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- Tasks: Lead and develop marina operations, ensuring exceptional customer experiences and commercial success.
- Company: Join a prestigious harbour organisation at the heart of the Isle of Wight's maritime community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and the chance to shape a premium marina facility.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic leadership role with stunning views.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in operational environments, strong commercial mindset, and excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you a commercially minded leader with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences in a marine or operational environment? This is a rare opportunity to lead the development of a new premium marina facility—maximising capacity and utilisation, shaping its strategic direction, and driving its success at a pivotal stage in its evolution. Join us in a high-profile harbour organisation at the heart of the Isle of Wight’s maritime community.
We are seeking a Head of Marina Operations to lead, develop and grow marina and visitor services, ensuring they are safe, efficient, customer‑focused and commercially successful.
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will take full responsibility for the leadership, performance and strategic direction of marina and visitor operations. This is a senior leadership role combining long‑term strategic planning with hands‑on operational delivery. You will be key in developing and delivering the new premium visitor experience at Cowes Harbour Marina—optimising capacity and utilisation, driving commercial growth and ensuring the highest standards across safety, compliance and service delivery across all aspects of the operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead marina and visitor operations, ensuring safe, efficient and high‑quality service delivery
- Develop and implement strategy for marina and visitor operations, aligned with wider organisational goals
- Drive commercial growth, identifying new revenue opportunities and enhancing occupancy
- Hold full ownership of budgets, financial performance, and business planning
- Oversee marina infrastructure, maintenance and capital projects
- Champion a strong health & safety and environmental culture
- Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, customers and partners
- Lead, develop and inspire a high‑performing team
About You
You’ll be an experienced senior leader with a strong commercial mindset and a track record of delivering results in operational environments such as marinas, ports, marine services or similar.
- Proven leadership experience in a complex operational setting
- An inspirational and motivated leader
- Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen
- Experience managing budgets and driving revenue growth
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship‑building skills
- A commitment to delivering outstanding customer service
- Solid understanding of health & safety and compliance
Experience in the marine or leisure marine sector is highly desirable.
Cowes Harbour Commission is the statutory harbour authority for Cowes Harbour and operates as an independent trust port for the benefit of all harbour users and the wider community. Established under the Cowes Harbour Acts and Orders 1897–2012, its primary role is to ensure the safe, efficient and sustainable management of one of the UK’s busiest leisure harbours, while supporting commercial activity, marine services and access to the Isle of Wight. As a trust port, Cowes Harbour Commission has no shareholders and receives no funding from central or local government. All surpluses generated through harbour operations are reinvested directly into the maintenance, improvement and long‑term development of the harbour, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital gateway to the Island and a key asset for the local economy.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to shape and influence a key maritime operation
- Strategic leadership role with real impact
- Stunning Isle of Wight location
- Competitive salary and benefits package
This role may require occasional evening and weekend working to support operational and event needs.
Head of Marina Operations employer: Cowes Harbour Commission
Contact Detail:
Cowes Harbour Commission Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Marina Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the marine industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for customer experience! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share specific examples of how you've delivered exceptional service in previous roles. This will help you stand out as someone who truly understands the importance of customer satisfaction.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your leadership style aligns with the role of Head of Marina Operations. Be ready to discuss your strategic thinking and how you've driven commercial growth in past positions. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application and hear your story. It’s the best way to ensure your CV lands in the right hands and shows your genuine interest in joining our team at Cowes Harbour Commission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Marina Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for the marine environment and customer service. Share experiences that highlight your love for delivering exceptional experiences, especially in operational settings like marinas.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with leading marina operations and driving commercial growth.
Highlight Leadership Experience: We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead a team. Be sure to include examples of your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in complex operational environments.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Cowes Harbour Marina.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cowes Harbour Commission
✨Know Your Maritime Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of marina operations and the marine sector. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry. This will show that you're not just a leader but also someone who understands the unique environment you'll be working in.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've inspired teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've driven performance or improved customer experiences. This role is all about leading a high-performing team, so demonstrating your ability to motivate and develop others is key.
✨Be Commercially Savvy
Since this position involves driving commercial growth, come ready with ideas on how to enhance occupancy and identify new revenue streams. Think about previous experiences where you've successfully managed budgets or increased profitability, and be prepared to share those insights.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires excellent relationship-building skills, so think about how you've engaged with stakeholders in the past. Prepare to discuss how you would build relationships with customers, partners, and the community to ensure the marina's success. Showing that you can connect with various groups will set you apart.