Salesperson / Sailing Expert

North Sails; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

North Sails in Bridgeport, CT, seeks a Salesperson to sell products through field visits, delivering exceptional customer experiences and hands‑on explanations of new or updated products.

Under the supervision of the Site and Regional Sales Manager, you will maintain strong customer relationships, provide product recommendations, and drive delivery support for sailing enjoyment or competitive racing.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge and experience in sailing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong sales and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• In-depth knowledge of North Sails product lines and production methods.

Responsibilities

• Builds and maintains a network of potential clients by sailing with boat owners and attending events.
• Identify customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrates product functions and utility based on customer needs.
• Maintains relationships and resolves post-sale issues.
• Prepares price calculations and sales proposals under North Sails guidelines.
• Quotes and enters new orders in system; monitors delivery dates.
• Educates customers on product benefits for performance or cruising.
• Monitors competitors and market conditions.

Skills

Sailing knowledge

Communication

Customer service

Negotiation

Independence

Problem solving

Job description

The primary function of the Salesperson is to sell North Sails products by conducting sales in the field through face-to-face interactions with potential and existing customers. The representative is responsible for offering the best possible customer experience and providing hands‑on explanations of new or updated products when necessary.

Under the general supervision of the Site and Regional Sales Manager, the tactical and operational aspects of this job are primarily self-directed. The Salesperson establishes and maintains strong customer relationships and provides product recommendations and delivery support for sailing enjoyment or competitive racing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Builds and maintains a network of potential clients by sailing with boat owners, attending regattas, joining local yacht clubs, and participating in local events.
• Communicates with customers and leads to identify and understand product or service needs and recommends appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrates product or service functions and utility based on customer needs.
• Ensures customer satisfaction through ongoing communication and relationship management and resolves post-sale issues.
• Maintains communication with existing and previous customers regarding new products, services, and enhancements.
• Maintains detailed reports of sales activities, including calls, orders, sales, lost business, and customer or vendor relationship issues; conducts daily calls and face-to-face meetings.
• Identifies customer product needs, prepares price calculations and sales proposals under North Sails guidelines, follows up on questions, and closes sales.
• Quotes and enters new orders in system.
• Ensures deposits, final payment, and transfer of ownership are completed according to current company policy.
• Moves sails to 4% as soon as possible and maintains accurate delivery dates.
• Ensures products are delivered, installed, tested, and signed off upon completion.
• Educates customers on how products or services can improve competitive performance or cruising experience.
• Monitors industry competitors, new products, and market conditions.
• Communicates with site and regional management regarding local marketing needs.

Qualification Requirements

• In-depth knowledge and experience in the sport and technology of sailing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service and relationship skills.
• Strong sales and negotiation abilities.
• Strong initiative and the ability to work independently with minimal direction or supervision.
• Ability to solve practical problems with little direction.
• In-depth knowledge of North Sails product lines, technology, and production methods.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States for any employer.

Compensation: $50-85k annually plus bonus structure