Job Description

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Yacht Refit Project Manager to lead the planning and delivery of refit, maintenance, repair, and upgrade projects across a portfolio of luxury yachts.

This is a hands-on project leadership role requiring a strong understanding of yacht engineering, shipyard operations, and complex marine projects. You will take responsibility for projects from initial technical scoping and budgeting through to shipyard execution, commissioning, and final handover, ensuring works are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.

Working closely with yacht owners, representatives, Captains, Chief Engineers, shipyards, and specialist contractors, you will provide clear project leadership, maintain commercial control, and ensure all stakeholders remain aligned throughout the refit process.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Delivery

• Lead yacht refit and repair projects from initial scope development through to completion and handover.
• Develop project plans, work scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate shipyards, subcontractors, OEMs, surveyors, and onboard teams.
• Monitor progress against key milestones, proactively managing risks, delays, and technical challenges.
• Oversee commissioning, sea trials, defect resolution, and project close-out.

Commercial & Budget Management

• Prepare and manage project budgets, cost forecasts, and expenditure reports.
• Review tenders, quotations, contracts, invoices, and variations.
• Negotiate with shipyards and suppliers to secure value, quality, and timely delivery.
• Control scope changes and ensure additional works are properly assessed and authorised.
• Provide transparent financial reporting and escalate budgetary risks promptly.

Technical & Quality Assurance

• Review technical specifications, engineering proposals, and scopes of work.
• Ensure works meet agreed specifications, manufacturer requirements, and applicable regulatory and classification standards.
• Monitor workmanship, materials, and contractor performance throughout the project.
• Identify and resolve technical issues, defects, and unforeseen works.
• Ensure appropriate technical documentation, certifications, warranties, and handover records are completed.

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as the primary project contact for owners, Captains, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide regular, accurate updates on progress, expenditure, risks, and programme changes.
• Maintain strong working relationships with shipyards, suppliers, and specialist contractors.
• Manage expectations and resolve issues professionally in a demanding, client-focused environment.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote safe working practices across all project activities.
• Ensure appropriate risk assessments, permits, and safety procedures are in place in coordination with the shipyard and relevant parties.
• Monitor compliance with applicable flag-state, classification, and statutory requirements.
• Maintain effective project records and ensure contractual and regulatory obligations are met.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a confident project leader with a strong marine technical background, excellent commercial awareness, and a proven ability to deliver complex projects in a shipyard or yacht refit environment.

Essential experience and capabilities:

• Demonstrable experience managing marine refit, repair, conversion, or new-build projects.
• A strong understanding of yacht systems, marine engineering, and shipyard operations.
• Proven responsibility for project budgets, schedules, procurement, and contractor management.
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial negotiation, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and organisational abilities.
• The confidence to make decisions, manage competing priorities, and maintain delivery momentum under pressure.

Desirable qualifications and experience:

• Experience within the luxury yacht or superyacht sector.
• Previous experience as a Shipyard Project Manager, Refit Manager, Technical Superintendent, Chief Engineer, or Marine Project Engineer.
• A degree or recognised qualification in marine engineering, naval architecture, project management, or a related discipline.
• Project management certification, such as PRINCE2 or PMP.
• Familiarity with classification society requirements, yacht codes, and relevant maritime regulations.
• Experience working with international shipyards and suppliers.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute, with a strong focus on cost, quality, and programme control.
• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with the ability to anticipate and resolve issues.
• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail.
• Confident in challenging suppliers and contractors constructively.
• Client-focused, professional, and comfortable operating at senior stakeholder level.
• Adaptable and willing to travel internationally to support projects.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role will be measured by the effective delivery of refit projects against agreed budgets, schedules, specifications, and quality standards; proactive risk management; strong stakeholder relationships; and the successful return of each yacht to service with all agreed works completed and documented.

Apply

If you have a strong marine technical background, proven project delivery experience, and the commercial judgement to manage complex yacht refits from start to finish, we would welcome a conversation.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of high-value yacht projects and work with owners, shipyards, and technical teams across the luxury marine sector.