Sales Titles Demystified: All Sales Roles Explained {2025}

Major Takeaways: Sales Titles

SDR vs. BDR: The Inbound-Outbound Divide

• SDRs typically handle inbound lead qualification, while BDRs focus on outbound prospecting. Both roles are key to early pipeline success and often serve as stepping stones to Account Executive roles.

Unified Sales Development Titles Vary by Organization

• Many companies define SDR and BDR roles differently, or blend both functions. Only 25% of firms use strictly inbound/outbound SDR teams, emphasizing the need for flexible role design.

Business Development Titles Extend Beyond Prospecting

• While entry-level BDRs focus on lead generation, senior business development titles like VP or Director often drive strategic partnerships and market expansion.

Creative Sales Job Titles Can Inspire—but Must Be Clear

• Titles like “Revenue Rockstar” and “Wizard of Possibility” can reflect culture, but clarity matters. Misleading or vague sales titles may harm recruiting or confuse prospects.

Sales Title Hierarchies Align to Sales Strategy

• A well-defined sales titles hierarchy—from SDR to CRO—supports organizational growth, talent development, and cross-functional clarity. Strategic layering boosts performance and retention.

CRO and RevOps Roles Reflect Evolving Leadership Needs

• As sales and marketing alignment becomes mission-critical, CROs and VP of Revenue Operations are replacing siloed leadership titles to drive holistic revenue performance.

Customer-Facing Roles Extend Sales Beyond Closing

• Roles like Customer Success Manager and Account Manager now carry revenue responsibility through renewals and upsells, expanding what qualifies as a “sales title” in 2025.

Introduction

In the complex world of B2B sales, job titles can be surprisingly confusing. What’s the difference between a Sales Development Representative (SDR) and a Business Development Representative (BDR)? Where do Account Executives, Account Managers, and Sales Directors fit in? With sales organizations evolving rapidly in 2025, it’s crucial to understand the various sales titles and how they map to roles and responsibilities. After all, about 13% of all full-time jobs in the U.S. are in sales (6), spanning a wide range of positions from entry-level lead generation roles to C-suite executives. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify common sales and business development titles, explore the hierarchy of sales positions, discuss creative alternatives for traditional titles, and clarify how these roles contribute to revenue growth. Every section is backed by data and insights to help sales and marketing leaders make strategic decisions about structuring their teams in 2025.

Why do titles matter? Titles in sales aren’t just semantics – they signal a person’s level, focus (hunting new business vs. closing deals vs. managing accounts), and even your company’s approach to selling. The right title can set clear expectations both internally and externally. On the flip side, inconsistent or flashy titles can cause confusion. A recent LinkedIn study found that only 32% of people view sales as a trustworthy profession, yet 88% of buyers only engage when they see the salesperson as a “trusted advisor” (1). No wonder many organizations experiment with rebranding sales roles (using terms like “consultant” or “advisor”) to overcome negative stereotypes. But as we’ll see, substance matters more than nomenclature – a fancy title alone won’t close deals or earn trust.

Let’s dive in by clarifying one of the most common title puzzles in modern B2B teams: SDR vs. BDR. What do these roles entail, how do they differ, and why do some companies use one title over the other?

SDR vs. BDR: Clarifying Sales Development Roles

One of the most frequent questions in sales job titles is the distinction between SDR and BDR. The short answer: it depends on who you ask. Both roles are typically entry-level sales development positions focused on top-of-the-funnel lead generation, but different organizations draw the line between them in different ways. Let’s break down the SDR job title vs. the BDR:

• Sales Development Representative (SDR) – An SDR is usually tasked with qualifying inbound leads and nurturing interested prospects generated by marketing. They often respond to demo requests or content downloads, asking the right questions to determine if a lead fits the ideal customer profile before passing them to an Account Executive (2). In some companies, SDRs may also perform outbound prospecting, but many define SDRs as handling warm inbound inquiries. An SDR’s day might include following up with website sign-ups, answering initial questions, and booking meetings for senior sales reps.
  
• Business Development Representative (BDR) – A BDR is usually associated with outbound sales: cold-calling, cold emailing, and social selling to generate new business opportunities from scratch (3). BDRs proactively reach out to target accounts that haven’t expressed interest yet, aiming to spark a conversation. This role requires resilience with cold outreach – a common BDR strategy is high-volume cold calling to introduce the company’s solution and “hook” potential prospects (3). In many firms, BDRs are the first human touchpoint a potential customer encounters.
  

