Careers

WATERAX is a tight-knit team, a range of professionals who share the goal
of providing wildland firefighters with the tools they need to succeed.

International Sales Manager

Type of position: Salaried, full time Salary: To be discussed, based on experience Competitive benefits

About WATERAX

Trusted by wildland firefighters around the world, WATERAX sets the industry standard by developing innovative portable fire pumps and water-handling equipment designed to withstand demanding applications and rugged environments. With a time-tested legacy of reliability, WATERAX carries on its mission to place powerful, precision-engineered pumps into the hands of the men and women who need to move water to protect our lives and communities from the ravages of wildfires.

Job Description

The role of the International Sales Manager, reporting directly to the Director of Sales & Marketing, is responsible for developing and managing a global network of distribution Channel Partners. The International Sales Manager will lead our team of territory managers and field product specialists, managing sales efforts in multiple countries, ensuring that our portable fire pumps and water-handling equipment reach end-user customers swiftly and efficiently. This role is critical to expanding our international market presence and achieving our mission to support wildland firefighting efforts worldwide.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Leadership and Team Management:
    • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of international territory managers and field product specialists.
    • Set clear performance expectations and regularly review sales performance, providing actionable feedback and development opportunities.
    • Structure international sales organization for success and own hiring process for direct team.
  • Strategic Planning and Execution:
    • Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve international sales targets.
    • Identify new market opportunities and create entry strategies for emerging markets.
    • Set individual Territory Manager, Channel Partner, and team sales targets that consider business objectives, market conditions, and other influencing factors.
  • Channel Partner and Customer Relationship Management:
    • Oversee and manage the distribution network, ensuring effective performance, customer satisfaction, coverage, sales demonstration and presentation, lead generation, service, delivery, and other aspects of distribution agreement.
    • Build and nurture relationships with trusted distribution Channel Partners, end user customers, industry organizations, and key stakeholders worldwide.
    • Survey Channel Partners for customer satisfaction and address customer issues, concerns, and feedback promptly and effectively.
    • When necessary, enter negotiations and close major deals, representing WATE RAX in high-stakes sales situations.
  • Market Analysis and Reporting:
    • Conduct market research to stay informed of industry trends, competitor activities, and customer needs.
    • Provide regular sales forecasts, reports, and market analysis to senior management.
    • Monitor sales metrics and KPIs, providing data-based feedback to sales team, Channel Partners, and leadership.
  • Product Knowledge and Training:
    • Develop deep product knowledge of our portable fire pumps and water-handling equipment.
    • Provide training and support to the sales team and distribution Channel Partners.
    • Collaborate with other departments such as marketing, product development, customer service, technical service and training to ensure a cohesive approach to market growth.
    • Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and conferences.
  • Compliance and Ethics:
    • Ensure all sales activities comply with legal regulations and company policies.
    • Uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in all business dealings.
    • Adhere to all WATERAX policies and procedures pursuant to sales administration processes and guidelines.
    • Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Education & Experience

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Business, Marketing, or a related field. Preferably Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).
  • Experience:
    • Minimum of 10 years of sales experience, with at least 5 years in an international sales management role.
    • Proven track record of achieving sales targets and managing international sales teams.
    • Experience in the firefighting equipment industry or a related field is highly desirable.
  • Attributes:
    • Natural curiosity and passion for excellence, improvement and problem solving.
    • Passion for public safety and environmental protection.
    • Business Acumen– Understands the potential business implications of decisions being made from a financial statement perspective.
    • Critical Thinking - uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
    • Resourcefulness - be able to do more with less, ruthlessly prioritize, and multi-task.
    • High level of integrity and ethical standards.
    • Ability to travel internationally as needed.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Excellent strategic planning and execution abilities.
  • Negotiation skills - considers the needs of business and the customer and brings them together to create solutions that work for all parties.
  • Proficient in market analysis and sales forecasting.
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Fluency in English and French is required; additional language skills are a plus.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

  • Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

    This is a full-time position with standard working hours from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. While there is some flexibility in scheduling, availability during the core hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is required. Attendance at industry events, which may occur on weekends, is also expected.

  • Travel

    This role requires up to 50% travel, with some trips potentially occurring on weekends.