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- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure smooth operations and exceptional customer service on turnaround days.
- Company: Join Foxhangers Canal Holidays, a beloved company since 1997, located on the scenic Kennet and Avon canal.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, pension scheme, and free onsite parking in a stunning environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team delivering unforgettable holiday experiences on beautiful narrowboats.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, communication skills, and a knack for customer service are essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for training in maintenance skills available.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Foxhangers Canal Holidays have been delighting customers since 1997 with our beautiful fleet of narrowboats and exciting holiday adventures. Based directly on the stunning, historic, Kennet and Avon canal near Devizes, Wiltshire, we now seek a motivated and passionate Wharf Operations Supervisor to work as an integral part of the management team running the Foxhangers Hire Fleet on turnaround days.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Wharf Operations Supervisor is responsible for ensuring smooth operation of all cleaning and maintenance activities for the Foxhangers Hire Fleet on turnaround days, upholding customer service standards and ensuring hire boat handover procedures are maintained. In this important role you will be required to take the lead within a small team of Engineers, Cleaners and General Operatives.
KEY FUNCTIONS
- Leadership / Team management
- Customer Service (interior standards, handovers & welcome backs)
- Health and Safety
- Logistics (Boat movements)
- Engineering (co-ordinating turnaround work and specialist repairs)
Average 32 hours/week, with expected range of 24–36 hours. Approx. 10 hour days from 8am on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays and 2-4 hours on a Tuesday. Finish times will sometimes vary due to the nature of the business and its seasonal demands. You will need to provide flexibility, given some days could require you to stay until the last handover is completed, whereas other days may allow you to finish mid-afternoon. Demands on the Wharf Operations Supervisor are reduced in our maintenance period from December to February. The company will be flexible in providing hours to suit the individuals needs and skills.
Customer service is central to Foxhangers and we believe is one of the factors that make our holidays special and different. We genuinely care about delivering the very best personal service to our customers and this role leads the team on ensuring that our Customers needs are met, including dealing with situations when occasionally things go wrong. A diplomatic and considered style of dealing with those rare but challenging situations is essential.
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Supervision of staff
- Confidence to liaise with customers
- Excellent communication skills with fellow staff members and customers
- Understanding of boat systems
- Fit and relatively agile
- Good team player
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to prioritise jobs
- Initiative
- Flexibility in working hours
- Stock management & order processing
USEFUL ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- Diesel engine knowledge and maintenance skills
- Plumbing knowledge and fault-finding skills
- Basic woodwork skills
- First Aid Certificate (training can be provided)
- Computer literacy – Producing work schedules & building new boat technical files
TYPICAL TURNAROUND DAY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead turnaround day team briefings
- Welcome back returning boats and crew
- Plan vacated vessel movements so that all checks & work can be undertaken
- Ensure all boat checks are completed ie: Damage; Engineering; Interior & Exterior; Water, fuel & gas; Pump-out; Co-ordinate any repairs
- Monitor internal & external cleaning
- Check that all boats are fully prepared prior to the customers arrival
- Welcome new the new crews and show them to their boats
- Ensure the relevant handover person is available
- Ensure that the relevant paperwork completed and submitted in timely manner
- Assist any of the teams should they fall behind schedule
- Undertake handovers as required
- Undertake ongoing staff assessments
TYPICAL NON-TURNAROUND DAY RESPONSIBILITIES (MID MARCH TO NOVEMBER)
- Prepare the schedules for the following weeks activities
- Co-ordinate maintenance work
TYPICAL NON- TURNAROUND DAY RESPONSIBILITIES (NOVEMBER TO MID MARCH)
- Assisting in the winter maintenance programme planning & implementation
- Undertake basic maintenance tasks on the hire fleet
- Provide training for new staff
Job Type: Permanent, all year round
Benefits:
- Pension Scheme
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Free onsite parking
- A beautiful working environment right on the Kennet and Avon Canal
- The chance to be part of a passionate team
If you think this could be the opportunity for you, please write to us telling us how your qualifications, skills, and experience make you suited to this position, be sure to mention your earliest availability and whether you would need to work any notice to any current employer. Please also enclose a full employment history CV. We look forward to hearing from you.
Wharf Operations Supervisor in Devizes employer: British Marinemember
Contact Detail:
British Marinemember Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Wharf Operations Supervisor in Devizes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Foxhangers Canal Holidays' history and values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership skills! As a Wharf Operations Supervisor, you'll be leading a team. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed a group or resolved conflicts, and be ready to share those stories during your chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your customer service chops! Be prepared to discuss how you've handled tricky situations with customers before. Foxhangers values personal service, so highlight your ability to keep things smooth even when the going gets tough.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the Foxhangers family. Don’t forget to tailor your application to reflect the skills and experiences that match the Wharf Operations Supervisor role!
We think you need these skills to ace Wharf Operations Supervisor in Devizes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about working with our team and contributing to the amazing experiences we provide for our customers.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the Wharf Operations Supervisor role. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to communicate your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff. This helps us get a quick understanding of your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Marinemember
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Foxhangers Canal Holidays thoroughly. Understand their values, customer service approach, and what makes their holidays special. This will help you align your answers with their mission and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Wharf Operations Supervisor, you'll be leading a small team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or handled challenging situations. Highlight your ability to motivate others and maintain high standards, especially in customer service.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you would handle unexpected challenges, such as delays in boat handovers or customer complaints. Use specific examples to illustrate your diplomatic approach and how you prioritise tasks under pressure. This will show that you can think on your feet and keep operations running smoothly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, the training process for new staff, or how they handle peak season demands. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture is the right fit for you.