So, inbound vs. outbound is the classic distinction – but it’s not universal. Some organizations flip these definitions or even use the titles interchangeably. For example, one SaaS company might call inbound reps “BDRs” and outbound hunters “SDRs,” which is the opposite of the norm (3). Other companies don’t differentiate at all: they simply have “Sales Development Reps” divided into inbound and outbound teams. In fact, only ~25% of companies split their sales dev teams into dedicated inbound vs. outbound roles, while nearly half use blended roles handling both (4). As one sales enablement leader noted, “a lot of companies don’t separate them at all… We have inbound SDRs and outbound SDRs”, emphasizing that the titles BDR and SDR can be more about company preference than clear-cut function (2).

Key similarities between SDRs and BDRs include: entry-level position, metrics focused on meetings or sales ready leads created, and a mission to turn cold leads into warm opportunities (2). Both roles require strong research, outreach, and communication skills, and both serve as a training ground for future sales roles. In general, these reps are specialists in B2B prospecting – they don’t close deals (that’s for Account Executives), but they feed the sales pipeline. It’s common for SDRs/BDRs to have activity targets like number of calls or emails per day and monthly meeting quotas. Industry data shows average SDR quotas around a few dozen meetings or SQLs (sales-qualified leads) per month, with about 63% of SDRs attaining quota on average (9).

The average tenure of an SDR is only about 1.5 years (18 months) (4). With an average ramp-up of ~3.2 months for new SDRs, that leaves just about a year of full productivity before many reps get promoted or move on. This short tenure underscores that SDR/BDR roles are stepping stones – ambitious reps often aim to become Account Executives or managers as the next career move.

Bottom line: SDR and BDR roles are more alike than different. Typically, SDRs handle inbound leads while BDRs handle outbound prospects (3), but every company defines these titles in their own way (2). Don’t get too hung up on the letters – what matters is whether a rep is focused on incoming lead qualification or outbound cold outreach. Both are vital functions in a modern sales development team. In 2025, most high-growth companies ensure they cover “all-bound” prospecting: responding to inbound interest and proactively reaching out to target accounts. Whether you call the team BDRs, SDRs, or even “Lead Generation Specialists,” make sure the responsibilities are clear. As we’ll explore next, these roles sit at the nexus of marketing and sales, often called sales development or business development teams.

Sales Development vs. Business Development: Where Do They Fit?

Many organizations use the terms sales development and business development almost interchangeably, especially for those SDR/BDR roles. It’s easy to see why: both are about developing new business opportunities. However, subtle distinctions do exist, particularly as roles become more senior. Let’s unpack the relationship between sales and business development job titles:

• Sales Development typically refers to the process of generating and qualifying new sales leads – essentially what SDRs and BDRs do. It’s a function often positioned between marketing and sales. For instance, an inbound SDR might actually report to the marketing team in some companies, since they work closely on marketing-generated leads. In fact, in larger companies about 24% of SDR teams report to Marketing (while ~65% report to Sales) (4), reflecting this close alignment. Sales development reps focus on the early pipeline: their goal is to connect with prospects, gauge interest and fit, and set up the next step (usually a call or demo with a salesperson). This is lead generation and nurturing, not closing.
  
• Business Development can have a broader meaning. At the entry level, a Business Development Representative is basically identical to an SDR (just titled differently) – hunting for new business. But as a discipline, “business development” sometimes extends to strategic partnerships, channel deals, and long-term expansion strategies beyond just immediate sales. In smaller B2B companies, however, the business development team usually is the sales development team. The title “Business Development” may be preferred to imply a more strategic or consultative approach (and to avoid the word “sales” which some feel prospects react poorly to). For example, calling someone a Business Development Specialist or Client Development Executive might sound more sophisticated than “Salesperson,” even if the core role is selling. According to industry research, many modern companies adopt titles like account manager, client partner, or business development manager to emphasize relationship-building over transaction – a nod to the fact that 88% of buyers buy only when the seller is a trusted advisor and not a stereotypical salesperson (1).
  

So, is there a real difference? At the junior level, not really – SDRs and BDRs both do prospecting. The distinction is more about inbound vs outbound focus, as discussed. But when you see titles like Director of Business Development or VP of Business Development, these often indicate roles looking at new markets, partnerships, and high-level growth initiatives. Meanwhile, sales titles (Director of Sales, VP of Sales) usually emphasize managing the sales team and hitting revenue targets through direct sales. In some organizations, Business Development is part of the marketing organization (focusing on strategic growth, B2B market research, partner channels), whereas Sales is its own department focusing on closing deals.

To make it more confusing, many small companies combine sales and marketing leadership. It’s not uncommon in startups to have a VP of Sales and Marketing overseeing both functions. And at the executive tier, the emerging Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) role unifies sales, marketing and customer success under one leader. The demand for CROs has skyrocketed – in 2024 this role surged in popularity as companies sought unified revenue strategy. (Only about 11% of Fortune 100 companies had a CRO as of a couple years ago, but that number is rising (10).) A CRO ensures that marketing and sales (and post-sales) work in tandem toward common revenue goals. According to Gartner’s definition, a CRO is accountable for driving better integration between all revenue-related functions including sales and marketing. And evidence shows this integration pays off – Fortune 100 companies with a CRO grew revenue 1.8× faster than those without one (7).

