Marine Operations Manager in England

My client is a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation operating across the leisure boating, marina, and property sectors. They are seeking a commercially minded, motivated leader with strong mechanical and marine engineering expertise, coupled with hands-on experience in marine and lifting operations. This role requires excellent planning, a proactive mindset, and the ability to drive operational performance while leading a small, diverse team.

Company Vision
To create vibrant, innovative destinations where people connect, thrive, and enjoy exceptional experiences—supported by seamless service across all locations.

Company Culture
The business prides itself on a fun, energetic, progressive work environment. Alongside the required technical and leadership skills, the successful candidate must bring a positive attitude, be a strong team player, and be willing to get involved at all levels. Career development is actively supported throughout the organisation.

Location
West Itchenor, with occasional travel to support other sites or attend events.

Working Pattern
Core hours: 08:00–17:00 with a 30-minute lunch break, plus rostered weekend work. Flexibility will be required during peak operational periods.

Job Purpose
This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing the safe, efficient and customer-focused delivery of 7-day-a-week marina, boatyard, and Lift & Launch operations. The role involves running indoor/outdoor lifting, launching, storage, and racking operations. This is a start-up environment, ideal for someone who thrives on building operations from the ground up. You will develop processes, grow and train your team, manage site safety and compliance, maintain machinery, and implement new Lift & Launch service propositions while ensuring the site operates smoothly and professionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations & Safety
  Implement robust site safety measures in line with risk assessments and compliance requirements. Ensure full adherence to Health & Safety, statutory regulations, environmental legislation, and LOLER. Drive operational efficiency and proactively resolve challenges before they escalate. Oversee efficient boat movement, storage, and racking logistics to maximise space utilisation. Develop and embed new Lift & Launch service offerings into daily operations. Organise “bolt-on” customer packages, including care and maintenance services. Ensure safe execution of all lifting, launching, scrubbing, mast handling and set-down activities. Conduct routine safety inspections, drills and fire safety checks. Maintain high standards of site cleanliness and presentation.
• Machinery, Equipment & Compliance
  Take ownership of all machinery and equipment, ensuring proper usage, servicing, and compliance. Implement processes covering machinery, site standards, H&S, and legal requirements. Manage lifting equipment, boat movers, tractors and mechanical assets to ensure safe operation. Coordinate planned maintenance, repairs, and compliance checks (including LOLER). Maintain accurate records for all servicing, repairs and audits.
• Team Management & Leadership
  Recruit, train and motivate a high-performing operations team. Plan staff scheduling to optimise labour efficiency across peak and quieter periods. Conduct daily briefings, toolbox talks, and performance reviews. Implement training plans for technical skills, customer service, and safety. Demonstrate strong, credible leadership while remaining supportive and approachable.
• Customer Service & Site Presentation
  Act as the on-site operational lead for all customer interactions. Respond promptly to customer enquiries, issues, and feedback. Maintain exceptional standards of site cleanliness, facility upkeep, and presentation. Keep accurate records of boat movements, job completion, and operational work using job cards and software.
• Maintenance & Contractor Management
  Manage external contractors for repairs and infrastructure improvements. Ensure all contractor work meets operational and safety standards. Plan and oversee minor maintenance projects and coordinate defect resolution.
• General Administration
  Maintain accurate vessel records, including berth and storage logs. Act as a keyholder and provide out-of-hours emergency support when needed. Review processes regularly and implement improvements. Assist with marketing, PR and service initiatives to support business growth. Support the operational delivery of events.

Required Experience & Skills
Mechanical or marine engineering qualification, or minimum four years’ hands-on experience in mechanical/engineering roles. Minimum four years in a management role, including at least two years in marina, boatyard or machinery operations (or strong passion/understanding of boating if from a non-marine background). Proven team leadership experience, particularly in building and developing operational teams. Ability to work efficiently at pace and proactively resolve challenges. Confident, charismatic leadership style—authoritative yet approachable. Strong knowledge of H&S, compliance, and LOLER. Experience managing and maintaining machinery and lifting equipment. Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. Strong customer service and communication skills. Practical, hands-on approach with experience operating yard equipment.

Competencies & Behaviours

• Proactive Problem Solver: Identifies issues early and mitigates risks before they impact operations.
• Continuous Improver: Reviews processes regularly and recommends improvements.
• Transparent Communicator: Keeps teams and stakeholders updated on progress, challenges, and priorities.
• Effective Planner: Organises structured daily plans for Lift & Launch operations and reallocates resources dynamically.
• Rapid Responder: Acts quickly and decisively when issues arise to minimise operational disruption.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, then please call Sarah on.