Operations Manager (marine)

HSB Technical; Emsworth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

HSB Technical is seeking a Marine Operations Manager to lead the day‑to‑day operations of a busy marina and boatyard at Thornham/Hampshire. You will drive safe, efficient operations, profitability and exceptional customer service, working closely with commercial and finance teams.

The role requires hands‑on leadership, strong planning and people development skills, plus experience in health & safety and budgeting within a marine environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in marina/boatyard operations.
• Proven leadership of operational teams.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Commercial awareness with budget/P&L exposure.
• Excellent communication and customer service.
• Experience managing Health & Safety in an operational setting.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Passion for marine industry and boating.

Responsibilities

• Lead the safe, day-to-day operation of the marina and boatyard.
• Plan coordinating lifting, launching, recovery, boat movements and winter storage.
• Maximise capacity while upholding high safety standards.
• Lead daily planning meetings, toolbox talks; allocate labour and resources.
• Manage the operational job card system; monitor productivity and KPIs.
• Provide line management, coaching and development for Yard Manager and team.
• Oversee recruitment, inductions, performance reviews, attendance and development.
• Lead Health & Safety across all activities; ensure policy compliance.
• Perform site inspections, risk assessments; investigate incidents/near misses.
• Collaborate with commercial, finance and procurement to deliver services profitably.
• Drive continuous improvement across procedures and service delivery.
• Act as visible operational lead for customers and resolve issues to premium standards.
• Support budgeting, purchasing and cost control to maximise performance.

Skills

Marina operations

Team leadership

Planning & organisation

Budget/P&L responsibility

Customer service

Health & Safety

Driving Licence

Marine industry passion

Job description

Position: Marine Operations Manager

Location: Thornham Marina, Emsworth, Hampshire

Rate/Salary: Competitive (DOE) + Benefits

Type: Permanent

Typically this person will:

Be an experienced operational leader with a background in marina management, boatyard operations or a comparable operational environment. You will be commercially aware, financially astute and passionate about delivering outstanding customer service while leading from the front. This is a hands‑on role where you will be responsible for the day-to‑day operation, safety and profitability of a busy marina and boatyard, working closely with both operational and commercial teams to deliver an exceptional customer experience.

Key Responsibilities of the Marine Operations Manager:

• Lead the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of the marina and boatyard.
• Plan and coordinate lifting, launching, recovery, boat movements and winter storage operations.
• Maximise operational capacity while maintaining the highest safety standards.
• Lead daily planning meetings, toolbox talks and allocate labour and resources effectively.
• Manage the operational job card system and monitor productivity and KPIs.
• Provide line management, coaching and development for the Yard Manager and operational team.
• Manage recruitment, inductions, performance reviews, attendance and employee development.
• Lead Health & Safety across all operational activities, ensuring compliance with company policies and legislation.
• Complete site inspections, risk assessments and investigate incidents and near misses.
• Work closely with commercial, finance and procurement teams to ensure services sold are delivered efficiently and profitably.
• Drive continuous improvement across operational procedures, systems and service delivery.
• Act as the visible operational lead for customers, resolving issues professionally and maintaining the standards expected of a premium marina.
• Support budgeting, purchasing and cost control to maximise business performance.

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

• Significant experience within a marina, boatyard or similar operational environment.
• Previous experience leading and developing operational teams.
• Strong planning, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Commercial awareness with previous budget and/or P&L responsibility.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Experience managing Health & Safety in an operational environment.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Passion for the marine industry and boating.

Desirable:

• Boat hoist, lifting or heavy plant operating experience.
• LOLER awareness.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
• RYA or other relevant marine qualifications.
• Technical or engineering background.
• Experience improving operational systems and driving continuous improvement.