Takeaway: In practice, “sales development” and “business development” roles at the rep level are often identical, and the title chosen is about company culture and philosophy. The important distinction is between roles focused on developing new leads (SDR/BDR) versus roles focused on closing sales (Account Executives) versus managing/expanding accounts (Account Managers/Customer Success). Business Development reps usually focus on new customer acquisition (just like SDRs). Meanwhile, Business Development Managers or Directors might explore broader growth avenues (new partnerships, new territories) beyond just direct sales.

From an org chart perspective, think of sales development/business development reps as the bridge between marketing and sales – they take raw leads (from marketing or cold outreach) and convert them into qualified opportunities for sales. Whether they report into marketing or sales, their work requires close collaboration with both. In fact, many companies now embrace “Revenue Operations” or combined sales & marketing ops to support this alignment. The rise of the CRO underscores how crucial it is to break down silos: modern revenue teams know that a cohesive strategy spanning prospecting to closing yields the best results.

Next, we’ll map out the hierarchy of titles on both the business development and sales sides – from entry-level sales reps up through sales leadership titles. Understanding this hierarchy helps clarify career paths and role expectations.

Business Development Titles Hierarchy (From BDR to VP)

When crafting your business development team or considering career progression, it’s helpful to understand the typical business development titles hierarchy. While every company might have its own spin, here is a common progression of titles in business development:

• Business Development Representative (BDR) – Entry-level role (sometimes called Sales Development Rep as discussed). Focuses on prospecting and qualifying leads. Measures success by number of meetings set or opportunities created. Often no prior experience is required beyond great communication skills and persistence. Many new grads start here. (Alternate titles at this level: Lead Generation Specialist, Sales Development Associate, Market Development Rep.)
  
• Business Development Manager (BD Manager) – Mid-level role; often a promoted BDR or an experienced hire tasked with more than just cold calling. BD Managers might handle bigger accounts or more complex outreach, and often work on improving outreach strategies. They may also manage junior BDRs. Despite the “Manager” title, they might not always manage people – sometimes it’s about managing major opportunities or partner relationships. In other cases, a Business Development Manager is essentially a sales manager for a team of BDRs. Their goal is to refine prospecting strategy, coordinate with marketing on outbound campaigns, and ensure a steady flow of qualified leads. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for roles like sales/business development managers is growing about 5% per year (6) as companies continue to invest in pipeline generation.
  
• Director of Business Development – Senior role, overseeing the business development function. A Director of BD sets strategy for entering new markets, forming strategic partnerships, and guiding the team that sources new business. They often work closely with the sales director and marketing director. This role is about creating and nurturing relationships that can turn into revenue (11). For instance, a Director of BD might secure referral agreements or channel partnerships in addition to managing outbound prospecting teams. Sometimes this title is interchangeable with Director of Sales Development when focused purely on the SDR/BDR team. In other cases, it’s more externally focused on big-picture growth initiatives.
  
• VP of Business Development – Executive-level role (sometimes SVP or Head of Business Development). This person looks at growth from a high vantage point: identifying major partnership opportunities, mergers/acquisitions for growth, and long-term sales expansion strategy. In firms where a VP of Sales handles the direct sales team, the VP of Business Development might concentrate on partnership sales and channel sales. In other organizations, this title can simply be an alternate to VP of Sales with a slightly broader remit. At this level, the role is highly strategic – dealing with the largest deals, alliances, and potentially non-traditional revenue streams. It’s worth noting that some fast-growing companies forego having a separate VP of BD and instead empower the CRO or VP of Sales to cover those areas. But in industries where partnerships are key (e.g. tech companies that integrate with other platforms), the VP of Business Development is indispensable.
  
• Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) – This title is less common, but a handful of organizations use it to designate the executive in charge of growth and partnerships, often interchangeable with a Chief Growth Officer. The CBDO would be part of the C-suite, focusing on high-level business expansion opportunities, while the CSO (Chief Sales Officer) or CRO focuses on revenue operations. Not every company has this; many rely on the CRO or CSO for the top leadership.
  

Career Path: Typically, a new BDR/SDR can move up to a BD Manager or Account Executive role in 1-2 years. It’s not unusual for a top-performing SDR to be promoted to an Account Executive (closing role) rather than staying in business development, as many reps ultimately want to close deals and earn commissions. Others might go into BD team leadership, eventually becoming a Sales Development Manager (managing a squad of SDRs) and then Director of Sales/BD. The average SDR tenure of ~1.5 years we mentioned earlier reflects how quickly these reps try to move up (4). High-growth companies also often hire junior talent – they are 30% more likely to hire reps with <1 year experience for SDR roles (4) – and then promote from within as the company scales.

