About us
Here at boatfolk we share a passion for boating and getting people out on the water. As part of the UK leisure industry, we operate 11 marinas at locations in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. But we’re about so much more than just marinas, whether it’s our on-site yacht brokers, boat repairs services or hospitality offerings everything we do is about delivering the best possible experience for our boatfolk community.

To deliver that mission, we are looking for enthusiastic people who are passionate about the water, who love what they do and who will actively engage with our company values to drive constant improvement in the experience received by our customers and create inclusive places and communities where people can give boating a go.

When you join boatfolk you become part of a crew that care, not just about doing a great job but making a positive long-lasting impact. Whether it be through sustainability initiatives that challenge the boating industry or encouraging youth participation to welcome the next generation of boaters onboard. At boatfolk you’re never short of opportunities to make a difference.

Our values inform our decisions and guide our behaviours, reflecting how our business operates in the communities we are part of. They are our promises to ourselves, to our customers and to each other and they are expected of everyone across our business, regardless of the position they hold.

Royal Quays Marina
Nestled in the heart of North Shields, Royal Quays Marina is more than just a place to dock your boat, it’s a vibrant community for boaters and maritime enthusiasts alike. We are committed to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable experiences for all who visit our marina. Royal Quays Marina is ideally situated at the mouth of the River Tyne, offering easy access to the North Sea and beyond. Our prime location not only provides stunning scenic views but also ensures that you're never far from the action, whether you’re looking to explore the bustling city of Newcastle or the serene beauty of the Northumberland coast. Our marina boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to cater to the needs of every boater. We offer 350 fully serviced berths, accommodating boats up to 30 meters. Our on-site amenities include modern shower and laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and 24/7 security, ensuring your stay is comfortable and secure. We also provide comprehensive boatyard services, including repairs and maintenance.

Role purpose
As part of our exciting journey, we are thrilled about a major development project planned at Royal Quays. This ambitious initiative will see millions of pounds invested over the next few years to transform the site with new pontoons and create a host of new business opportunities. We believe in the potential of our marinas and the communities they serve. Our progressive approach ensures that we remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering exceptional services and experiences to our customers.
We are looking for an experienced, capable and dynamic Marina Manager who can rise to the challenge and play a key role in our exciting future. The Marina Manager will oversee all marina operations, managing the marina and crew accordingly.

Key responsibilities

• To seek to maximise berthing occupancy and profitability for all annual, monthly and visiting berth holders ensuring the delivery of high-quality customer care and service.
• To be responsible for the development of the annual budget and business plan including the repairs and renewal of infrastructure and associated equipment.
• To develop and support annual sales and marketing plans designed to both attract and retain new and existing berth holders.
• You will ensure that health & safety is at the forefront of all day-to-day operations; actively monitoring compliance to the company policy health and safety policy by all using the site, together with maintaining visible environmental compliance.
• To ensure that a warm and friendly welcome linked to high quality customer service is delivered 24/7 to our customers.
• To build high performing teams and provide direction as required. To manage recruitment and discipline to optimise staffing levels as the situation requires.
• Working with the marina staff, to oversee the correct and complete invoicing for all vessels berthed within the marina and boatyard. To ensure that debtors are closely managed and that the company terms and conditions are applied.
• To ensure all marina areas are maintained, cleaned and tidied, including marina facility blocks, offices and associated public areas, to the highest standards.
• Work with the Marketing Team, to develop marketing plans and social media campaigns to raise awareness of facilities and services. To develop localised customer events and campaigns to help drive new business and aid customer retention.
• To interact and maintain relationships with local commercial fishing and fleet operators and Port of Tyne Harbour Master.
• To oversee the operation of the boatyard onsite to offer a profitable and high quality service to the marina berth holders and the wider local marine community.
• To ensure the operational safety, compliance and maintenance of the lock and the marina infrastructure.
• To safely operate the fuel pontoon in line with company, statutory and H&S guidelines. Carry out regular emergency drills and team training as required across all aspects of marina operations, particularly fire drills.
• To ensure security is maintained throughout the site so that customer property and equipment is both safe and secure whilst in our care.
• To advise senior management on any areas of concern or where company procedure might be improved and to provide a prompt and efficient response to any written or verbal customer complaints.
• To monitor financial and business performance on areas under your control taking steps as appropriate to deal with matters of concern.
• To ensure that company Health & Safety policy and statutory duties under legislation are correctly followed and participate in the continual development of standard operating procedures and risk management.
• To assist the central support team to plan and oversee the implementation of marina infrastructure development and investment projects including the establishment of new group business divisions onsite.
• To undertake any other tasks as directed for the benefit of the business.

Core Competencies

• Experience in a similar role, working at a senior level is desirable.
• Good knowledge of health and safety and environmental legislation with the ability to implement compliance to the company health and safety policy, assess risk and safe working practices effectively and write new risk assessments when required.
• Experience of developing, motivating and empowering a team to deliver outstanding levels of customer service within the leisure sector is vital for this role.
• You should be a friendly and supportive team player with excellent people skills, a positive mindset, ‘can do’ and flexible approach, with the ability to communicate effectively and to delegate appropriately, to lead by example and build high performing teams.
• Ability to deliver financial performance against an agreed budget and berthing occupancy targets.
• Experience of communication with all stakeholders both internal and external.
• Awareness of marketing strategies and with support from the central team, able to build an effective marketing plan to raise the profile of the services provided.
• Good decision making and problem-solving ability, under pressure, with the ability to proactively plan and prioritise workload.
• You must be confident using computers and with training able to use our business software packages, used daily for administration and customer communication. Attention to detail when entering data, processing and reconciling payments.
• Knowledge of marina and lock operations is desirable.
• Knowledge of boatyard operations is desirable.
• An understanding of different boats and their manoeuvring characteristics, so that suitable berths can be allocated. Ability to recognise and act appropriately when something is wrong.
• Ability to swim essential.
• An RYA Powerboat Level 2 or similar qualification is desirable.

Benefits for you

• Competitive salary.
• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Bonus and range of other employee benefits including a Health Cash Plan, Cycle to Work scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and Life Insurance.
• Discounts on boatfolk bars, restaurants and hotels.
• Discounts on berthing and boat sales.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• On-the-job and other development and training.
• Friendly and dynamic team working environment.
• Free car parking.

If you are passionate about marine management and ready to make a significant impact, we want to hear from you. To apply please forward your CV along with a covering letter to Tim Newell at timn(at)boatfolk.co.uk.