General Manager – Waterfront Boatyard and Marina Operations (Norfolk)
General Manager – Waterfront Boatyard and Marina Operations Location: Norfolk, VA We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead a multi-faceted operation that combines a large‑yacht marina, full‑service boatyard, and dry storage business. This role requires a commercially focused leader who understands the unique operating dynamics of a working boatyard while delivering exceptional service to yacht owners, captains, commercial tenants, and marine service providers. The facility serves several distinct business lines, including in‑water project slips for large yachts, an upland boatyard, and a substantial dry storage operation. Success in this position requires balancing operational excellence with business development—maximizing occupancy, generating repair and maintenance projects, coordinating multiple onsite contractors, and ensuring every aspect of the operation contributes to financial performance. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience working with large yachts and vessel repair operations and has established relationships within the yachting community. They understand that successful boatyard operations are built on trust, responsiveness, technical credibility, and the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders while maintaining efficient, safe, and profitable operations. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership Direct the day-to-day operation of the marina, boatyard, and dry storage business while ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and customer service. Maximize utilization of in-water project slips by supporting short‑term repair, maintenance, and refit activities rather than long-term dockage. Oversee all haul-outs, launches, blocking, pressure washing, vessel movements, and yard logistics to ensure safe and efficient operations. Coordinate vessel scheduling and yard activities to maximize throughput and minimize downtime. Boatyard & Tenant Maintenance Manage relationships with multiple onsite marine service providers operating under commercial lease agreements. Balance the responsibilities of landlord and operational partner while maintaining productive working relationships with tenants. Coordinate contractor activities to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with facility standards. Monitor work performed onsite to ensure accurate billing and proper application of marina service markups. Business Development Build and maintain strong relationships with yacht owners, captains, brokers, management companies, and marine service professionals to generate repair, maintenance, and refit opportunities. Promote the facility as a preferred destination for large-yacht service and project work. Identify opportunities to increase utilization across wet slips, the boatyard, and dry storage facilities. Develop strategies to improve occupancy and maximize revenue across all business lines. Financial Management Manage operating and capital budgets while maintaining strong financial controls. Monitor revenue, occupancy, project activity, and operational performance to identify opportunities for improvement. Oversee pricing strategies, budgeting, forecasting, and expense management to achieve financial objectives. Ensure operational processes support accurate revenue capture and profitability. Leadership & Culture Recruit, mentor, and develop a high‑performing operations team. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Maintain a visible presence throughout the property while supporting employees, customers, tenants, and contractors. Lead by example through hands‑on engagement and decisive operational leadership. Safety & Compliance Ensure compliance with all environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements. Promote best practices in vessel handling, yard operations, and workplace safety. Lead incident response, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives across the facility. Qualifications Significant leadership experience managing a full-service boatyard, large‑yacht marina, shipyard, or comparable marine service operation. Strong understanding of vessel repair, maintenance, refit projects, and boatyard logistics. Demonstrated experience coordinating haul-outs, vessel scheduling, contractor activity, and waterfront operations. Established relationships within the large‑yacht industry, including captains, owners, yacht managers, brokers, and marine service providers, are highly desirable. Experience managing commercial tenant relationships within a marine or industrial environment. Proven financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, pricing, and P&L responsibility. Strong operational leadership with the ability to balance strategic planning and day‑to‑day execution. Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-management skills. Experience with dry storage or dry stack operations is beneficial; however, expertise in large‑yacht marina and boatyard operations is considered the highest priority. J-18808-Ljbffr
