JobsMercury Marine

Director of Sales Distribution

Mercury Marine · Menomonee Falls, WI

Posted Sep 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about a time you took over or built a key account management team from the ground up. What did the structure look like before you got there, and what did you change?

whether they have real experience designing a KAM operating model versus just managing within one that already existed

Describe a Quarterly Business Review you personally led or sponsored that changed the trajectory of an account relationship. What made it different from a status update?

whether they've actually run strategic QBRs at the executive level rather than just attending them

Tell me about a time you had to push back on a request from a top wholesale account because it conflicted with the company's broader brand or portfolio strategy.

whether they can prioritize enterprise interests over channel-level revenue, which is central to this role

Tell me about a time your recommendation on pricing or margin management with a wholesale account was unpopular with either sales or the customer. How did you handle it?

whether they can hold a disciplined commercial line under pressure from both sides

Describe a time you had to build or replace someone on your leadership bench because a KAM role suddenly became vacant. How did succession planning factor in before that happened?

whether talent pipeline work is a genuine practice for them or an afterthought

Technical

Walk me through how you'd design an account segmentation and prioritization framework for a portfolio with a mix of high-revenue but low-complexity accounts and lower-revenue but strategically important ones.

whether they can translate abstract account management theory into a workable, defensible structure

How have you used a CRM to identify an account that looked healthy on the surface but was actually at risk?

real fluency with pipeline and account health data, not just familiarity with the tool's name

Walk me through how you would explain account concentration risk to an executive audience, using a hypothetical portfolio where two distributors represent 40 percent of revenue.

financial literacy and the ability to communicate risk clearly to leadership, not just identify it

How would you set up a forecasting and pipeline review cadence across six KAMs so you catch problems before they show up in quarterly numbers?

operational rigor and whether they can design governance rather than just react to missed targets

Situational

One of your Key Account Managers has a strong personal relationship with a major distributor but keeps missing forecast accuracy targets. How do you handle that?

how they balance relationship-based selling against governance and data discipline

You inherit a team of six KAMs, and two of them are clearly more focused on their own account wins than on the health of the overall channel. What's your first 90 days with them look like?

leadership approach to building accountability and a shared operating cadence rather than letting KAMs operate as independent agents

A distributor tells you they're expanding into a category currently served by a different Navico Group brand's direct retail strategy. How do you navigate that conversation with the account and internally?

cross-functional judgment and whether they think beyond their own channel's numbers

Tell me about the last time market conditions shifted quickly and you had to change your wholesale strategy mid-stream. What signals told you it was time to adjust?

adaptability and whether their strategic thinking is grounded in real market signals versus static planning

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The full job description

As published by Mercury Marine.

