National Sales Director, Racquet Sports (North America) | Chicago, IL (Hybrid)The National Sales Director - Racquet Sports will lead Racquet Sports sales strategy and execution across the US and Canada for retail, specialty, club, pro shop and key account customers. The role is accountable for the full racquet sports portfolio: hardgoods (racquets, balls and accessories) and softgoods (footwear and apparel), working in partnership with the Softgoods team to deliver a complete head-to-toe offering to players and retail partners. A core focus is growing softgoods alongside hardgoods and establishing Wilson as a leader in Tennis and emerging sports such as Pickleball and Padel. This role manages, coordinates and directs the regional sales organization to achieve and exceed revenue targets.
Key Responsibilities:- Develop and execute a national Racquet Sports sales strategy for the US and Canada, with a focus on increasing Wilson brand awareness, market share and revenue.
- Achieve the segment sales plan and key category growth objectives across hardgoods (racquets, balls, accessories) and softgoods (footwear, apparel), driving balanced growth across both.
- Share accountability with Softgoods leadership for racquet sports footwear and apparel performance, ensuring collections are well-represented, correctly sized and fully supported at key retailers, clubs and pro shops.
- Develop with the global commercial team the sales strategy, assortments and sales programs for the racquet sports business, including Pickleball and Padel.
- Work closely with product, marketing and merchandising teams to develop programs, merchandising solutions and product ranges that build Wilson's ability to succeed with key accounts, and enable the sales team to confidently present the performance benefits of Wilson footwear and sportswear.
- Facilitate key team members' development of Joint Business Plans (JBP) with key customers for achievement of mutual financial objectives; use the JBP as the basis for ongoing performance review and ensure plan goals are delivered.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key retailers, clubs, academies and facilities; drive Wilson's presence in the racquet sports community and resolve customer issues promptly.
- Monitor sales performance, market trends and competitor activity; provide sales forecasts and information about key accounts and key product categories to senior commercial leadership on a monthly basis.
- Maintain staff by interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
- Maintain OPEX, expenses, and promotional budgets in order to maximize efficiency and profitability, challenging historical investment to make the most of every dollar spent.
What We're Looking ForThis role requires a bachelor's degree in business or a related field, a minimum of 10 years of sales experience in packaged goods or a related industry, 5+ years of experience leading large sales organizations, and experience selling softgoods (footwear and/or apparel) as well as hardgoods, with the ability to coach a team to grow both. Racquet sports industry selling experience is preferred.
Other qualifications include:- Strong ability to sell, influence and negotiate
- Demonstrates strong business acumen and ability to know accounts inside out; ability to identify new programs to create win win proposals
- Excellent organizational skills, analytical ability, and strategic planning
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to build relationships both inside the organization and within the different stakeholders in the customer organization
- Passion for racquet sports and preferably working experience from the industry
- Strong computer proficiency required in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Prior experience managing others
- Demonstrated leadership, teambuilding, and coaching skills with the confidence to lead cross functional teams and successfully manage highly visible projects
- Ability to motivate people and assess/develop employee skills
- 30% travel required.
What We'll ProvideA reasonable estimate of the pay range is
$180,000 - $210,000 per year at the time of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, education, and/or training. Please note that the range details reflect the base pay only and does not include our competitive bonus program.
We also offer an innovative, inclusive, and people-first environment with competitive benefits and perks, including:
- Medical, dental and vision
- Pre-tax transit discounts
- 401(k) with company match
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Professional development opportunities
- Volunteering programs
- Team building outings
- Discounts on Wilson and Amer Sports products
- Summer hours
- Company-sponsored sports leagues/teams
- Fun, active company outings around major sports events
