At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage marina operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in lifting and launching.
- Company: Dynamic organisation in leisure boating and property sectors with a fun culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Join a start-up environment and make a real impact in marine operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical or marine engineering and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and hands-on involvement in a diverse team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
Responsibilities
- Operations & Safety: Implement robust site safety measures in line with risk assessments and compliance requirements.
- Operations & Safety: Ensure full adherence to Health & Safety, statutory regulations, environmental legislation, and LOLER.
- Operations & Safety: Drive operational efficiency and proactively resolve challenges before they escalate.
- Operations & Safety: Oversee efficient boat movement, storage, and racking logistics to maximise space utilisation.
- Operations & Safety: Develop and embed new Lift & Launch service offerings into daily operations.
- Operations & Safety: Organise “bolt‑on” customer packages, including care and maintenance services.
- Operations & Safety: Ensure safe execution of all lifting, launching, scrubbing, mast handling and set‑down activities.
- Operations & Safety: Conduct routine safety inspections, drills and fire safety checks.
- Operations & Safety: Maintain high standards of site cleanliness and presentation.
- Machinery, Equipment & Compliance: Take ownership of all machinery and equipment, ensuring proper usage, servicing, and compliance.
- Machinery, Equipment & Compliance: Implement processes covering machinery, site standards, H&S, and legal requirements.
- Machinery, Equipment & Compliance: Manage lifting equipment, boat movers, tractors and mechanical assets to ensure safe operation.
- Machinery, Equipment & Compliance: Coordinate planned maintenance, repairs, and compliance checks (including LOLER).
- Machinery, Equipment & Compliance: Maintain accurate records for all servicing, repairs and audits.
- Team Management & Leadership: Recruit, train and motivate a high‑performing operations team.
- Team Management & Leadership: Plan staff scheduling to optimise labour efficiency across peak and quieter periods.
- Team Management & Leadership: Conduct daily briefings, toolbox talks, and performance reviews.
- Team Management & Leadership: Implement training plans for technical skills, customer service, and safety.
- Team Management & Leadership: Demonstrate strong, credible leadership while remaining supportive and approachable.
- Customer Service & Site Presentation: Act as the on‑site operational lead for all customer interactions.
- Customer Service & Site Presentation: Respond promptly to customer enquiries, issues, and feedback.
- Customer Service & Site Presentation: Maintain exceptional standards of site cleanliness, facility upkeep, and presentation.
- Customer Service & Site 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.
- Maintenance & Contractor Management: Ensure all contractor work meets operational and safety standards.
- Maintenance & Contractor Management: Plan and oversee minor maintenance projects and coordinate defect resolution.
- General Administration: Maintain accurate vessel records, including berth and storage logs.
- General Administration: Act as a keyholder and provide out‑of‑hours emergency support when needed.
- General Administration: Review processes regularly and implement improvements.
- General Administration: Assist with marketing, PR and service initiatives to support business growth.
- General Administration: 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.
Marine Resources Recruitment Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent and fixed term contract recruitment and as a recruitment business for the supply of contract workers.
Marine Operations Manager in Chichester employer: Marine Resources
Contact Detail:
Marine Resources Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Marine Operations Manager in Chichester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the marine and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to make new contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your hands-on experience in marine operations. This can really set you apart during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you’re keen on, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly with a friendly email expressing your interest and how you can contribute to their team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it flexible! Be open to various roles within the marine sector, even if they’re not exactly what you envisioned. Gaining diverse experience can lead to unexpected opportunities and help you build a solid foundation for your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Marine Operations Manager in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Marine Operations Manager role. Highlight your mechanical and marine engineering expertise, as well as any hands-on experience in marine operations. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your leadership style and how you plan to drive operational performance. Don’t forget to mention your proactive mindset and ability to build a strong team—these are key for us at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love proactive problem solvers who can identify issues early and implement effective solutions. This will show us you're the right fit for our dynamic environment!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marine Resources
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical and marine engineering knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your expertise in marine operations, lifting, and safety compliance.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in building and leading teams. Think of instances where you motivated your team or resolved conflicts. Highlight your approachable leadership style and how it contributes to a positive work environment.
✨Be Proactive
Demonstrate your proactive problem-solving skills by sharing examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles. Discuss how you identified issues early and implemented solutions to prevent operational disruptions.
✨Customer Service Focus
Since this role involves customer interactions, be ready to discuss how you’ve handled customer enquiries and feedback in the past. Emphasise your commitment to maintaining high standards of service and site presentation.