Job Description

I'm delighted to be representing a well established & renowned yacht management house in their search to appoint a Managing Director.

 

With several international offices, including a central European HQ, the client offers a full suite of yacht management services alongside refit and new build project management.

 

Having enjoyed a consistent period of organic growth in both fleet size and project scope, the client wishes to appoint a MD to lead the next phase of growth.

 

Please note that this role requires deep expertise in yacht operations 500gt+ so applications will only be considered from candidates already working within the industry with a relevant operational background, or candidates from similar maritime sectors.

 

Role Purpose

The Managing Director (MD) is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of the client. The role ensures the business achieves its commercial objectives while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction within the yacht sector.

 

The MD will provide strong executive leadership, drive sustainable growth, and ensure the client remains competitive, profitable, and aligned with its long-term vision.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the clients short-, medium-, and long-term business strategy.
• Identify growth opportunities, including new markets, services, partnerships, and contracts.
• Provide clear leadership and direction to the senior management team.
• Act as the primary link between the business and the Board of Directors

Operational Management

• Oversee all operational activities including engineering, project delivery, fleet operations, and maintenance (as applicable).
• Ensure efficient use of resources, cost control, and operational excellence across the business.
• Drive continuous improvement in systems, processes, and performance.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Hold full P&L responsibility
• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
• Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions where required.
• Lead contract negotiations and oversee major commercial agreements.

Health, Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with marine regulations, statutory requirements, and industry standards.
• Promote a strong safety culture across all operations.
• Oversee quality assurance systems to maintain high standards of workmanship and service delivery.
• Manage risk effectively across the business.

People & Culture

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing leadership team.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and performance-driven company culture.
• Ensure effective workforce planning, talent development, and succession planning.
• Act as a role model for the clients values and behaviours.

Stakeholder & Client Relations

• Represent the client with key clients, partners, suppliers, regulators, and industry bodies.
• Strengthen long-term client relationships and enhance the company’s reputation in the marine sector.
• Act as a brand ambassador for the client.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a management, senior executive or Managing Director within the yachting sector, or comparable maritime sectors
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with demonstrable P&L responsibility.
• Experience leading complex operations and multidisciplinary teams.
• In-depth understanding of health, safety, quality, and regulatory requirements in a marine or industrial environment.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on leadership capability.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Marine Studies, Business, or a related discipline (desirable).
• Professional or leadership qualifications (e.g., MBA) are advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Decisive, resilient, and results-focused.
• High integrity with strong ethical standards.
• Commercially minded with a growth mindset.
• Approachable leader who inspires trust and accountability.

 

The role is hybrid position with extensive travel, mostly within the EU but international travel should also be expected.

 

Indicative salary bracket for this role is €12-15,000 per month with a full suite of benefits and additional target/KPI driven remuneration on an annual basis.

 

Interested parties are invited to apply here