How do you hire and employ sales ambassadors in Australia while managing them from the UK?

Hiring sales ambassadors in Australia to work on major retail listings (like Coles Group) while employing them from the UK requires careful consideration of costs and employment structure.

**Key considerations:** - **Employment costs** — Members warn that putting Australian staff directly on the books is expensive; explore alternative structures before committing to full employment - **On-the-ground presence** — Having a founder or team member physically in Australia during the hiring and initial rollout phase is valuable for understanding the market and managing ambassadors effectively - **Retail focus** — Sales ambassador roles often centre on securing and supporting placement with major Australian retailers like Coles Group

**Next steps:** Members suggest reaching out directly to other founders with Australian operations (e.g., those expanding brands like WKD into the market) for specific advice on payroll structures, visa considerations, and local recruitment practices. A direct conversation with someone actively hiring in-market is more valuable than generic guidance, as the specifics vary significantly by employment model and company structure.