Boatyard Manager

Reporting to the COO, Marine Operations, the Boatyard Manager is responsible for the overall performance of Mills Creek Marine and the day-to-day management of the team. This role serves as the central point of coordination across the Marine Service Division. The Boatyard Manager is expected to maintain exceptional standards of boatyard productivity, customer service, and operational discipline. This requires a balance of strong technical knowledge, leadership capability, and sound administrative practice.

A genuine passion for the marine industry and a commitment to delivering high-quality service are essential to success in this role.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Workshop & Staff Management

• Provide daily supervision of the service workshop and all service team members.
• Work closely with marine technicians to offer hands-on guidance, technical advice, and support as needed.
• Conduct regular team meetings to organize and control workshop throughput and workflow.
• Ensure fair and equitable distribution of workload among all workshop staff.
• Maintain and manage all shop tools, manuals, yard equipment, vehicles, and forklift.
• Ensure the workshop, yard, and associated areas are kept clean, safe, and properly equipped at all times.

Customer Service

• Serve as a primary point of contact for customers regarding service enquiries, updates, and completed work.
• Proactively communicate with customers to keep them informed of progress and any emergent issues.
• Provide competitive and accurate cost estimates to prospective customers.
• Ensure consistently high levels of customer service are delivered by all workshop staff.
• Translate technical findings into clear, accessible communication for customers.

Technical Operations

• Perform diagnostics and provide technical advice across all brands of boats and engines.
• Advise on accessory requirements in support of engine and boat sales.
• Oversee the fitting and repair of all brands of boat and engine.
• Arrange for boats to be trailered to and from the service yard as required.
• Oversee the pressure washing, bottom painting, and detailing of vessels.
• Arrange for water testing, cleaning, and delivery of boats back to their berth or mooring.
• Ensure the service van is properly equipped with necessary tools and parts; maintain inventory control of such items.

Administration & Productivity

• Ensure accurate and timely completion of job sheets, including work start and finish times, materials used, parts fitted, and description of work performed.
• Monitor and control workflow and work-in-progress (WIP) to maintain high workshop productivity.
• Maintain all parts and service manuals, ensuring they are kept current.
• Review and order specialty tools as required.
• Coordinate technician training — locally, remotely, and via web-based programs — in collaboration with the COO, Marine Operations.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Liaise closely with the Parts Department and Warehouse to ensure optimal stock levels and timely supply of parts.
• Support the Sales team with technical expertise and product knowledge.
• Collaborate with the Waterfront Marina team as required.
• Assist other departments during peak or seasonal periods as part of the broader team effort.

Role Expectations:

The Yard Manager is expected to demonstrate a high standard of professionalism, accountability, and operational discipline at all times. This includes:

• Adhering to all company safety protocols and operational procedures.
• Maintaining consistent attendance and punctuality in line with scheduled hours.
• Supporting seasonal operational demands, including overtime during peak periods when required.
• Participating in mandatory training and certification programs as assigned.
• Representing the company professionally in all interactions with customers, colleagues, and vendors.
• Wearing the company uniform at all times while on duty.
• Proactively identifying and recommending improvements to boatyard efficiency and overall performance.
• Performing additional duties from time to time as reasonably requested by management.

Professional Development:

The Boatyard Manager is expected to actively engage in ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance technical capability, leadership skills, and industry knowledge. This includes a commitment to continuous learning in line with evolving marine technologies and manufacturer requirements.

Professional development may include:

• Completion and maintenance of relevant manufacturer certifications (e.g., Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki, Seakeeper, and other applicable systems).
• Participation in online and in-person technical and management training.
• Attendance at company-directed training sessions, delivered either during working hours or off-site as required.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This role involves regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions and physically demanding work within a marine service and yard environment.

The Service Manager must be able to:

• Lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Work in varying weather conditions, including heat, wind, and rain.
• Stand, walk, bend, crouch, kneel, and climb for extended periods.
• Work in confined and/or elevated spaces as required.
• Safely operate tools, machinery, and yard equipment in a marine environment.

Given the nature of the marine industry in Bermuda, participation in emergency preparedness and response activities is a required part of the role. This includes situations such as hurricanes and other significant weather events, during which all team members may be expected to support operational needs as required.

Qualifications & Skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational certification in marine mechanics or a related field required.
• Valid Light Truck driver's licence required.
• Personal basic hand tools required.
• Minimum of 7 years' hands-on experience as a marine technician, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Demonstrated experience with Mercury, Yamaha, and Suzuki outboard engines preferred.
• Mercury Marine certifications or equivalent manufacturer training highly desirable.
• Proficiency with diagnostic tools and software, including Mercury CDS G3.
• Strong understanding of marine mechanical, electrical, fuel, hydraulic, and cooling systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, schematics, and service manuals.
• Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex mechanical and electrical issues.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with customers, staff, and management.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including experience managing job sheets, WIP, and workflow.
• Ability and willingness to travel to customer or on-site locations for repairs when required.

Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, depending on operational requirements.