Sales Director, Merchandising Analytics

NielsenIQ•Chicago, IL

17d•$117,500 - $130,000•Remote

About The Position

About this job We are seeking an ambitious and results-oriented Director of Sales to join our Retail Analytics team. In this individual contributor role, you will drive new revenue growth, expand existing client relationships, and position our innovative Retail Analytics solutions as essential tools for the modern retailer. You will combine the drive of a hunter with the discipline of a farmer—acquiring new logos, growing established accounts, and closing complex deals with strategic precision. Working in close partnership with Product Area Experts and the Customer Success team, you will ensure that prospects and clients realize maximum value from our offerings. You will also serve as the voice of the customer, bringing market feedback and emerging needs back to our product management and operational teams to fuel future innovation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Analytics, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
10-12 years of consultative sales experience selling data; with a proven record of exceeding sales targets and closing complex, multi-stakeholder deals.
Exceptional strategic negotiation skills with a demonstrated ability to influence C-level executives and senior stakeholders.
Outstanding communication and presentation skills; ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business value.
Highly organized and disciplined in pipeline management, deal qualification, and sales forecasting.
Comfortable operating independently while collaborating effectively across a matrixed organization.
Willingness to travel for client meetings, conferences, and industry events as needed.

Nice To Haves

Ideally expertise in Retail Analytics, Data SaaS Solutions and/or AI technologies

Responsibilities

Pipeline Management
Build and manage a robust sales pipeline through disciplined opportunity management, rigorous pipeline hygiene, and consistent rhythm and pace.
Deliver accurate and timely sales forecasts, ensuring a strong pipeline-to-quota coverage at all times.
Client Acquisition
Proactively identify and acquire new clients to expand the book of business through targeted prospecting, lead generation, and consultative engagement.
Execute land-and-expand strategies, starting with pilot engagements and growing into broader solution deployments.
Account Management and Expansion
Cultivate deep relationships with existing clients, identifying upsell and cross-sell opportunities that align with client business goals.
Act as a trusted advisor to client stakeholders, understanding their challenges and positioning our Retail Analytics solutions as strategic assets.
Consultative Selling and Solution Development
Use a consultative sales approach to uncover client needs, define problem statements, and partner Product Area Experts to elevate the business.
Scope, position, and close deals that deliver measurable business impact for clients.
Sales Presentations and Demonstrations
Prepare and deliver compelling, customized sales presentations that clearly articulate the business value and differentiation of our solutions.
Carry out effective product demonstrations in partnership with Product Area Experts and Sales engineers.
Negotiation and Deal Closure
Lead high-stakes negotiations, structuring complex deals that satisfy client needs while driving profitable growth.
Close business with a disciplined, strategic approach to contract and commercial terms.
Market Research and Competitive Intelligence
Conduct continuous research on industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies.
Leverage insights to refine sales strategies and position our Retail Analytics solutions competitively.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Product Area Experts and Customer Success managers throughout the sales cycle to deliver tailored solutions and ensure long-term client success.
Provide structured, actionable feedback to Product, Marketing, and Delivery teams to inform roadmaps and go-to-market strategies.
Training and Mentoring
Provide guidance, mentorship, and sales best practices to junior team members, contributing to the development of a high-performing sales culture.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare plan (medical, Rx, dental and vision).
Flexible spending accounts and Health Savings Account (including company contributions).
Life and AD&D insurance.
401(k) retirement plan including company matching contributions.
Disability insurance.
Tuition Reimbursement.
Discretionary paid time off program and 11 paid holidays.
Flexible working environment
Volunteer time off
LinkedIn Learning
Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)