Are you ready for what’s next?   Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond.  Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.  Location:  Various Workplace Category: Hybrid Travel Required: 30% - 60% travel depending on season Direct Reports:   6 Pay Range:  132,500 - 196,000 Visa Sponsorship:   Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.  This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.     Relocation:   Not applicable Innovation   is the heart of Brunswick .    See   how   your   contributions   will   help   transform vision into reality :   Position Overview :    The Director of Sales, Wholesale is a senior commercial leadership role responsible for the overall performance, structure, and strategic development of Navico Group’s wholesale and distribution sales channel. The role leads, develops, and coaches a team of Key Account Managers (KAMs) who manage Navico Group’s most significant wholesale and distribution partners—accounts characterized by high revenue, high complexity, and high strategic importance. Success in this role requires the ability to build and sustain a best‑in‑class KAM organization, with robust account management discipline, strong governance, and a clear operating cadence. Beyond delivering channel results, the Director of Sales, Wholesale must demonstrate enterprise‑level business acumen, balancing wholesale success with Navico Group’s broader portfolio, brand, and long‑term growth priorities. At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver .     Essential Functions : Leadership & Team Development  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Wholesale KAMs responsible for Navico Group’s most critical distribution and wholesale relationships.  • Build a high‑performance culture grounded in accountability, strategic thinking, and structured execution.  • Ensure KAMs are equipped with the skills, frameworks, and tools required to manage complex, multi‑stakeholder wholesale accounts.  • Provide ongoing coaching on strategic selling, financial acumen, negotiation, and executive‑level customer engagement.  • Set clear direction and deliver results aligned to business priorities. • Build a high-performing, inclusive team through coaching, feedback and accountability. • Own talent pipelines and succession plans, developing future leaders and critical role successors. • Drive employee engagement, acting on feedback to improve team performance and experience. • Make fair, thoughtful decisions across hiring, development, and performance. • Collaborate across teams (and cross divisionally where relevant) to deliver outcomes and remove silos. • Lead through change with clarity and consistency. • Role model company values in everyday leadership. KAM Function & Operating Model Excellence  • Design, implement, and continuously improve a robust Key Account Management framework tailored to the wholesale and distribution environment.  • Define clear standards for:   • Account segmentation and prioritization  • Account planning and opportunity mapping  • Executive engagement and governance  • Forecasting, pipeline management, and performance tracking  • Ensure all KAMs consistently manage accounts in accordance with this structure and operating rhythm.  Strategic Account Management & QBR Ownership  • Personally oversee engagement with Navico Group’s top wholesale and distribution accounts, ensuring appropriate executive‑level involvement.  • Lead and/or sponsor Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with top accounts, ensuring:   • Clear alignment on joint business objectives  • Transparent review of performance, trends, and risks  • Alignment on portfolio strategy, growth initiatives, and future opportunities  • Ensure QBRs are strategic, data‑driven, and forward‑looking—not tactical status updates.  Commercial Strategy & Growth Leadership  • Define and execute the wholesale sales strategy in alignment with Navico Group’s overall commercial and growth objectives.  • Balance short‑term revenue delivery with long‑term value creation, portfolio optimization, and channel health.  • Ensure disciplined pricing, margin management, and portfolio mix across wholesale accounts.  • Identify and drive new growth opportunities across brands, categories, and customer segments.    Enterprise Perspective & Cross‑Functional Leadership  • Act as a strong enterprise leader who understands and represents the Navico Group perspective, not just wholesale channel interests.  • Collaborate closely with:   • OEM Sales, Business Development, and Retail leadership  • Category and Product Management  • Marketing and Brand teams  • Supply chain, operations, and finance  • Ensure wholesale strategies support broader organizational priorities, brand positioning, and long‑term growth plans.  Governance, Performance & Reporting  • Establish clear performance metrics and review cadences for KAMs and wholesale accounts.  • Drive forecasting accuracy, pipeline quality, and disciplined execution.  • Regularly assess account risk, dependency, and concentration, proactively addressing issues.  • Provide clear, concise executive reporting on channel performance, opportunities, and risks.  Success in the Role Is Defined By  • A highly capable, disciplined Wholesale KAM organization operating with consistency and confidence.  • Strong, strategic relationships with Navico Group’s most critical wholesale and distribution partners.  • Effective and impactful QBRs that drive alignment, trust, and growth.  • Delivery of sustainable revenue and margin growth aligned with Navico Group’s broader strategic goals.  • Demonstrated ability to think and act beyond channel silos, optimizing outcomes for the entire enterprise.    Diversity   of   thought and experience s   is   fundamental when   imagin ing   the unimaginable .   Certain skillsets/experiences   are necessary;   however,   others can be developed   along the way .     Required Qualifications:      • Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience). • 10+ years related experience in sales management, marine industry customers desired.  • Ability to use CRM tools to drill-down into targets, accounts, and sales numbers to assess health of accounts and adherence to sales playbooks and objectives.  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; Power BI a plus. • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive customer insights. • Proven territory‑management experience, including call planning and pipeline development. • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. • Solid understanding of basic financial statements. • Strong strategic and day‑to‑day problem‑solving abilities. • Proven track record of driving sales growth with customers. • Strong creative problem‑solving and critical‑thinking abilities. • Flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing markets. Preferred Qualifications: • MBA or master’s degree preferred. • Experience in forecasting, merchandizing, customer marketing, training is preferred. • Meaningful sales or sales‑management experience in the marine or fishing industry. Working Conditions: The employee must be able to perform the below essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential function of their job, absent undue hardship. • Office environment. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for a length of the time.   • Ability to work long shifts with extended periods of standing and walking while at an event show. • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.   • Working hours will vary to support customers   The hiring range for this position is   132,500 - 196,000   annually. The actual base pay offered will vary based on multiple factors including job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context .      I n addition to base pay, this position is eligible for   an   award target as part of Brunswick’s long-term incentive program.   This position is eligible to   participate   in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found  here .   Why Brunswick:     Whatever tomorrow brings,   we’ll   be at the leading edge.    As   the   clear leader in the marine industry,   we’re   committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition,   we’re   proud of being recognized for making a splash with   numerous awards !    Navico Group   Navico   Group is a stand-alone division of Brunswick, the world’s largest recreational marine business .   Navico   Group is the global leader in technology,   systems   and solutions for a variety of industries, from Marine & RV to Specialty Vehicles and beyond. Our broad portfolio consists of the industry's leading brands in Power Systems, Digital Systems, Fishing Systems, and Performance Components including   Ancor , Attwood, B&G, BEP, Blue Sea Systems, C-MAP,   CZone , Garelick, Lenco, Lowrance,   Marinco ,   MotorGuide ,   Mastervolt ,   ProMariner ,   RELiON ,   Simrad   and Whale.    Our team is committed and driven, every day, to be the most trusted supply partner to the marine and mobile industries...and beyond. #LI-PR1   #navico #LI-Remote Next is Now!   We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.  If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com  for support.  Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942. All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers .  If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com . #Brunswick Corporation For more information about EEO laws, - click here Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify .

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