About the Role

Boatfolk is a national marina group with 11 locations around the UK, focused on creating great places for everyone who loves the water. Our marinas are more than just berths, we’re all about community, sustainability, and helping more people enjoy life afloat.

We’re now looking for a proactive and hands-on Assistant Marina Manager to join the team at Royal Quays Marina in North Shields, a 400-berth marina at the mouth of the River Tyne with excellent facilities and a strong boating community. You’ll support the Marina Manager in leading the day-to-day operation, managing staff, delivering great service, and keeping everything safe, clean, and shipshape.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the designated on-call manager outside of normal working hours on a rota basis, responding to operational issues or emergencies as required.
• Deputise fully for the Marina Manager during periods of leave or absence, assuming full site responsibility including team management, financial oversight, customer service, and operational performance.
• Line manage the Berthing and Boatyard team overseeing daily operations, rotas, performance, and development. Providing ongoing supervision, coaching, and support to ensure a safe, efficient, and customer-focused marina service.
• Know how to handle periods of change and lead a team through such periods, displaying motivating and encouraging behaviours.
• Foster a positive work environment, motivating, mentoring, and training staff to build a high-performing team.
• Coordinate regular training and emergency response drills across the marina.
• Act as the Marina’s Health and Safety Champion, ensuring compliance with the company’s health and safety policies and environmental standards.
• Ensure the safe operation, maintenance, and compliance of marina infrastructure, using the computer-based Planned Maintenance System. Ensure inspection reporting regimes are followed, with remedial works organised in a timely manner when defects are found.
• Oversee safe fuel pontoon/bunker berth operations, maintaining sufficient fuel stocks, pricing, and conducting regular emergency and fire drills.
• Maximise berth occupancy through strategic allocation of berthing, outstanding customer service, proactive customer retention, and acquisition initiatives.
• Proactively manage customer relationships, ensuring high satisfaction and effectively addressing and resolving complaints.
• Work collaboratively with the Marina Manager and Marina Administrator to effectively manage debtor accounts.
• Assist in planning, organising, and executing customer and community events to enhance retention and attract new business.
• Accurately complete and supervise administrative duties within your area of responsibility to ensure smooth and effective operational management.
• Assist with office administration and accurate invoicing for berthed vessels when required.

Core Competencies

• Strong health and safety awareness; IOSH Level 2/ Managing Safely certification or above desirable.
• Ability to undertake risk assessments and implement safe working practices.
• Knowledge of marina and lock operations or General Marine Operations is essential.
• Practical maintenance skills and willingness to engage actively in marina upkeep.
• RYA qualifications, particularly Powerboat Level 2 (or above) and VHF Short Range Certificate (or above) are desirable.
• Ability to swim and a Full UK Driving Licence is essential.
• Approachable leader with a positive, flexible, ‘can-do’ attitude.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; professional, polite, and resilient under pressure.
• Strong verbal, written communication, and listening skills.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills, capable of prioritising tasks proactively.
• Understanding of vessel types and manoeuvring characteristics to ensure appropriate berth allocation and response to issues.
• Must be confident using IT and with training able to use our business software package

Working Hours and Environment

The working hours are 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, however, there may be a requirement to work some weekends during the year, depending on business requirements. 

Benefits for you

• Competitive salary (£30,000 p.a. negotiable depending on experience).
• 29 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Annual Bonus scheme.
• Employee benefits including a Health Cash Plan, Cycle to Work scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and Life Insurance.
• Significant discounts on berthing and boat sales.
• Discounted stays at boatfolk hotel rooms.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• On-the-job and other development and training.
• Free car parking and discounted on-site EV charging.
• A friendly and dynamic team environment in a unique waterfront location

How to apply

To apply, send your CV and covering letter to keerans@boatfolk.co.uk, or you can view the full job description and apply via Indeed at:
https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=d72b6b3b3ac22541

Application Deadline: 28/04/2025

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may close early if a suitable candidate is found.