Independent Sales Representative (United States)

About Newport

Newport® builds electric marine propulsion for small boat anglers: kayak trolling motors, electric outboards, LoPRO lithium batteries, and inflatable micro skiffs. We are the leader in a fast-growing category, with a national network of over 200 specialty dealers and proven sell-through. Our latest motor line moved thousands of units in its first months, and independent dealers consistently outsell the big chains on the same product. We already have a foothold in national retail, and now we are opening the next set of big box doors. We want a rep who has done it before.

The Opportunity

This is a rare open lane. We have a differentiated, in-demand product line with documented retail sell-through, a fully funded in-store merchandising and display program that makes the buyer's decision easy, and a clear list of national and regional big box target accounts that do not yet carry the brand. We are not asking you to sell something unproven into a cold market. We are asking you to open and own big box boating and marine accounts where the product, the margins, and the merchandising support are already in place.

If you are an established manufacturer's rep who already calls on big box boating and marine category buyers, this line fits cleanly alongside your book, and the commission is uncapped.

What You'll Own

• Identify, pitch, and land new big box retail accounts in the boating, marine, and outdoor categories (national and regional chains).

• Reach and build relationships directly with category buyers and assistant buyers. You bring the doors; we bring the program.

• Own accounts end to end: pilot programs, initial purchase orders, assortment and line reviews, reorders, and ongoing buyer relationship management.

• Negotiate placement, pricing within our MAP and channel policies, and merchandising and display commitments (we fund the displays).

• Coordinate vendor onboarding and compliance with each retailer (vendor portals, EDI, routing) alongside our internal team.

• Represent Newport at buyer meetings and key industry shows.

• Report pipeline, sell-through, and account status, and use retail data to drive expansion from pilot to chain-wide.

What You Bring (Required)

• Direct experience selling to big box boating and marine buyers , with existing category-buyer relationships at national and regional sporting goods, outdoor, or marine chains.

• A track record of landing and growing national or regional retail accounts, from first pitch to reorder.

• Fluency with how big box retail works: vendor onboarding, buyer and category structure, planograms and merchandising, MAP and channel dynamics, EDI and vendor compliance.

• Strong, self-directed pipeline management and closing skills.

• Ability to operate as an independent 1099 contractor with your own workflow.

Nice to Have

• An existing book carrying complementary marine, fishing, paddlesports, or outdoor lines.

• Relationships in the kayak-fishing and paddlesports channel.

• Familiarity with electric propulsion or the trolling motor and outboard category.

• Comfort with vendor platforms such as SPS Commerce, RangeMe, and retailer vendor portals.

Compensation

• Independent contractor (1099) with uncapped earnings.

• Recoverable draw : a monthly draw paid during the ramp period, credited against your earned commission. It is a commission advance, not a salary, so strong producers earn well beyond it.

• Commission : competitive, uncapped commission on all shipped orders in your accounts, with a higher rate on new accounts you open (rate negotiable, based on experience).

• Account onboarding bonus : a bonus for each new big box account you land, paid on the account's first qualifying purchase order.

• Merchandising support : backed by a company-funded in-store display program and marketing support that shortens your sales cycle.

• Travel : handled in line with our outside sales representative travel policy, confirmed during contracting.

How to Apply

Send a brief note on the big box boating and marine buyers and accounts you currently call on, plus a recent example of a retail account you opened and grew. Reps with active buyer relationships will be prioritized.

Newport® is an equal opportunity company. This is an independent contractor engagement, not employment.