Director of Client Relations
Ernest
Salary undisclosed
Need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview? Contact us.
JobMinglr uses automated technology to recommend jobs based on profile information and job preferences. Match Score does not determine eligibility for a position, prevent a user from viewing or applying to a job, or make hiring decisions on behalf of an employer.
Description
For over 80 years, Ernest has been committed to the success of our extended family, our customers, our employees, and the packaging industry itself. When you work with Ernest, you’ll enjoy the advantages of learning proven methods of success, a proactive approach, and having fun while earning what you’re worth with a lot of really awesome people.
Director of Client Relations (aka Director of Sales)
Location: Houston, TX
Sales Territory: Local radius
Full-time | Base Salary + Bonus | Comprehensive Benefits | Exceptional Culture
Salary range and comp: 100 - 130k + bonus + perks
At Ernest, our people are the heart of our success and that includes our clients. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a Director of Client Relations to lead from the front. This is more than a sales leadership role, it’s about building deep relationships, championing a high-performance team, and becoming the face of Ernest in your territory. We’re looking for a talented and driven sales leader who can inspire a team of Client Relationship Managers (CRMs), drive growth through new business development and account expansion, and create unforgettable client experiences along the way. You know how to lead in every setting, from boardrooms to BBQs, ballgames to cold call walk-ins, and you make clients feel like partners and teams feel unstoppable. If that’s your style, you’ll fit right in at Ernest.
What You'll Do:
Lead and Develop a Territory Sales Team
- Motivate and manage a team of B2B Client Relationship Managers (aka outside sales reps)
- Drive performance, accountability, and professional development
- Coach your team in sales strategies, tools, and account planning
- Lead monthly sales meetings and conduct regular reviews to keep goals on track
Act as the Territory’s Sales Leader and Brand Ambassador
- Serve as the go-to sales leader for your region—internally and externally
- Build authentic, lasting relationships with business clients
- Represent Ernest at appreciation events, sports outings, and client meetings
- Partner with supplier reps to drive value and strengthen relationships
Drive New Business and Grow Existing Accounts
- Guide and support your Client Relationship Managers as they hunt for new business and grow key accounts
- Equip your team to uncover client needs, deliver customized solutions, and build long-term loyalty
- Coach CRMs to deepen account penetration and maximize GTM growth across their portfolios
- Be a strategic partner in removing roadblocks, navigating client challenges, and ensuring successful outcomes
Lead with Operational Excellence
- Create and execute a yearly business plan focused on profitable growth
- Recommend process improvements to elevate the sales function
- Support company policies related to credit, collections, pricing, and more
- Approve pricing deviations and oversee sales promotions, campaigns, and contests
What You Bring
- Proven B2B outside sales success
- Experience managing and growing an outside B2B sales team
- Strong leadership, communication, and coaching abilities
- Track record of strategic thinking and operational execution
- Confidence in building rapport at all levels, from clients to colleagues
- Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
- Industry experience not required, we hire for potential and performance
Why Ernest?
We don’t just build sales teams, we build careers. Our culture is rooted in connection, development, and a shared belief that when one of us moves forward, we all move forward. You’ll be empowered to lead, equipped to succeed, and supported by a team that celebrates every win, big or small.
Let’s build something great together!
Wanna see what makes us awesome? Hit play on our latest videos:
Newest Company Video with Keanu Reeves!
Watch us make a cardboard skateboard with Tony Hawk!
Ernest is a nationwide company, but did you know that our humble roots started in a Los Angeles garage? Brothers Ernie and Charles Wilson founded the company in 1946 with a dedication to customized service. Even after decades of delivering great packaging to our customers, that commitment has never changed. We always find the best solution to fit our customers’ needs, even if we have to invent it!
About this role
Ernest, a packaging company with over 80 years of history, is seeking a Director of Client Relations to lead sales growth across the Houston territory. This role blends team leadership with hands-on relationship building—you'll manage a team of outside B2B sales reps while also serving as the regional face of the company, from client meetings and appreciation events to strategic account partnerships. The position calls for someone who can motivate a sales team, coach them through account strategy and new business development, and personally drive expansion within key accounts.
The work spans three core areas: building and developing your sales team through coaching and performance management; driving new business and account growth by removing roadblocks and ensuring clients feel like partners; and executing operational excellence through annual business planning, pricing decisions, and process improvements. You'll need proven B2B outside sales success, experience managing a growing sales team, strong communication and coaching skills, and the ability to build rapport across all levels. A valid driver's license and clean driving record are required, and industry experience is not necessary.
The role offers a base salary of $100–130k plus bonus and comprehensive benefits, with full-time, in-office work in Houston. Ernest emphasizes culture, career development, and a collaborative environment where individual growth translates to company-wide success.
This role's local market on JobMinglr
Pay for this role
The employer didn't post a pay range for this role. That usually means pay is set in negotiation, which favors whoever arrives with numbers. Check ranges on comparable Director of Client Relations postings in Houston, and analyze any offer before you accept it.
Before you apply, worth reading
How JobMinglr reads this job
Every listing here is scored against your profile before you apply: skills overlap, experience level, location and work arrangement, each weighted and explained. You see the score and the reasons, not just a list. How the matching works.