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Sales Development Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The role combines trade show strategy, lead management, Salesforce execution, and sales development activity. The individual will also gain direct customer-facing experience through structured cold ...

FAE Director

Livonia, MI · On-site

$169 - $233/hr

As a FAE Director on our Sales Marketing & Distribution team, you'll become the heart of our organization by developing strategies, refining processes, and implementing initiatives that empower our ...

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Sales Development Director information

See Michigan salary details

$61.4K

$100.3K

$144.7K

How much do sales development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for sales development director in Michigan is $100,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,100.00 and $133,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Sales Development Director do?

A Sales Development Director is responsible for leading and managing the sales development team, which focuses on generating new business opportunities and qualifying leads for the sales pipeline. They develop strategies to increase lead generation, analyze market trends, and ensure their team meets or exceeds targets. This role also involves collaborating closely with marketing and sales teams to align efforts and drive revenue growth, as well as mentoring and training staff to improve performance.

How does a Sales Development Director typically collaborate with marketing and sales teams to drive pipeline growth?

A Sales Development Director works closely with both marketing and sales teams to ensure a consistent and effective flow of qualified leads into the sales pipeline. They often participate in strategy sessions to align messaging, target accounts, and campaign execution, while also managing a team of sales development representatives (SDRs) who engage prospects and qualify leads. Regular meetings with marketing help refine lead generation tactics, and ongoing feedback from the sales team ensures that the handoff process between SDRs and account executives is seamless. This collaborative approach is key to maximizing conversion rates and meeting revenue targets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sales Development Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sales Development Director, you need expertise in sales strategy, lead generation, team leadership, and a proven track record in driving revenue growth, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM platforms like Salesforce, sales automation tools, and data analytics software is typically required. Outstanding communication, motivational leadership, and analytical thinking are crucial soft skills for inspiring teams and building client relationships. These skills and qualities are essential for effectively leading sales teams, maximizing pipeline opportunities, and achieving organizational growth targets.

What is the difference between Sales Development Director vs Sales Manager?

AspectSales Development DirectorSales Manager
Primary FocusOversees lead generation and qualification strategies to drive sales pipeline growthManages sales team to close deals and meet revenue targets
ResponsibilitiesDevelops sales development processes, manages SDR teams, and aligns marketing effortsDirects sales team activities, negotiates deals, and maintains client relationships
Required CredentialsTypically requires experience in sales development, leadership, and industry knowledgeRequires sales experience, leadership skills, and often a background in direct selling
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, collaboration with marketing, and team managementCustomer interactions, negotiations, and team supervision

The Sales Development Director focuses on building the sales pipeline through lead generation and qualification, while the Sales Manager concentrates on closing deals and managing the sales team. Both roles require sales experience and leadership skills, but their core responsibilities differ in strategic versus operational focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sales Development jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Sales Development jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Sales Development Director jobs in Michigan?

For Sales Development Director jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Sales Development Director jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Sales Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Sales Development Director job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,255 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Director of Product Development

Request Foods

Holland, MI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Request Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 442 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Position: Director of Product Development
Reports to: Senior Director of Sales
Department: Product Development
Location: Holland, M
There has never been a more exciting time to join Request Foods. We’ve been selling products to many of the world’s leading food companies, retailers and restaurants for over 35 years. A privately owned and financially sound company, we do our best to run our business based on Christian values. Whether it’s cooking up great tasting food, assisting in customer support, providing quality and production leadership, or supporting administrative or technical activities, a career at Request Foods is a great opportunity. At Request, we’ve achieved success by treating our employees with integrity, trust and respect. If you’re passionate about food, and the people who help produce it, then Request Foods might just be for you.
Request Foods is seeking a Director of Product Development that provides strategic and operational leadership for the end‑to‑end development, commercialization, and lifecycle management of frozen food products. This role oversees culinary innovation, food science, packaging engineering, and labeling amp; regulatory compliance, ensuring that products are innovative, manufacturable, compliant, and aligned with customer and business objectives. The Director leads a multidisciplinary team of culinary chefs, food scientists, packaging engineers, and regulatory/labeling professionals, serving as the primary cross‑functional partner to Operations, Quality amp; Food Safety, Engineering, Sales, and Supply Chain. Success in this role requires a balance of culinary creativity, technical rigor, regulatory expertise, and disciplined execution within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Essential Responsibilities:
Product Development amp; Innovation Leadership
  • Define and execute the product development strategy to support customer growth, innovation pipelines, and operational capabilities.
  • Lead new product development from concept through commercialization, ensuring products are scalable, cost‑effective, and operationally ready.
  • Partner with Sales and customers to translate concepts, briefs, and market needs into executable product solutions.
  • Maintain ownership of product specifications, formulas, and documentation throughout the product lifecycle.
Culinary amp; Food Science Oversight
  • Lead and develop a team of culinary chefs and food scientists responsible for formulation, benchtop development, plant trials, and commercialization support.
  • Ensure products meet taste, texture, appearance, and quality expectations while maintaining food safety and cost targets.
  • Support plant troubleshooting, reformulations, and continuous improvement initiatives for existing products.
Packaging Engineering Leadership
  • Provide strategic oversight of packaging engineering activities, including material selection, line compatibility, shelf life, and performance testing.
  • Ensure packaging solutions meet customer requirements, manufacturing capabilities, sustainability goals, and regulatory standards.
  • Partner with Operations and Engineering to support packaging trials, line validations, and equipment compatibility.
Labeling amp; Regulatory Compliance
  • Oversee labeling and regulatory compliance across all products, ensuring adherence to USDA, FDA, and customer‑specific requirements.
  • Ensure accurate nutritional labeling, ingredient statements, allergen declarations, and claims substantiation.
  • Stay current with regulatory changes and proactively assess impact to products, packaging, and documentation.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Serve as a key interface between Product Development, Quality, Food Safety, Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
  • Ensure smooth handoff from development to manufacturing with clear documentation, training, and operational readiness.
  • Support customer audits, technical reviews, and commercialization milestones.
People Leadership amp; Development
  • Build, lead, and mentor high‑performing teams across culinary, food science, packaging, and regulatory disciplines.
  • Establish clear performance expectations, development plans, and succession strategies.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Financial amp; Portfolio Management
  • Manage the Product Development budget, including labor, ingredients, trials, and capital support.
  • Prioritize the product development portfolio to maximize ROI, capacity alignment, and strategic impact.
  • Track key metrics related to speed‑to‑market, commercialization success, and product performance.
Key Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Food Technology, or related discipline.
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in product development within food manufacturing, preferably frozen foods.
  • Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams (culinary, food science, packaging, regulatory).
  • Strong understanding of USDA/FDA regulations, labeling requirements, and food safety systems.
  • Demonstrated success leading commercialization in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.
  • Advanced degree in Food Science or related field.
  • Experience in co‑manufacturing or customer‑driven product development models.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems, BOM management, and commercialization workflows.
Core Competencies:
  • Strategic innovation and execution
  • Regulatory and labeling expertise
  • Culinary and technical credibility
  • Cross‑functional influence
  • Financial and portfolio management
  • People development and change leadership
Benefits and Perks:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k
  • Paid Paternity Leave
  • Wellbeing programs
  • Immediate Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off
  • Profit Sharing


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