How to apply to Rennes School of Business
We guide you to find the programme that best meets your needs.
School News
Discover what brings the school to life every day: conferences, business partnerships, student projects, and key moments on campus.
Our campuses
Our campuses in Rennes and Paris welcome students in environments conducive to success.
Develop the skills you need to build a sales strategy, negotiate in an international environment and drive business growth.
Discover the programme
Recommended programme
A programme designed to develop your skills in sales negotiation, growth strategy, prospecting, sales management and international business development.
Your day often begins with an analysis of sales results: revenue, margins, new contracts, sales forecasts or progress against targets. You identify gaps, opportunities and priority actions to implement with the teams.
You may then attend a meeting with Sales Managers to review key accounts, ongoing negotiations and the performance of each area. Part of the day is spent meeting with senior management, marketing or finance to adjust strategy, offers, pricing or investments. You may also meet a strategic client, support an important negotiation, recruit new team members or prepare the launch of an offer in a new market. Your role therefore combines strategic vision, management and hands-on involvement.
Source: Rennes School of Business Graduate Employment Survey, graduates working in this family of professions. Average gross annual salaries, including bonuses.
Please note: Sales Director is generally a senior position. The salaries in the first categories correspond to graduates surveyed who already hold this position or a similar sales role, rather than to the usual entry level for this profession.
View the related RSB programme
THALES · SAFRAN · CAPGEMINI · AMAZON · YVES ROCHER
Discover the related RSB programme
You start out in a sales role
You can start as a Business Developer, Business Development Engineer, Account Manager, Key Account Manager or Area Sales Manager. You develop a client portfolio, learn how to negotiate and contribute to implementing the sales action plan. This hands-on experience is essential for understanding client expectations and the realities of sales.
You progress into management
After several years, you can become a Sales Team Manager, Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager or similar. You then manage a team, prepare forecasts, allocate targets and contribute to defining the sales strategy. The average salary observed after three to five years in RSB internal data is €61,625 gross per year, including bonuses.
You progress into sales leadership
With solid sales and management experience, you can progress into roles such as
Discover careers that draw on similar or complementary skills and compare their responsibilities, career prospects and the pathways to enter them.
Business Developer Product Manager Wealth Manager
What is the salary of a Sales Director?
The salary of an experienced Sales Director depends in particular on their experience, sector, company size, number of employees managed and the targets set. The Rennes School of Business internal data presented on this page corresponds to the early stages of a sales career and illustrates the career path that can gradually lead to this senior management position.
What should you study to become a Sales Director?
This profession is generally accessible after completing a Master’s-level qualification in business, management, negotiation, marketing or international business development, followed by several years of professional experience. At Rennes School of Business, the Bachelor can provide a first step before the Programme Grande École or the MSc in International Negotiation and Business Development.
What are the main responsibilities of a Sales Director?
A Sales Director defines the sales strategy, sets revenue targets and develops the sales action plan. They recruit and manage teams, monitor performance indicators and take part in the most important negotiations. They also analyse the market and identify new growth opportunities.
What skills do you need for this profession?
A Sales Director needs expertise in sales strategy, negotiation, team management, budget monitoring and performance analysis. They must also know how to use CRM tools and sales data. Leadership, persuasion, the ability to work under pressure, listening skills and decision-making are essential.
Can you become a Sales Director straight after graduating?
The position is rarely accessible immediately after graduation. It generally requires experience in roles such as Business Developer, Business Development Engineer, Account Manager, Sales Manager or Sales Team Manager. These roles enable you to gain hands-on experience, develop negotiation expertise and acquire initial management experience.
What is the difference between a Sales Director and a Sales Manager?
A Sales Manager generally manages a team, region, business activity or defined product range. A Sales Director has a broader remit: they define the overall sales strategy, allocate targets across teams and contribute to senior management decisions. In a small company, however, the two job titles may cover similar responsibilities.
Does RSB prepare students for a career as a Sales Director?
Rennes School of Business offers several pathways that can prepare students for a career in sales. The MSc in International Negotiation and Business Development develops skills in complex negotiation, sales strategy, prospecting and international business development. The Bachelor in Management, the Bachelor in International and Public Affairs, the Programme Grande École and the MSc in International Management can also lead to sales and subsequently management roles.
Interested in a career as a Sales Director?
Discover the MSc in International Negotiation and Business Development at Rennes School of Business, a programme designed to develop your skills in negotiation, sales strategy, prospecting, sales management and international business development.