Real-world example: Peloton (the fitness company) gave a creative twist to a business development role – their Business Development Manager Darren Dallas was nicknamed the “Wizard of Possibility,” reflecting how the role was about envisioning new growth avenues (11). This underscores that a BD Manager’s job is to “make things possible” by finding and nurturing opportunities that weren’t obvious before. (We’ll talk more about creative titles later, but it shows the expansive mindset expected in business development.)

In sum, business development titles usually imply front-end sales and partnership work. The hierarchy mirrors the sales ladder in many ways, but often with an outward-facing, strategic spin as you go up the ranks. Now, how does this compare to the sales titles hierarchy in general? Let’s map out a comprehensive list of sales roles next – including those on the direct sales/closing side and leadership.

Sales Job Titles Hierarchy: Comprehensive List of Roles

Sales organizations can be large and layered, or small and scrappy. But generally, sales position titles fall into three categories: entry-level sales roles, mid-level/specialist roles, and senior leadership roles. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of titles for each level, along with alternative names you might encounter. Use this as a reference to navigate the myriad sales roles titles out there:

Entry-Level Sales Titles (Sales Representatives)

At the entry level, titles typically emphasize individual contribution to selling or prospecting. These roles are the foot soldiers of sales, often handling a high volume of customer interactions (or outbound outreach) under guidance from higher-ups. Common entry titles include:

• Sales Representative (or Sales Rep) – A broad title that usually means a person responsible for direct selling, often in a specific territory or for a specific product. This could be an inside sales rep (selling remotely from the office) or field sales rep (meeting clients in person). Variations include Sales Associate, Sales Consultant, Account Representative, or Account Executive (Entry-Level). These roles involve contacting leads, delivering a sales pitch, following up, and closing smaller deals or handing larger deals to senior reps. In retail or B2C contexts, Sales Associate is common; in B2B, Account Executive is often the title even for fairly junior sellers. Alternative creative titles: Client Advisor, Product Specialist, or simply “Salesperson” (though that’s less used nowadays due to being too generic).
  
• Business Development Representative (BDR) / Sales Development Representative (SDR) – As discussed in the previous sections, these are lead generation titles for reps focused on prospecting rather than closing. They are entry-level but specialized in the top-of-funnel activities. Sometimes companies also use Inside Sales Representative for a similar role (usually combining prospecting and closing smaller deals from the office). Other variants: Market Development Rep (MDR), Lead Qualifier, or Appointment Setter. The core function is to book meetings and pipeline for others to close.
  
• Account Coordinator / Sales Coordinator – In some organizations, this title is used for a junior person who assists account managers or sales teams with administrative tasks, quote generation, or minor selling duties. It’s an entry point that can lead to a direct sales role after learning the ropes.
  
• Telemarketing Representative / Telesales – An older set of titles for those primarily doing phone-based outreach. For example, Telemarketing Specialist or Inside Sales Rep might be used in industries where cold calling is the main job. The term “telemarketing” has faded in B2B, replaced by SDR/BDR, but in some sectors (or outbound call centers) it’s still used.
  

Titles for sales reps can be creative or traditional. Many organizations choose titles without the word “sales” to avoid any stigma and to imply a consultative approach. It’s not unusual to see entry-level salespeople called “Account Consultants”, “Client Success Associates”, or “Revenue Development Reps.” In fact, one extensive list of sales titles compiled in 2023 shows examples like Account Growth Manager, Client Engagement Specialist, Solutions Consultant, and even playful terms like “Results Achievement Specialist” – all essentially meaning someone who sells (1). No matter the title, these roles typically carry a quota (or contribute to someone’s quota) and have incentives tied to deals or meetings.

Note: While creative sales job titles are fun, they can confuse applicants or even customers. A hiring study found that candidates don’t often search for quirky titles like “sales ninja” when job hunting (12). So, a balance is needed – some firms use creative internal titles but a more straightforward title externally. For instance, you might be a “Deal Closer (Sales Representative)” on your email signature. The key is that if you’re an entry-level sales rep, you’re likely doing a mix of prospecting, qualifying, and closing smaller deals, regardless of fancy title.

