholder teams to secure favorable terms
• Create and deliver compelling sales presentations and quarterly/annual business reviews, partnering with account development and implementation teams to ensure alignment and excellence in delivery
• Provide sales leadership, coaching, and guidance to franchisees, field teams, HQ personnel, and internal stakeholders to drive coordinated and effective sales efforts
• Champion the adoption of new products and solutions (such as Extend HR, ExpressLane, and Simple VMS) to expand Express’s footprint and value proposition nationally
• Prepare franchisees, field sales teams, and internal stakeholders for critical client and prospect meetings
• Deliver training and education on sales processes, tools, and best practices to HQ, field teams, and franchisees
• Monitor economic trends, industry developments, and market dynamics to inform strategic decisions and identify new opportunities
• Collaborate cross-functionally throughout the sales and implementation process, ensuring all stakeholders are appropriately involved and customer expectations are exceeded
• Represent Express at key industry conferences and events (e.g., ILC, ASA) to strengthen relationships and enhance brand visibility
• Utilize CRM systems and internal tools effectively to manage pipeline, track activity, and drive performance

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications or related field required
• Graduate degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive sales experience with a strong emphasis on enterprise/national account management

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES

 

• Deep expertise in enterprise, consultative sales and complex deal management, with strong business and financial acumen
• Exceptional executive communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence C-level stakeholders
• Advanced negotiation and strategic account planning capabilities that drive revenue growth and long-term partnerships
• Proven ability to lead through influence, aligning cross-functional teams and stakeholders in a matrixed or franchise environment
• Strong coaching, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and high-stakes situations
• Data-driven mindset with proficiency in CRM systems and pipeline management to inform strategy and performance

 

Not sure you meet every requirement? Apply anyway!

At Express, we celebrate what makes you, you. We value diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and talents—because we know that’s what makes us stronger together. If you're excited about the role, we’re excited to hear from you.

 

Express Employment International supports Express Employment Professionals franchises and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with more than 870 franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

 

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, our corporate team is committed to empowering franchisees by providing world-class support, training, and strategic guidance through a unified global network.

 

Our mission is to professionally market and provide quality human resource solutions through an international franchising network—benefiting our associates, clients, franchisees, corporate staff, shareholders, and the communities we serve.

 

Our vision is simple yet powerful: To help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people.