Marine Operations Manager

Marine Resources Recruitment Ltd; Chichester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Marine Resources Recruitment Ltd on behalf of a well-established marina business in Chichester Harbour is seeking an experienced Marine Operations Manager to lead a dedicated team and drive safety, efficiency and customer satisfaction.

You will oversee marina and boatyard services, plan lifting and moving operations, maximise winter storage, monitor KPIs and budgets, and champion a safe, high‑performing culture with a practical, hands‑on leadership style.

Qualifications

• Experience in marina, boatyard, or marine services.
• Experience leading operational teams.
• Strong planning and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial awareness and profitability understanding.
• Excellent communication and customer service.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of marina and boatyard services.
• Plan and coordinate vessel lifting, launching, recovery and movements.
• Maximise winter storage capacity through effective planning and yard utilisation.
• Ensure all operational activities are delivered safely, efficiently and professionally.
• Maintain exceptional standards of presentation, safety and housekeeping across the site.
• Respond proactively to changing priorities and operational demands.

Skills

Marina operations

Team leadership

Planning & organisation

Customer service

Health & safety

Driving licence

Job description

Marine Operations Manager

We are delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a well-established and highly regarded marina business located within the stunning surroundings of Chichester Harbour. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Marine Operations Manager to lead a dedicated team while driving operational excellence, safety, customer satisfaction and commercial performance. Looking for someone who is commercially minded, hands‑on and has a passion for boating. At the Marina they enjoy a fun, vibrant, forward‑thinking working environment. This role will suit someone who has a bright and positive outlook, is friendly and a good team‑player and is also happy to work at any level in the business when required.

The Role:

As Marine Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient and profitable delivery of marina and boatyard services. During peak launch and lift‑out periods, you’ll spend a significant amount of time working alongside the yard team, ensuring operations run safely and effectively. Outside of these busy periods, your focus will shift towards planning, resource management, team development and continuous improvement initiatives. Working closely with commercial and finance functions, you’ll ensure that every service sold is delivered to the highest standards, creating exceptional customer experiences and encouraging repeat business. At the Marine they enjoy a fun, vibrant, forward‑thinking working environment. This role will suit someone who has a bright and positive outlook, is friendly and a good team‑player and is also happy to work at any level in the business when required.

Key Responsibilities:

Marine Operations

• Lead the operational delivery of all marina and boatyard services.
• Plan and coordinate vessel lifting, launching, recovery and movements.
• Maximise winter storage capacity through effective planning and yard utilisation.
• Ensure all operational activities are delivered safely, efficiently and professionally.
• Maintain exceptional standards of presentation, safety and housekeeping across the site.
• Respond proactively to changing priorities and operational demands.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, motivate and develop a diverse operational team.
• Conduct daily planning meetings and toolbox talks.
• Manage staffing levels, holidays, absence and performance.
• Recruit, induct and develop new team members.
• Identify training needs and succession planning opportunities.
• Foster a positive, accountable and high‑performing culture.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety‑first culture.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, company policies and safe systems of work.
• Conduct inspections, audits and risk assessments.
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions where required.
• Stop unsafe activities and ensure corrective measures are taken immediately.

Commercial & Operational Performance

• Monitor operational performance, productivity and KPIs.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, increase capacity and reduce costs.
• Support budgeting, purchasing and resource planning activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to support overall business performance.

Customer Experience

• Act as the visible operational leader on site.
• Build strong relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Resolve operational issues professionally and effectively.
• Ensure customers receive exceptional service at every stage of their marina experience.

About You

• Experience in a marina, boatyard, marine services or comparable operational environment.
• Experience leading and developing operational teams.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of operational profitability.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Experience managing Health & Safety within an operational environment.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• Marina or boatyard management experience.
• Boat hoist, lifting or plant machinery experience.
• LOLER awareness.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
• Relevant RYA or marine qualifications.
• Engineering, mechanical or technical background.
• Previous responsibility for P&L or operational budgets.

Personal Attributes We're looking for someone who:

• Leads by example.
• Takes ownership and accountability.
• Thrives in a fast‑paced operational environment.
• Builds trust and credibility with colleagues and customers.
• Maintains high standards.
• Plans ahead and solves problems effectively.
• Embraces change and continuous improvement.
• Is passionate about the marine industry.