At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead wharf operations, manage boat logistics, and ensure excellent customer experiences.
- Company: Join a family-run canal boating business with a friendly team.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, company pension, and discounted mooring.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression and involvement in winter maintenance.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, develop leadership skills, and enjoy a unique canal environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, practical boating knowledge, and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Foxhangers is a long‑established, family‑run canal boating business based near Devizes, Wiltshire. With a fleet of 18 hire boats and a team of around 30 staff, we deliver memorable canal holidays while also building, repairing and maintaining boats on site. We’re looking for a Hire Boat Wharf Operations Manager to play a central role in our growing business. This is a varied, hands‑on position for someone who enjoys leading people, solving practical problems and creating great customer experiences in a unique outdoor environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- March–November: Operational Season
- You’ll take the lead in coordinating all wharf operations and ensuring the smooth turnaround of our hire fleet.
- On busy handover days you’ll act as the operational lead on site — managing boat movements, directing engineers and housekeeping teams, and ensuring customers receive a warm, well‑organised welcome.
- December–February: Winter Maintenance (Optional)
- During the winter period, the role shifts to planned maintenance and refit work. You can either take this period off, or continue working on fleet maintenance tasks — ideal for someone seeking a balanced, seasonal working pattern.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Season
- Leading, motivating and supporting engineers, cleaners and wharf operatives.
- Overseeing customer handovers and welcome‑backs.
- Maintaining high standards of health & safety across the site.
- Planning boat logistics and movements on changeover days.
- Coordinating engineering tasks, call‑outs and maintenance priorities.
- Supporting housekeeping to maintain excellent interior standards.
- Preparing schedules, monitoring stock levels and maintaining operational records.
- Winter Responsibilities (Optional)
- Supporting planned maintenance, repairs and refit work.
- Overseeing deep cleans and interior refreshes.
- Preparing the fleet for the new season.
- Assisting with small improvement projects around the wharf.
About You
- We’re looking for someone with strong leadership skills and practical boating knowledge, ideally with experience supervising staff in a customer‑facing or operational environment.
- Supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Clear, confident communication with staff and customers.
- Understanding of boat systems (training provided where needed).
- Practical, hard‑working and able to prioritise under pressure.
- Fit and agile for an active outdoor role.
- Flexible with working hours (mainly Fri/Sat/Mon from 8am until final handover, plus Tuesday mornings).
- Full clean driving licence.
- Plumbing or basic woodwork skills.
- First Aid certificate (or willingness to train).
- Computer literacy for scheduling and record‑keeping.
Progression & Development
As our business continues to grow, there is scope for this role to develop. Depending on your strengths and interests, opportunities may include:
- Taking on additional operational responsibility.
- Supporting the training of seasonal staff.
- Becoming more involved in winter maintenance planning.
- Leading small fleet improvement projects.
Progression is based on trust, experience and the contribution you bring to the team.
Hours, Salary & Benefits
- Average 32 hours per week (some longer days in season; reduced hours or optional winter break Dec–Feb).
- Option to take December–February off, or work through the winter on maintenance.
- Company pension scheme.
- Discounted on‑site mooring.
- A varied, outdoor role within a friendly, family‑run team.
- A beautiful working environment right on the Kennet and Avon Canal.
- Anticipated start date: April/May 2026.
How to Apply
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.
Hire Boat Wharf Operations Manager in Devizes employer: Foxhangers Ltd
Foxhangers is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful outdoor setting along the Kennet and Avon Canal. With a strong focus on employee development and a friendly, family-run culture, staff can enjoy a balanced seasonal working pattern while contributing to memorable customer experiences. The role of Hire Boat Wharf Operations Manager not only allows for hands-on leadership but also provides opportunities for progression and involvement in various operational aspects of the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hire Boat Wharf Operations Manager in Devizes
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We think you need these skills to ace Hire Boat Wharf Operations Manager in Devizes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Foxhangers Ltd
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✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
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Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
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In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
