VP SALES

Job Summary

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Vice President of Sales is Shearwater's senior commercial leader responsible for driving global revenue growth, strengthening channel partnerships, expanding into new markets, and leading the company's commercial strategy.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on execution. You will oversee global sales operations, business development initiatives, brand and customer experience functions, and new category growth opportunities while leading a high‑performing international team. The successful candidate will be a proven sales executive who thrives in entrepreneurial environments, has experience building international distribution networks, and can translate market opportunities into sustainable business growth.

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Drive Global Sales Growth

• Own and deliver Shearwater's global revenue objectives
• Lead and support regional sales teams across North America, EMEA, and APAC
• Expand and strengthen distributor and dealer networks worldwide
• Develop and execute sales strategies that drive revenue, margin, and market share growth
• Manage key customer and channel relationships
• Monitor sales performance, forecasting accuracy, and commercial profitability

2. Lead New Category and Partnership Development

• Drive commercial execution for new product categories and strategic business ventures
• Develop go-to-market strategies for new products and emerging markets
• Identify, negotiate, and execute strategic partnerships and distribution agreements
• Collaborate closely with Product Development, Marketing, and Operations teams to ensure successful market launches

3. Grow Government, Military, and Public Safety Business

• Expand Shearwater's presence within government, military, and public safety sectors
• Support complex procurement and tendering opportunities
• Build relationships with end users, procurement officials, and channel partners
• Oversee business development activities within regulated and institutional markets

4. Lead Global Go-to-Market Execution

• Own the global product launch and commercial planning calendar
• Ensure product launches are supported with effective pricing, positioning, training, and promotional strategies
• Align sales, marketing, and operations teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences worldwide

5. Build and Develop a High-Performing Team

• Lead, coach, and develop a geographically distributed commercial organization
• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation
• Partner with executive leadership to support overall business objectives and long‑term growth strategies

What You Bring

You are a strategic thinker who can balance long‑term planning with day‑to‑day execution. You bring a strong commercial mindset and understand how to build sustainable growth through effective leadership, disciplined sales processes, and strong partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive sales leadership experience with direct accountability for revenue growth leading international B2B sales organizations and distribution networks
• 5+ years experience selling hard goods within consumer specialty, outdoor recreation, marine, diving, technology, or similar enthusiast‑driven industries
• 5+ years proven ability to build and expand sales channels across multiple global markets with complex sales cycles, channel partnerships, and strategic customer relationships
• Experience launching new products, entering new markets, or leading commercial growth initiatives
• Strong business acumen with the ability to manage revenue, margins, forecasting, and operational performance
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Commerce, Marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Active diving experience or a willingness to become a certified diver
• Experience negotiating OEM, technology, or strategic partnership agreements
• Understanding of manufacturing, product development, and sales planning processes
• MBA or equivalent executive leadership experience
• Experience working with government, military, or public safety procurement programs
• Familiarity with regulated procurement environments and tender processes

Salary Range

Career Band 4: $140-180k

Location & Travel

This position is based in Richmond, BC and requires regular international travel (approximately 30–40%) to support customers, distributors, trade shows, strategic partnerships, and business development initiatives across North America, Europe, and Asia‑Pacific.

Benefits

These are some of the benefits Shearwater employees enjoy:

• Flex time and Hybrid work site arrangements for most professional staff
• Company paid Life, AD&D, Dental, Extended Health, EAP Plan + Health Spending Account
• Competitive vacation allowance
• RRSP matching program
• Onsite gym
• 6 personal days per calendar year
• Diving – open water ticket, dry suit and advanced training, company paid
• Bonuses based on successful annual financial performance of the company