General Manager of Marine Maintenance and Shipyard Operations
About the Role
Our client is looking to a General Manager – Marine Maintenance / Shipyard Operations to serve as the direct successor to the executive responsible for all company marine maintenance and shipyard operations.
This is a hands-on leadership role for a seasoned marine operator who understands how to run complex projects while working safely, efficiently and under real-world constraints. Technical knowledge of marine systems (diesel, propulsion, hydraulics, electrical/mechanical) is required.
Job description:
Overall execution of vessel repairs and equipment maintenance
Planning and control of repair schedules for tugboats, barges, cranes and yard equipment
Manpower allocation across multiple concurrent jobs to minimize downtime
Ownership and continuous improvement of the fleet Preventive Maintenance (PM) program
Mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and diesel troubleshooting alongside crews and vendors
Coordination with Logistics on vessel outages and return-to-service timelines
Application of USCG, Subchapter M and company safety standards to vessel repairs
Leadership of supervisors and crews; acting head of operations when required
Clear operational reporting on labor, repairs, costs and deferred maintenance
Preferred Background & Experience
This role is best suited for candidates who bring depth, not just exposure, including:
10+ years of experience in marine industry operations (shipyard, fleet, or vessel operations)
Proven leadership in maintenance-intensive, safety-critical environments
Experience managing skilled trades and multi-craft crews
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Maritime Management or a comparable technical discipline preferred
Strong working knowledge of diesel systems, hydraulics, mechanical and electrical systems
Ability to make operational decisions that directly impact safety, uptime, and cost
How Success Is Measured
Reduced unscheduled vessel downtime
High PM completion and compliance rates
Supporting safety, compliance and risk management across vessels, barges, and dock operations
Accurate labor and repair estimates
Controlled maintenance cost per vessel
Clear visibility into deferred maintenance and operational risk
Career & Leadership Path
Direct succession path to Executive in Charge of All Marine Maintenance and Shipyard Operations
Mentorship from senior marine and operational leaders
Real authority and responsibility from day one