Location: South of France or Hamburg
Overview On behalf of an established yacht management company, we are seeking a Head of Yacht Operations to lead the operational, compliance, and financial oversight of a managed yacht fleet.
This senior role is responsible for fleet performance, regulatory compliance, budget control, client reporting, and the leadership of a multidisciplinary shore-based team.
The Head of Yacht Operations will oversee day-to-day fleet activities, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operations. The role includes direct responsibility for selected yachts, acting as the primary point of contact between vessels and owners’ representatives.
All candidates must have the right to live and work in the EU.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversight of fleet operations (private and commercial yachts)
- Leadership of yacht managers, crew managers, compliance, and administrative teams
- Supervision of compliance, safety management systems, certification, and insurance
- Budget control, cost management, and client financial reporting
- Direct operational management of selected yachts
- Participation in the Emergency Response Team
- Continuous improvement of operational processes and management tools
- Coordination of fleet management software and supplier relationships
- Senior sea-going experience in a deck officer role (yacht or passenger vessel)
- Minimum 1 year of shore-based management experience
- Minimum 1 year in the superyacht industry
- Proven experience leading a team
- Strong knowledge of ISM/ISPS, SOLAS, MLC, and STCW
- Auditing and surveying experience
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Strong technical and financial understanding of large yacht operations
- Fluent English; additional languages advantageous (French, German, or Italian preferred)