Mid-Level and Specialized Sales Roles

As sales professionals gain experience, they often progress to roles that either carry bigger responsibilities (larger territories, bigger deal sizes) or more specialized functions. Mid-level titles often include “Manager” (not always meaning people management) or “Executive” terminology. Here are notable ones:

• Account Executive (AE) – In many B2B companies, an Account Executive is a core mid-level salesperson responsible for closing deals. AEs typically work qualified opportunities (often provided by SDRs/BDRs or marketing). They run sales presentations, product demos, handle objections, negotiate contracts, and ultimately win business. There can be tiers:
  • Senior Account Executive for a more experienced seller, or distinctions like Enterprise Account Executive vs. Mid-Market Account Executive based on the customer size). 
  • An Enterprise Account Executive focuses on the largest clients (deal sizes often $100K+ (6)), engaging in longer, consultative sales cycles with multiple stakeholders. 
  • A Mid-Market AE handles medium-sized clients, with sizable but slightly smaller deals (6). 
  • There are also Territory Managers or Regional Sales Reps who might be AEs assigned to a geographic region. All these are individual contributor roles (not managing teams) but operating at a higher skill level than entry reps. They carry significant quotas and are the revenue drivers in most sales orgs.
    
• Sales Engineer / Solutions Engineer – This is a technical sales support role. Sales Engineers partner with AEs on complex products (often in software, IT, or engineering industries) to provide deep technical expertise during the sales process (6). They do product demos, answer detailed technical questions, and ensure the solution fits the customer’s needs. Titles include Pre-Sales Consultant, Solutions Consultant, or Technical Sales Specialist (6). These roles blend sales acumen with technical know-how. They are crucial in B2B tech sales, where having someone who can speak the customer’s technical language makes the difference in winning deals. Sales Engineers typically are mid-level roles (not entry-level, as they require both product expertise and communication skills). They might not have a direct quota, but often have bonus incentives tied to team sales.
  
• Sales Operations Manager / Revenue Operations – These roles focus on the behind-the-scenes optimization of the sales process. A Sales Operations Manager ensures the sales team has the right tools, processes, and data to sell effectively (6). They handle things like CRM administration, sales analytics and reporting, territory planning, comp plan administration, and process improvement. They might implement automation tools and ensure leads are flowing properly. In 2025, many companies have transitioned “sales ops” into Revenue Operations (RevOps) which covers sales, marketing, and customer success operations holistically. A Director or VP of Revenue Operations (RevOps) might oversee multiple ops teams to align all revenue-generating functions (6). While “ops” roles aren’t quota-carrying sales jobs, they are vital mid-level roles that amplify the productivity of sales teams. They often report to the COO, CRO, or VP Sales.
  
• Customer Success Manager (CSM) – Typically post-sales, a Customer Success Manager ensures that existing clients are happy, supported, and primed to renew or expand (6). One might ask, is this a sales title? It straddles the line – CSMs are not usually responsible for new sales, but they do play a role in upselling and retention, which are revenue-related. Many companies consider Customer Success part of “sales” in a broad sense (especially if CSMs have renewal or expansion quotas). Titles include Client Success Manager, Customer Success Specialist, Client Services Manager, etc. A Senior Customer Success Manager handles the largest accounts or may mentor other CSMs (6). The rise of recurring revenue models (SaaS subscriptions, etc.) has made Customer Success one of the fastest-growing job families in sales. They ensure clients get value from the product, which in turn drives renewals and referrals – an important revenue stream.
  
• Account Manager / Relationship Manager – This role focuses on managing and growing existing customer accounts rather than landing new ones. Account Managers often take over after an Account Executive closes a new customer. They then serve as the main point of contact, handling renewals, upsell/cross-sell opportunities, and general account care. Titles here include Key Account Manager, Client Relationship Manager, or Account Director (if handling major accounts). Account Managers usually do carry a quota (for renewals or upsells). A Senior Account Manager might handle the most important customers or a larger book of business (6). This role demands strong relationship skills and a deep understanding of the client’s business. It’s distinct from an AE in that it’s less about hunting new logos and more about farming existing ones for growth and retention.
  
• Sales Development Manager – Mentioned briefly earlier, this is a first-line manager for an SDR/BDR team (6). They recruit, train, and coach the junior reps who are prospecting. The Sales Development Manager (sometimes called BDR Manager or SDR Team Lead) monitors metrics like calls, emails, meetings booked, and keeps the team motivated. They also coordinate between marketing and sales to ensure lead handoff quality. This is a mid-level managerial role, often a promotion for a senior SDR or a junior sales manager. Because of the typically high turnover and burnout in SDR teams, this manager’s role in keeping the team productive is crucial. (It’s not an easy job – patience of a teacher and energy of a cheerleader required!)
  

There are numerous other specialist titles depending on the business. For instance, Channel Sales Manager (manages resellers or partners), Bid Manager/Proposal Manager (handles RFP responses in enterprise sales), Sales Trainer (focuses on training and onboarding reps), etc. But the above covers the major mid-level roles directly tied to generating revenue.

Sales Manager Titles and Alternatives: When we talk “sales manager” in a generic sense, it often means the person managing a team of sales reps. However, actual job titles for that can vary:

• Sales Manager – Could be “Regional Sales Manager”, “Inside Sales Manager”, etc. This person manages a team of Account Executives or reps, sets targets, coaches the team, and is responsible for that team’s number.
  
