PRESIDENT, MARINAS
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Position: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Location: Norwalk, CT
About the Organization
Our Client is a multi-generational, family-owned enterprise based in Norwalk, Connecticut. The organization includes two full-service marina businesses, along with commercial and waterfront real estate holdings. Each marina has an experienced President and leadership team.
As the organization prepares for a major real estate development involving key waterfront parcels, the CEO will provide unified oversight, help lead strategic planning and business alignment, and represent our Client in key relationships and development discussions.
Position Overview
The Chief Executive Officer will provide senior-level oversight of all our Client’s marinas. The CEO will work directly with the marina Presidents to ensure operational excellence, financial performance, and organizational alignment. This role will also support long-term planning, succession efforts, and cross-company collaboration.
The CEO will serve as the Client’s primary liaison to the development team. This will include ensuring clear communication, operational continuity during and after construction, and coordination as needed to protect and advance our Client’s interests.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Organizational Oversight
Provide strategic and operational oversight .
Support and guide the marinas in business planning, staffing, and performance management.
Identify and implement shared opportunities across the companies, including customer service, financial systems, and operational efficiencies.
Lead with transparency and professionalism in alignment with the values of a multi-generational family business.
Talent Development and Succession Planning
Lead recruitment, training, and professional development across departments including yard operations, service, sales, finance, and administration.
Develop and manage a succession planning process for key leadership positions, including aging Presidents, Controllers, and the retiring CFO.
Build a strong internal talent pipeline to ensure future readiness.
Financial and Operational Management
Oversee financial performance across all entities, including budgets, forecasts, and profitability.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive operational efficiency.
Guide long-term capital improvement and investment strategies.
Monitor performance metrics and ensure accountability across leadership teams.
Real Estate Development Coordination
Serve as the Client’s main point of contact with the selected developer.
Ensure consistent communication between the developer and marina leadership.
Help identify and address potential disruptions to marina operations, such as traffic flow, infrastructure access, or construction timing.
Evaluate and coordinate any support that may be able to provide to the marinas during development phases, if needed.
Protect business continuity and long-term value through active involvement in planning discussions and resolution of issues.
Governance and Stakeholder Engagement
Report regularly to the marina ownership group and serve as liaison to the Boards of Directors of each entity.
Represent our Client in high-level relationships with tenants, vendors, community leaders, and regulators.
Support a culture of clear communication, stewardship, and long-term thinking.
Qualifications
Proven executive leadership experience in marina operations is required.
Experience overseeing multi-location or multi-entity operations is strongly preferred.
Background in real estate development is preferred, especially when connected to marina or waterfront operations.
Bachelor’s degree required, ideally in Business Administration, Marine Management, Finance, or a related field.
Master’s degree, such as an MBA or Marine Affairs, is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, team leadership, and financial management.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively within a multi-generational family-owned business structure.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive executive salary based on experience.
Performance-based incentives.
Comprehensive benefits package.