Sales Manager

The missions of the sales manager

The role of sales manager in the nautical industry is one of interface and fieldwork. The sales manager acts as the link between the brand and its distribution network. Their role is to support distributors and help them offer the right boats, at the right time, to the right customers.

It is a fascinating job that requires a great deal of commitment — you are always in action. No two days are alike, you are always in the thick of it and everything moves very fast. We have a very close-knit team, we all work towards developing the brand, we play as a team. For me it is the ideal job.

Jean-Philippe, Sales Manager Jeanneau

On a day-to-day basis, the sales manager handles a portfolio of 30 to 40 distributors spread across a defined geographical area, with varying geographical and sometimes geopolitical constraints. They attend major nautical trade shows such as the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle or the Cannes Yachting Festival to represent the brand and support their network. A sale is never the result of one person alone: the sales manager plays as part of a team and relies on everyone around them to close each deal.

Initial training and apprenticeship

Several pathways lead to a career as a sales manager in the nautical industry. The Professional Certificate in Nautical Industry and Services Sales (level Bac+2, RNCP36393) is the most specialised qualification: it combines commercial, technical and nautical skills and is offered by the INB (Institut Nautique de Bretagne) in initial training, apprenticeship or retraining formats. A general commercial qualification (BTS in Operational Commercial Management, a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a business school) is also a solid starting point, to be complemented by experience in the sector.

These programmes are available as initial training or apprenticeships, through a work-study contract (ages 16 to 30) or a professionalisation contract (from age 16, with no upper age limit).

Professional retraining

The sales manager role is particularly open to candidates retraining from other industrial sectors such as the automotive, aerospace or sports industries. Significant experience in sales or distribution network management, combined with a passion for the sea and sailing, can be enough to break into this sector. The Nautical Sales Professional Certificate is available to job seekers through continuing education, notably via the INB in Concarneau or Villefranche-sur-Mer, with funding options through France Travail or the OPCOs.

Career development

After several years of experience, the sales manager can expand their geographical territory or take on a larger portfolio of distributors at an international level. They can also move into management by leading a sales team, progress to a commercial director position, or take over the management of a nautical dealership as a boat sales agency manager.