• Team Lead – Some companies use “Team Lead” as a title for someone who has some managerial duties (like mentoring, or being a senior rep) but not full management authority. E.g., BDR Team Lead might be a senior BDR who helps the manager.
  
• District Manager / Area Sales Manager – Common in retail or territory-structured teams, meaning a manager of sales in a certain region.
  
• Store Manager or Branch Manager – In retail or franchise context, they manage a location’s sales staff.
  
• Customer Acquisition Manager – A creative alternative seen in some SaaS firms, emphasizing bringing in new customers (a fancy way to say Sales Manager responsible for new business).
  

The list of sales manager titles alternatives is long. Ultimately, any title that includes “Manager”, “Lead”, or “Head of [Sales]” implies a supervisory role. It’s worth noting: titles are just titles. A startup might give the head of their 3-person sales team the grand title “VP of Sales”, whereas a Fortune 500 company might have “Sales Manager” as a title for someone leading 50 people in a region. Context matters. That said, as a company grows, titles tend to standardize and hierarchy solidifies (you may end up adding Directors and VPs above Managers, etc., which we cover below).

Sales Leadership Titles (Director, VP, and C-Suite)

At the top of the sales hierarchy, titles denote leadership and broad scope of responsibility. These roles are accountable not just for selling themselves, but for strategy, people management, and hitting revenue targets at scale. Key sales leader titles include:

• Sales Director / Director of Sales – This is typically a senior manager role, overseeing one or more sales teams (often through sales managers). A Director of Sales might be responsible for an entire region or an entire product line’s sales. They focus on strategy execution, high-level coaching of managers, setting sales plans and forecasts, and reporting results to upper executives (6). In some companies, “Sales Director” is the highest sales position before VP; in others, it’s a mid-tier. Some alternatives: Senior Sales Director, Regional Sales Director, Director of National Sales. If an organization is large, you might have multiple directors (by region or segment) reporting to a VP. If smaller, the Sales Director might be the de facto head of sales. Their duties include things like ensuring targets are met, hiring/firing decisions for the team, implementing sales methodology, and cross-functional coordination (with marketing, product, etc.).
  
• Director of Sales Operations / Revenue Operations – We touched on Ops roles earlier in mid-level, but at senior level you have Directors or VP of Sales Operations/Enablement who handle company-wide sales efficiency. A Director of Sales Ops might report to the VP Sales or COO and handle CRM systems, analytics, territory strategy, compensation design, etc. (6). A Director of Enablement focuses on training and content for sales. These are specialized leadership roles parallel to direct sales leadership.
  
• Vice President of Sales (VP Sales) – The VP of Sales is commonly the head of the entire sales organization (especially in mid-sized companies). This person sets the sales strategy, defines the sales team structure, and is ultimately responsible for revenue generation and growth. They often report to the CEO or possibly to a Chief Revenue Officer. A VP of Sales typically has years of experience (8-10+), and is skilled in both sales strategy and people leadership (6). They oversee recruiting top talent, expanding into new markets, and aligning the sales strategy with company objectives. Many companies have Regional VPs if they are large (e.g., VP Sales – Americas, VP Sales – EMEA). Titles like Senior VP (SVP) of Sales or Executive VP (EVP) of Sales might exist in corporate hierarchies, ranking above a plain VP. These indicate an extra level (often SVP is just a more senior title when there are multiple VPs, and EVP might be second to the CEO). But broadly, VP of Sales is the title for the top sales leader in many firms. It’s a high-paying role — often commanding a six-figure base salary plus significant bonuses or commission on the company’s sales.
  
• Vice President of Business Development – As mentioned, some companies have this role parallel to or instead of a VP of Sales. It can indicate focus on strategic deals and partnerships. Sometimes the VP of Sales Development exists (particularly in SaaS companies) to specifically manage the SDR/BDR org and pipeline management and generation (6), working closely under the VP Sales or CRO. Additionally, roles like VP of Account Management or VP of Customer Success might exist, overseeing those respective teams and usually reporting to either the CRO or CEO (6). These VP roles specialize in different parts of the customer lifecycle but are on comparable tiers.
  
• Chief Sales Officer (CSO) – In some organizations, the top sales leader carries the title CSO. This is essentially the C-suite version of the head of sales (usually equivalent to a VP of Sales but at executive level). The CSO title is more common in larger enterprises or in European companies. The CSO’s focus is pure sales and hitting revenue targets, and they usually sit alongside other C-level execs in planning the company’s direction.
  
• Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) – The CRO has emerged as a role that oversees not just sales, but all revenue-generating functions (sales, marketing, customer success) (7). We discussed the CRO above; it’s an expanding role in 2025. For companies that have a CRO, that person is the ultimate owner of the revenue number. They may have a VP Sales, VP Marketing, VP Customer Success all reporting to them. The idea is to ensure alignment from lead generation to deal closure to renewal. A fun fact: companies with a CRO have been observed to grow revenue significantly faster (1.8x) than those without (7), showing how powerful unified leadership can be. The highest paying sales jobs are often at this level – a CRO or CSO at a successful company can easily earn a total compensation in the high six or seven figures, combining salary and bonuses/equity.
  
• Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) – Another C-suite role similar to CRO, used in some organizations. The CCO often combines sales and marketing under one umbrella, focusing on commercial strategy, pricing, and market expansion (7). Some companies use CCO interchangeably with CRO, others have both (with the CCO more external market-focused and CRO more internal alignment-focused).
  
• Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) – While not a sales title per se, we mention it because in some companies the CMO also oversees sales or vice versa. Particularly in smaller companies, a CMO might manage the SDR team or a VP Sales might report to a CMO. But in larger orgs, they are peers or the CRO is above both. There are also hybrid titles like VP of Sales and Marketing at times, reflecting combined duties.
  

Each leadership role requires a combination of strategic thinking, people management, and deep understanding of the sales process. They are often hired not just for sales skills but for leadership and cross-department collaboration prowess.

Sales Director Titles vs. Sales Manager: One point of potential confusion is the Director vs. Manager terminology. In many U.S. companies, the Director is above the Manager in the hierarchy (a Director might manage managers). For example, a Sales Manager might manage a team of reps, and a Sales Director manages a few Sales Managers. However, elsewhere or in flatter organizations, a “Director of Sales” might just be the term for the single sales manager at the company. Always clarify the scope of the role behind the title.

VP Sales Titles: Similarly, VP titles can have variations. Beyond regional designations (Regional VP, etc.), some firms use fanciful VP titles like “VP of Global Sales,” “VP of Sales – Strategic Accounts,” or “Deputy VP of Sales.” These are usually tailoring the scope. An emerging trend is splitting the VP role by function: e.g., VP of New Business Sales and VP of Account Management if hunting and farming are split at high levels. Or VP of Commercial Sales (for SMB/mid-market) and VP of Enterprise Sales for large deals. The title Executive Vice President (EVP) of Sales is often just a more senior-sounding title than VP (say, for the #1 sales leader who is also an EVP on the exec team). Senior Vice President (SVP) is similar – indicating seniority among VPs.

At the end of the day, titles for sales leadership are about as meaningful as the results they deliver. Companies might call their top sales executive different names, but that person’s challenge is always to drive revenue and lead the sales force effectively.

To give a quick reference, here’s a summary table of typical sales hierarchy:

Table: Examples of sales position titles by level, showing alternatives.

As you can see, there’s a wide array of sales titles in use. The important thing is to ensure clarity in your organization about what each title means. A clear sales titles hierarchy helps employees understand their career path and helps clients understand who they’re dealing with. For instance, clients generally know an “Account Executive” is a salesperson, even if the word “sales” isn’t in the title. On the other hand, overly vague titles could backfire – most B2B buyers today recognize that a “Business Development Specialist” or “Client Relationship Advocate” is likely a salesperson in disguise (1). Transparency can actually build trust.

Before we conclude, let’s touch on a lighter side of titles: the creative and alternative titles some companies use to stand out or define their culture.

Creative Sales Job Titles (and Business Development Titles)

In an effort to put a fresh spin on traditional roles (and sometimes to combat the negative perceptions of sales), companies have come up with some creative job titles for business development and sales positions. These can range from descriptive to humorous. The benefit of a creative title is that it can signal a unique company culture and catch a candidate’s eye. The risk is that it might obscure the role’s purpose. Let’s explore a few examples:

• “Revenue Rockstar” or “Sales Ninja” – Startup cultures, especially in tech, have played with such titles to imply someone who is extremely good at driving sales. For example, calling a salesperson a Revenue Rockstar adds a fun twist. However, a Rockstar still rocks on stage – meaning this person is front and center generating revenue. A “Sales Ninja” implies stealth and skill in closing deals. These are clearly informal; you’d rarely see them on a formal org chart, but they might appear in job ads or team Slack channel nicknames.
  
• “Warden of Sales” – A tongue-in-cheek title used by some (notably referenced in a blog where a Tesla sales leader was dubbed Warden of Sales (11)). It conveys that the person keeps the sales operation running smoothly (like a prison warden but for sales results!). It’s essentially a creative synonym for Sales Manager.
  
• “Wizard of Opportunity” or “Wizard of Possibility” – We saw Peloton’s Wizard of Possibility earlier, essentially a Business Development Manager (11). The term wizard implies someone who can conjure up deals as if by magic. This kind of title highlights creativity and vision in developing business. It’s whimsical, but in the right culture it can inspire the team to think outside the box for growth.
  
