Company Description
Starboard is a global leader in watersports innovation and sustainability home to passionate designers, riders, and creators who share one goal: to inspire people everywhere to get on the water.
We are seeking a highly driven and experienced International Sales Manager to expand and manage our global distribution network in the Windsurf, SUP, and Wing Foiling markets. This role is responsible for driving sales growth, opening new markets, strengthening distributor relationships, and developing the school, center, and resort business segment. The ideal candidate has deep industry knowledge, strong commercial skills, and hands-on experience working with specialty retailers, distributors, and watersports operators.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Business Development
- Expand sales across all product categories: Windsurf, SUP, and Wing Foiling.
- Open new international markets and identify strategic opportunities for brand expansion.
- Recruit, onboard, and manage distributors and key accounts in targeted regions.
- Establish sales targets and market-entry strategies for each territory.
- Conduct market research, analyze competitor activities, and optimize pricing strategies.
School, Center & Resort Penetration
- Develop and grow partnerships with watersport schools, rental centers, holiday resorts, and training operators.
- Create tailored packages, rental programs, and educational support materials for schools and centers.
- Build long-term relationships with resort chains and tourism operators to increase product visibility.
- Coordinate demo days, training clinics, and instructor programs to support product adoption.
Account Management
- Maintain strong relationships with existing distributors, dealers, and strategic partners.
- Provide product training, sales tools, and sell-in support.
- Conduct quarterly reviews, demand planning, and accurate forecasting.
Market Execution
- Execute seasonal sales campaigns, product launches, and regional promotions.
- Represent the brand at trade shows, demo events, and dealer meetings.
- Work with marketing teams to ensure consistent brand positioning globally.
Operations & Coordination
- Coordinate with production and supply chain teams to manage order cycles and delivery expectations.
- Ensure all markets meet financial and operational performance goals.
- Provide regular reporting, insights, and market analysis to management.
Product & Industry Expertise
- Maintain strong knowledge of all product lines and emerging trends in watersports.
- Collect customer and market feedback for product development.
Travel
- International travel required (3050% depending on season).
Qualifications
Experience
- Minimum 3 years of international sales experience in sporting goods or watersports.
- Proven success in opening new markets and developing dealer or distributor networks.
- Experience managing or leading a sales force or regional sales team is strongly preferred.
- Experience working with watersport schools, centers, resorts, or rental businesses is an advantage.
- Background in Windsurf, SUP, Wing Foiling, kiteboarding, or similar sports is essential.
Skills
- Strong negotiation and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Ability to build and manage long-term relationships with schools, resorts, and distribution partners.
- Leadership skills with experience guiding salespeople or external reps.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and forecasting capabilities.
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently.
Other Requirements
- Fluent English; additional languages are an advantage.
- Passion for watersports and familiarity with global watersports communities.
- Willingness to travel internationally and work across different time zones.
