Marine Service Manager

Southwest Yacht Service & Parts
Burnt Store Marina | Punta Gorda, Florida
Full-Time | $85,000-$95,000 annually, based on qualifications

Lead a Growing Marine Service Operation

Southwest Yacht Service & Parts is expanding its service operation at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, Florida.

We are looking for an experienced marine professional with the technical knowledge, leadership ability, organization and follow-through to take day-to-day responsibility for our growing service department.

This is a hands-on management role, not a desk-only position. The Marine Service Manager will lead technician workflow, productivity, quality and job completion while remaining technically involved in diagnostics, troubleshooting and repairs when needed.

The right person understands that a successful service department must consistently balance quality workmanship, customer service, technician development, productivity and financial performance.

What You Will Own

• Direct and organize the technicians' daily workload.
• Assign and prioritize work based on technician capability, customer commitments, job status and parts availability.
• Maintain clear daily visibility of every active job: what is progressing, waiting on parts, awaiting approval, requiring technical attention or ready for completion.
• Keep technicians productive, focused and accountable.
• Monitor job progress, labor usage, technician productivity and rework.
• Identify scheduling, labor, parts and technical problems before they become larger issues.
• Ensure technician time and available capacity are converted into completed, properly documented and billable work.
• Diagnose difficult problems and provide technical direction when technicians need assistance.
• Perform hands-on diagnostics and technical work when department needs require it.
• Train and develop less-experienced technicians rather than simply doing their work for them.
• Review completed work and maintain strong quality-control standards before vessels are returned to customers.
• Ensure work orders, technician notes, labor time, findings, photos and repair documentation are complete and accurate.
• Follow service issues through to resolution.
• Coordinate technical parts requirements with our Parts & Warranty function.
• Support manufacturer diagnostic, service and warranty procedures.
• Communicate professionally with customers when technical explanation or escalation is required.
• Maintain strong standards for safety, organization, cleanliness and workmanship.
• Work directly with ownership on department performance, staffing needs and continued development.

The Marine Service Manager will have clear day-to-day authority over technician assignments, workflow, technical standards, productivity and performance expectations, with meaningful input into staffing and personnel decisions.

Technical Background

Strong professional marine-service experience is required.

Broad experience across several of the following areas is particularly valuable. We do not expect one person to be an expert in every system:

• Inboard diesel engines
• Outboard engines
• Generators
• Marine propulsion and drivetrain systems
• Saildrives
• 12V/24V DC electrical systems
• 120V/240V AC electrical systems
• Marine plumbing and pumps
• Marine air conditioning and refrigeration
• Electronics and rigging
• Sailboats
• Powerboats
• Catamarans
• Manufacturer diagnostic and warranty procedures

The ideal candidate has enough broad marine knowledge to recognize problems, properly direct technicians, troubleshoot complex issues and know when manufacturer or specialist support is appropriate.

Certifications & Manufacturer Training

Current or previous training or certification in any of the following is highly desirable:

• Yanmar Marine
• Suzuki Marine
• Volvo Penta
• Yamaha Marine
• Mercury Marine
• ABYC certifications
• NMEA training or certification
• Generator manufacturer training
• Marine HVAC/refrigeration training
• Other recognized marine manufacturer or technical certifications

Certifications are valuable, but demonstrated technical ability, judgment, leadership and problem-solving skills are equally important.

Leadership Matters

Technical ability alone is not enough for this position.

The right person must be able to:

• Set clear expectations.
• Hold employees accountable professionally and consistently.
• Organize multiple technicians and multiple jobs simultaneously.
• Prioritize effectively.
• Develop less-experienced technicians.
• Recognize when to coach, redirect or address a performance problem.
• Lead by example.
• Maintain composure when schedules, customers or repairs become difficult.
• Communicate effectively with technicians, customers, parts personnel and ownership.
• Make sound day-to-day decisions independently.
• Know when an issue requires ownership involvement.
• Maintain accurate documentation.
• Follow up without repeated reminders.
• Take ownership of problems through completion.

Previous service-management or supervisory experience is preferred. We will also consider an exceptional senior or lead marine technician who has already demonstrated genuine leadership ability and is ready to take formal responsibility for a service team.

What We Offer

• $85,000-$95,000 annual compensation, based on experience, certifications, technical capability and demonstrated leadership ability
• Full-time employment
• Paid time off
• Company-provided branded uniforms and required PPE
• Company specialty, diagnostic and manufacturer-specific tools
• Secure personal toolbox/storage space
• Approved manufacturer and technical training opportunities
• Direct access to ownership
• Opportunity to take on increasing responsibility as the Service Center grows

Work Environment

This is a full-time, in-person position at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, Florida.

The position works in shop, marina and vessel environments and includes outdoor conditions, machinery and engine spaces, confined working areas, ladders and the normal physical requirements associated with professional marine service.

A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.

Who This Opportunity Is For

This may be a strong fit if you are:

• An experienced Marine Service Manager who still enjoys being technically involved; or
• An accomplished senior technician, shop foreman or lead technician who has become the person others rely on and is ready to formally lead a department.

We are looking for someone who sees a problem and works it through to completion — not someone who simply identifies the problem and passes it along.

We are building a professional, long-term marine service operation with high standards for workmanship, productivity, organization, accountability, communication and customer service.

Apply through Indeed with your resume and a brief summary of your marine technical background, certifications and experience leading or developing technicians.