SENIOR YACHT MANAGER
Newport Beach, California (Relocation Considered)

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced yacht management professional to join a growing yacht ownership and management business overseeing a fleet of privately owned motor yachts.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role that combines yacht operations, owner services, crew management, project delivery, and fleet administration. Working closely with yacht owners, captains, crew, shipyards, and service providers, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring vessels are operated and maintained to the highest standards while supporting the continued growth of the fleet.

We are seeking a highly organised, proactive, and commercially minded marine professional capable of managing multiple vessels, projects, and stakeholders simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the operational management of a fleet of privately owned yachts
• Create, manage, and monitor annual operating budgets
• Plan and coordinate maintenance periods, refits, warranty projects, and shipyard works
• Manage vessel deliveries, commissioning, decommissioning, transportation, and ownership transitions
• Support captains and crew with operational planning and project management
• Recruit, source, and manage professional yacht crew
• Develop crew procedures, training standards, and operational guidelines
• Maintain strong relationships with owners, captains, shipyards, marinas, contractors, and service providers
• Conduct vessel inspections and recommend operational improvements
• Support charter operations and charter management activities where applicable
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, insurance, and industry requirements

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is likely to bring a combination of the following experience:

• Previous Captain experience on motor yachts
• Yacht management and/or charter management experience
• Fleet management or marine operations experience
• New-build delivery, commissioning, and vessel handover experience
• Proven experience managing refits, maintenance projects, and warranty programmes
• Strong understanding of vessel systems, operations, and technical management
• Experience managing annual operating budgets and financial reporting
• Crew recruitment, development, and performance management experience
• Established network within the yachting industry including captains, crew, shipyards, and marine vendors
• Ability to build trusted relationships with yacht owners and family office representatives

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised and detail-oriented
• Professional, discreet, and service-focused
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Calm under pressure and solutions-driven
• Comfortable balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day operational involvement
• Capable of managing multiple vessels and projects simultaneously

Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing and highly regarded yacht ownership and management business in a senior leadership capacity. The role offers significant responsibility, direct owner interaction, and the opportunity to influence the future development of a growing fleet.