• “Chief Happiness Officer” – Not exactly a sales role (often used for HR), but some companies have jokingly called their top account manager or customer success leader the Chief Happiness Officer, emphasizing customer happiness = renewals and sales. In a sales context, you might see something like “Customer Happiness Specialist” instead of Customer Success Manager.
  
• “Growth Hacker” – A term borrowed from marketing that sometimes is applied to roles focused on growth, whether via marketing or sales. A Growth Hacker might do a mix of outbound sales and marketing experiments to drive user acquisition. This title was trendy in startups where boundaries between marketing and sales blur.
  
• Creative Business Development Titles: Aside from the above, there are creative spins particularly on BD roles, like “Partnerships Catalyst” for a partnerships manager, or “Deal Architect” for someone structuring complex deals. One company might call their channel sales reps “Alliance Jedi” (alluding to forging alliances in a Star Wars way). Another might label a sales trainee as “Sales Padawan” in a quirky onboarding program. The possibilities are endless (and sometimes ridiculous).
  

It’s worth noting that according to sales trainers, using too euphemistic a title won’t fool customers – buyers quickly understand they’re dealing with a salesperson (1). If anything, an overly obscure title could create mistrust, as if you’re hiding you’re in sales. The key is to live up to the creative title. If you call someone a Client Success Advocate, they’d better be someone who advocates for the client’s success (and not just push product).

Bold approach vs. clarity: Many sales leaders caution that while creative sales job titles are fun, candidates still search for conventional titles. For example, a talented sales professional looking for a new job will likely search for “Account Executive jobs” or “Sales Manager jobs,” not “Revenue Guru positions”. If your job postings are too outlandish, you might miss out on appearing in those searches. One hiring guide notes that creative titles should be paired with the standard title for best results (e.g., “Sales Development Representative (Business Development Ninja)”) (12).

From an internal perspective, creative titles can boost morale and a sense of identity. A team of BDRs calling themselves “Pipeline Generators” or “Lead Avengers” might bond over that moniker. Just be cautious using such titles on LinkedIn or business cards if they confuse prospects.

In summary, creative business development and sales titles should be used thoughtfully. If they reflect your culture and motivate your team, great – just ensure clients and candidates still understand the role. Perhaps use them as informal or secondary titles. After all, no matter if you’re titled “Deal Closer” or “Account Executive”, your mission is likely the same: drive revenue by solving customer problems.

Elevate Your Sales Development with Martal Group

Building a high-performing sales development engine – with the right roles, titles, and talent – is challenging. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone. We at Martal Group specialize in outsourced lead generation, SDR outsourcing, and omnichannel appointment setting for B2B companies. In fact, 86% of tech companies use some form of sales outsourcing today (5) to boost their pipeline, and Martal is a proven partner in this space. 

Companies like Martal Group act as a fractional sales development team for B2B clients – providing experienced sales reps, data researchers, and campaign strategists so that “you don’t have to be a B2B sales lead generation expert to grow your business” (8). We bring a trained team (with all the appropriate sales titles – from SDRs to Account Directors – already in place) to seamlessly integrate with your organization.

What we offer: Our multichannel outbound programs leverage email, LinkedIn, calls, and more to generate qualified appointments. We provide prospecting and B2B appointment setting service, while you focus on closing deals. Whether you need to accelerate top-of-funnel activity, enter new markets, or enrich your existing sales team with additional bandwidth, we have the SDR talent and strategy to deliver results. With Martal’s support, you gain strategic sales development insights, rigorous data-driven approach, and the persistence needed to engage today’s buyers. We’ve helped companies worldwide fill their pipeline and achieve revenue growth faster by skipping the trial-and-error of building an in-house team from scratch.

Ready for a free consultation? 👉 Let’s talk! Contact Martal Group for a no-obligation consultation to see how our outsourced SDR teams and outbound lead generation services can drive consistent growth for your business. We’ll assess your sales development needs and craft a strategy (whether you need just a couple of SDRs or a fully managed outbound program) to hit your targets. Join the ranks of successful B2B companies that partner with Martal to supercharge their sales pipeline. Together, we can elevate your sales development function – and turn those ambitious sales titles into real revenue results.

References

1. The Brooks Group 
2. Sales Enablement Collective 
3. Augurian Blog 
4. QuotaPath 
5. Foundry “Sales Development Landscape 2023” 
6. RevPilots (Job Titles in Sales, 2024) 
7. Concept IT (TXP Talent) 
8. Martal Group Blog – Outbound consulting in 2025 
9. Tenbound 
10. McKinsey 
11. Uplead 
12. Out of the Box Consulting 

Let’s address some frequent questions about sales titles and roles, to solidify our understanding: