SYR are representing a dynamic, successful group of businesses operating in the leisure boating, marina & property sectors based in Chichester, West Sussex.
We have been entrusted to help source on a great role:
Lifting Operations Manager
This is a hands‑on leadership role within the operational team, responsible for the efficient, safe, and customer‑focused management of the 7‑day‑a‑week indoor/outdoor boat lift & launch and Marina Boatyard Operations at Northshore, Itchenor.
This role is far more than just boatyard management; it requires a dynamic leader who will oversee all aspects of site operations, safety implementation, compliance, and machinery maintenance, ensuring a seamless service delivery.
As this is a start‑up environment, we are seeking a proactive hands-on individual who can build, develop, and manage both a team and an operation from the ground up.
You will provide leadership, training, and development to the team while maintaining the highest standards in safety, operational efficiency, customer service, and site presentation. This is an operational role with key responsibilities in planning boat movements and implementing new Lift & Launch propositions.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Safety
* Ensure full compliance with all Health & Safety regulations, statutory requirements, and industry standards, including LOLER and environmental legislation.
* Efficiently plan and oversee the movement and storage of boats within the marina, boatyard, and Lift & Launch racking system in a timely manner, optimizing space efficiency.
* Develop and implement new Lift & Launch propositions, ensuring smooth integration into daily operations.
* Ensure all lifting, launching, setting down, scrubbing, and mast handling operations are carried out safely and efficiently.
* Conduct routine safety inspections, emergency drills, and ensure fire and general safety compliance across the site.
* Maintain and enforce high site standards, including cleanliness and general upkeep.
* Maintain accurate records of boat movements, job completions, and operational tasks using job cards and relevant software.
Machinery, Equipment & Compliance
* Take full ownership of all site machinery and equipment, ensuring proper use, routine servicing, maintenance, and compliance with all legal requirements.
* Implement efficient processes and procedures that ensure all operational processes relating to machinery, site, legal, H&S & overall standards.
* Oversee and manage lifting equipment, boat movers, tractors, and other mechanical assets, ensuring their safe and efficient operation.
* Coordinate planned maintenance schedules, repair works, and compliance testing (e.g., LOLER inspections) to avoid downtime and maintain safety.
* Maintain accurate records for all equipment servicing, repairs, and compliance audits.
Team Management & Leadership
* Recruit, train, and lead a high‑performing friendly team, ensuring a culture of accountability, safety, and customer service with regular team briefings.
* Manage work schedules and resource allocation, ensuring appropriate staffing for peak and off‑peak periods in a cost‑efficient way. Thiss will include conducting daily briefings, toolbox talks, and performance reviews, fostering continuous improvement.
* Implement staff training programs to develop technical skills, customer interaction and culture and ensure compliance with safety standards.
* Exhibit a strong, enigmatic leadership presence that commands respect and confidence, while remaining friendly, supportive and approachable to colleagues and customers alike.
Customer Service & Site Presentation
* Be the visible leader of the operation, ensuring customers receive a friendly, professional, and efficient service.
* Respond to customer inquiries, issues, and feedback promptly to maintain high satisfaction levels. You must also oversee site presentation, ensuring cleanliness, tidiness, and functionality of facilities, including restrooms, storage areas, and workspaces.
Maintenance & Contractor Management
* Organize and manage external contractors for site repairs, infrastructure improvements, and essential maintenance following the company expenditure guidelines.
* Ensure that all external work meets required safety and operational standards plus plan and oversee minor site maintenance projects, logging defects and coordinating timely repairs.
General & Administrative Duties
* Maintain up‑to‑date records of all vessels on‑site, ensuring berth checks and storage records are accurate.
* Act as a keyholder and be available as an out‑of‑hours emergency contact when required & regularly review operational processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement best practices.
* Assist in implementing marketing, PR, and service strategies to drive business growth and enhance customer experience as well as assist in the delivery of events.
Required Experience & Skills
* Experience running a marina/boatyard or a similar environment e.g. a port, construction site, manufacturing plant, utilities depot or similar heavy-equipment environment.
* Hands-on knowledge of heavy equipment such as cranes, boat hoists, forklifts, tele-handlers or reach-stackers, with a solid grasp of LOLER/PUWER and safe-system-of-work creation.
* Proven record of driving a positive safety culture, understanding RAMS and meeting HSE standards.
* A good understanding of machinery general compliance requirements, able to schedule servicing, spot faults and liaise with engineers for plant such as travel-lifts, tractors or comparable industrial machinery. You will have good technical knowledge
* Minimum of 2 years in a management or supervisory role with experience in building and managing teams. Able to project authority and inspire confidence while remaining friendly and approachable.
* A positive outlook with a can-do attitude. Proven ability to work efficiently at pace, with a proactive, challenge‑seeking approach to problem solving.
* Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and problem‑solve effectively. Customer‑focused mindset, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills