Boat Wharf Operations Manager

Foxhangers Limited; Devizes; On-site; GBP 28,000 - GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run canal boating business is seeking a Hire Boat Wharf Operations Manager to oversee operations, lead a team, and ensure excellent customer experiences from March to November. This hands-on role includes managing logistics and supporting maintenance activities during winter. Candidates should possess strong leadership skills, practical boating knowledge, and have a flexibility to work variable hours. An anticipated start date is set for April/May 2026.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

Discounted on-site mooring

Friendly team environment

Beautiful working location

Qualifications

• Supervisory or team leadership experience is essential.
• Experience in a customer-facing or operational environment preferred.
• Full clean driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate engineers, cleaners, and wharf operatives.
• Ensure high standards of health & safety.
• Plan logistics for boat turnover on busy changeover days.

Skills

Leadership skills

Practical boating knowledge

Clear communication

Ability to prioritize under pressure

Flexible working hours

Computer literacy

Job description

Foxhangers is a long‑established, family‑run canal boating business based near Devizes, Wiltshire. With a fleet of 18 hire boats and a team of around 30 staff, we deliver memorable canal holidays while also building, repairing and maintaining boats on site.

We’re looking for a Hire Boat Wharf Operations Manager to play a central role in our growing business. This is a varied, hands‑on position for someone who enjoys leading people, solving practical problems and creating great customer experiences in a unique outdoor environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

March–November: Operational Season

You’ll take the lead in coordinating all wharf operations and ensuring the smooth turnaround of our hire fleet. On busy handover days you’ll act as the operational lead on site — managing boat movements, directing engineers and housekeeping teams, and ensuring customers receive a warm, well‑organised welcome.

December–February: Winter Maintenance (Optional)

During the winter period, the role shifts to planned maintenance and refit work. You can either take this period off, or continue working on fleet maintenance tasks — ideal for someone seeking a balanced, seasonal working pattern.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Season

• Leading, motivating and supporting engineers, cleaners and wharf operatives
• Overseeing customer handovers and welcome‑backs
• Maintaining high standards of health & safety across the site
• Planning boat logistics and movements on changeover days
• Coordinating engineering tasks, call‑outs and maintenance priorities
• Supporting housekeeping to maintain excellent interior standards
• Preparing schedules, monitoring stock levels and maintaining operational records

Winter Responsibilities (Optional)

• Supporting planned maintenance, repairs and refit work
• Overseeing deep cleans and interior refreshes
• Preparing the fleet for the new season
• Assisting with small improvement projects around the wharf

About You

We’re looking for someone with strong leadership skills and practical boating knowledge, ideally with experience supervising staff in a customer‑facing or operational environment.

• Supervisory or team leadership experience
• Clear, confident communication with staff and customers
• Understanding of boat systems (training provided where needed)
• Practical, hard‑working and able to prioritise under pressure
• Fit and agile for an active outdoor role
• Flexible with working hours (mainly Fri/Sat/Mon from 8am until final handover, plus Tuesday mornings)
• Full clean driving licence
• Plumbing or basic woodwork skills
• First Aid certificate (or willingness to train)
• Computer literacy for scheduling and record‑keeping

Progression & Development

As our business continues to grow, there is scope for this role to develop. Depending on your strengths and interests, opportunities may include:

• Taking on additional operational responsibility
• Supporting the training of seasonal staff
• Becoming more involved in winter maintenance planning
• Leading small fleet improvement projects

Progression is based on trust, experience and the contribution you bring to the team.

Hours, Salary & Benefits

• Average 32 hours per week (some longer days in season; reduced hours or optional winter break Dec–Feb)
• Option to take December–February off, or work through the winter on maintenance
• Company pension scheme
• Discounted on‑site mooring
• A varied, outdoor role within a friendly, family‑run team
• A beautiful working environment right on the Kennet and Avon Canal
• Anticipated start date: April/May 2026

How to Apply

If you think this could be the opportunity for you, please write to us telling us how your qualifications, skills, and experience make you suited to this position, be sure to mention your earliest availability and whether you would need to work any notice to any current employer. Please also enclose a full employment history CV. We look forward to hearing from you.