Marine Engineering Operations Manager

Rightmove Recruitment; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rightmove Recruitment in Christchurch seeks an experienced Marine Engineering Operations Manager to lead from the workshop to the waterfront, overseeing hands-on engineering, operations, and customer relationships.

You will manage day-to-day marine engineering operations across a range of vessels, plan maintenance schedules, lead a team of engineers, and ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards while maintaining strong client communications.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Marine Engineer working on vessels (essential).
• Strong knowledge of marine engines, propulsion systems, hydraulics, electrical and mechanical systems.
• Experience in operations, supervision, or management within the marine industry.
• Confident communicating with skippers, customers, and internal teams.
• Practical, hands-on approach with the ability to jump on the tools when needed.

Responsibilities

• Managing day-to-day marine engineering operations across a range of commercial and private vessels.
• Carrying out hands-on maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting when required.
• Meeting with skippers, vessel owners, and customers to understand operational needs and provide technical solutions.
• Planning and coordinating maintenance schedules and project work.
• Leading and supporting a team of marine engineers and technicians.
• Ensuring all work is completed safely, on time, and to industry standards.
• Building long-term relationships with customers through exceptional service and communication.

Skills

Marine engineering experience

Engine knowledge

Operations management

Customer communication

Hands-on leadership

Job description

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Rightmove Recruitment – Christchurch, South Island

Lead from the workshop to the waterfront. Great opportunity to join an established team working out of Lyttelton.We're looking for an experienced Marine Engineering Operations Manager who knows vessels inside and out. This is a hands‑on leadership role that combines marine engineering, operations management, and customer relationship management.
This is a great opportunity for a Senior Marine Engineer, Marine Engineering Supervisor or experienced Marine Engineer looking to move into a role with more responsibility, leadership and customer interaction — without giving up the hands‑on side of the job.
You'll spend time on the tools when needed, work closely with skippers and vessel owners, and ensure jobs are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.
If you thrive in a fast‑paced marine environment and enjoy building strong customer relationships, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing

• Managing day‑to‑day marine engineering operations across a range of commercial and private vessels.
• Carrying out hands‑on maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting when required.
• Meeting with skippers, vessel owners, and customers to understand operational needs and provide technical solutions.
• Planning and coordinating maintenance schedules and project work.
• Leading and supporting a team of marine engineers and technicians.
• Ensuring all work is completed safely, on time, and to industry standards.
• Building long‑term relationships with customers through exceptional service and communication.

Lead from the workshop to the waterfront. Great opportunity to join an established team working out of Lyttelton.We're looking for an experienced Marine Engineering Operations Manager who knows vessels inside and out. This is a hands‑on leadership role that combines marine engineering, operations management, and customer relationship management.
This is a great opportunity for a Senior Marine Engineer, Marine Engineering Supervisor or experienced Marine Engineer looking to move into a role with more responsibility, leadership and customer interaction — without giving up the hands‑on side of the job.
You'll spend time on the tools when needed, work closely with skippers and vessel owners, and ensure jobs are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.
If you thrive in a fast‑paced marine environment and enjoy building strong customer relationships, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing

• Managing day‑to‑day marine engineering operations across a range of commercial and private vessels.
• Carrying out hands‑on maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting when required.
• Meeting with skippers, vessel owners, and customers to understand operational needs and provide technical solutions.
• Planning and coordinating maintenance schedules and project work.
• Leading and supporting a team of marine engineers and technicians.
• Ensuring all work is completed safely, on time, and to industry standards.
• Building long‑term relationships with customers through exceptional service and communication.

What we're looking for

• Proven experience as a Marine Engineer working on vessels (essential).
• Strong knowledge of marine engines, propulsion systems, hydraulics, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Experience in operations, supervision, or management within the marine industry.
• Confident communicating with skippers, customers, and internal teams.
• Practical, hands‑on approach with the ability to jump on the tools when needed.
• Excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Full New Zealand driver's licence

What's on offer

• Salary: NZ$100,000 – NZ$120,000 per year depending on experience.
• Excellent remuneration package, including additional benefits for the right candidate.
• A varied role with a mix of workshop, on‑vessel, and customer‑facing work.
• Opportunity to work with a respected marine business and a great team.
• Long‑term career growth in a key leadership position.

If you're an experienced marine engineer ready to take the next step into an operations leadership role while staying connected to the tools and the water, we'd love to hear from you.

About Us

At Rightmove Recruitment, we understand there’s a difference between a job and a career you love. We don't just place you in any open position, we become your partner in finding the role that ignites your passion.
Getting to know you as an individual is what Rightmove is all about. Our team of experienced recruiters will work with you to understand what is most important to you and your career. We will introduce you to suitable companies that will offer you what you are looking for in your next job move.
If this job isn’t quite what you are looking for, feel free to call us for an informal chat to see what else we have available that could be right for you.
We have new jobs becoming available weekly.