New Yacht & Brokerage Sales Manager in Southampton

Please note: This role requires significant practical sailing experience together with previous yacht brokerage or new yacht sales experience. Applicants who do not meet these essential requirements are unlikely to be shortlisted.

Universal Yachting is one of the UK’s leading yacht sales specialists and the sole UK distributor for Dufour Yachts. Based at Swanwick Marina on the River Hamble, we specialise in new yacht sales, yacht brokerage, owner support and marine services. We are seeking an enthusiastic, professional and self‑motivated Sales Manager to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and managing both new and brokerage yacht sales, building long term relationships with clients and delivering an exceptional ownership experience from initial enquiry through to handover and beyond. This is a varied and rewarding role that combines sales, business development, marketing, client relationship management and practical involvement in the day to day operation of the business. The position offers the opportunity to work with one of Europe’s leading yacht brands whilst helping to grow an established and respected business within the UK marine industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Generate, qualify and manage enquiries for both new and brokerage yacht sales.
• Guide clients through the complete sales process from initial enquiry through to completion and handover.
• Prepare quotations, specifications and sales proposals.
• Conduct yacht viewings, demonstrations and sea trials.
• Negotiate sales agreements and oversee transactions through to successful completion.
• Maintain accurate records within the company CRM system.
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing owners and prospective clients.
• Actively seek opportunities to secure new brokerage listings.

Brokerage Management

• Appraise yachts and advise owners on market positioning, presentation and realistic market values.
• Secure brokerage listings and maintain strong relationships with vendors.
• Prepare brokerage agreements and sales documentation.
• Coordinate photography, marketing materials and online listings.
• Liaise with surveyors, insurers, finance providers and legal representatives where required.
• Oversee vessel preparation and presentation for sale.

Marketing & Business Development

• Contribute to the company’s marketing and lead generation activities.
• Create and maintain yacht listings across company and third‑party platforms.
• Assist with website content, social media and customer communications.
• Attend networking events, owner events, open days and industry exhibitions.
• Promote the wider services offered by Universal Yachting and Universal Yacht Services.
• Build and maintain relationships with marinas, marine businesses, surveyors and other industry contacts to generate referrals and sales opportunities.

Customer Experience

• Deliver a professional and personal customer experience.
• Assist with yacht handovers and owner familiarisation where required.
• Support customers throughout their ownership journey, helping to build long-term relationships and encourage future business.
• Encourage referrals and repeat business.

General Duties

• Work collaboratively with all members of the Universal Yachting team.
• Assist with boat shows, marina events, owner gatherings and promotional activities.
• Provide support across other areas of the business when required.
• Maintain a professional appearance and represent the company positively at all times.

Working Hours

Normal working hours are 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of yacht sales and customer availability, flexibility in working hours is required. Attendance at boat shows, customer events, sea trials and occasional weekend appointments will be expected. A duty weekend rota may operate from time to time, with time off in lieu provided where appropriate.

Holiday Entitlement

21 days annual leave plus statutory Bank Holidays.

Remuneration

Basic Salary: £35,000 to £45,000 per annum. Commission Structure: Additional performance‑related incentives and bonus opportunities may be introduced from time to time, subject to agreement.

Requirements

• Previous yacht brokerage, yacht sales or marine industry sales experience.
• Strong communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Excellent organisational and administrative abilities.
• A customer‑focused and professional approach.
• A sound understanding of sailing yachts and the wider marine industry.
• Significant practical sailing experience, with confidence handling sailing yachts both under sail and power.
• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification, or equivalent practical experience and competency, preferred.
• Comfortable handling sailing yachts ranging from approximately 30 to 55 feet during demonstrations, sea trials and owner handovers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office, CRM systems and online marketing platforms.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to represent one of Europe’s leading yacht brands.
• Modern offices and waterfront location at Swanwick Marina.
• Supportive and experienced team environment.
• Opportunity to grow within an expanding marine business.
• Competitive salary and commission structure.
• Company pension.
• Free parking.

Work Location: In person at Swanwick Marina, Swanwick, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 1ZL.