Director of Operations
5 days ago
Palma
Director of Operations – Superyacht Rigging & Load Testing Location: Palma, Mallorca Employment Type: Permanent Sector: Superyacht Services, Rigging and Load Testing The Opportunity Our client is an established and growing specialist superyacht rigging and load-testing company based in Palma, Mallorca. The business supports high-end sailing and motor yachts across the Spanish Mediterranean and wider European superyacht market. It has developed a strong reputation for technical quality, responsive service and trusted relationships with captains, yacht management companies, shipyards, owners’ representatives and specialist suppliers. Following a period of significant growth, the company is looking to appoint a Director of Operations to strengthen its operational structure and help lead the next stage of its development. This is a senior leadership position combining operational management, superyacht-sector knowledge, technical understanding, commercial awareness and client-facing responsibility. The Role The Director of Operations will take responsibility for the day-to-day delivery of multiple rigging and load-testing projects. You will oversee project planning, resource allocation, team performance, budgets, technical processes, client communication and operational standards across the business. Working closely with senior management and approximately four operational team leaders, you will ensure that projects are properly planned, resourced, communicated, delivered and closed out. This is primarily a management position. However, the successful candidate must remain comfortable working within shipyard and onboard environments when required. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership • Oversee multiple concurrent superyacht rigging and load-testing projects from initial planning through to completion., • Coordinate labour, equipment, subcontractors, technical resources, logistics and project priorities., • Maintain clear visibility across live projects, upcoming bookings, resource constraints and client commitments., • Take accountability for project-level and company-wide budgets, forecasting, cost control and P&L performance., • Identify operational bottlenecks and implement practical improvements., • Help the business scale while maintaining quality, responsiveness and technical control. Team Leadership • Lead, support and develop a growing operational team of approximately 25 people., • Manage and empower team leaders responsible for individual technical crews and workstreams., • Delegate effectively and lead through clear accountability., • Ensure technicians and project teams are properly briefed, organised and supported., • Maintain effective communication between operational teams, office staff and senior management., • Promote a professional, collaborative and performance-focused working culture. Technical and Process Management • Ensure work is completed in accordance with OEM service plans, manufacturer procedures and technical guidelines., • Support technical decision-making relating to modern yacht rigging systems., • Provide oversight across rod rigging, composite rigging and associated deck and sailing systems., • Review technical drawings, specifications and project documentation when required., • Maintain high standards of safety, quality control, documentation and technical compliance., • Support the continued development of internal procedures, workflows and operational best practice. Client and Stakeholder Management • Act as a senior operational point of contact for captains, yacht management companies, owners’ representatives, shipyards, suppliers and specialist partners., • Build and protect long-term client relationships., • Manage expectations clearly, professionally and diplomatically., • Push back constructively when project demands, timelines or technical requirements are unrealistic., • Represent the company during client meetings, project reviews, yacht visits, boat shows and industry events. Growth and Business Support • Support the continued development of the company’s rigging and load-testing services., • Help manage increasing demand within the load-testing division., • Contribute to capacity planning, recruitment and future team development., • Identify potential commercial and operational opportunities., • Support long-term service development and operational strategy. Candidate Profile The successful candidate will be an experienced operational leader with a strong understanding of the superyacht industry. You should understand the service standards, discretion, responsiveness and attention to detail expected when working with captains, yacht managers, owners’ representatives and high-value vessels. You do not need to be the most technically experienced rigger in the business. However, you must possess enough technical knowledge to lead confidently, ask the right questions, challenge decisions appropriately and ensure correct processes are followed. You will be structured, commercially aware, diplomatic and comfortable managing multiple projects, clients and operational priorities simultaneously. Essential Requirements • Strong professional experience within the superyacht industry., • Good understanding of yacht care, refit, maintenance or technical service environments., • Knowledge of modern yacht rigging systems, including rod and composite rigging., • Previous experience managing multiple teams and concurrent technical projects., • Proven responsibility for budgets, forecasting, project costs and P&L performance., • Demonstrated ability to delegate effectively and empower team leaders., • Strong leadership, planning, organisational and problem-solving capabilities., • Ability to communicate confidently with captains, owners’ representatives, shipyards, management companies, suppliers and technical teams., • Process-driven approach with the discipline to follow OEM procedures and manufacturer guidelines., • Ability to challenge clients or internal stakeholders diplomatically when required., • Strong computer literacy across Apple and Windows environments., • Legal right to work within the European Union., • Willingness to travel for projects, client meetings, yacht visits and industry events. Desirable Experience • Previous onboard sailing yacht or superyacht experience., • Experience in a senior rigging, operations, project management or technical management position., • Familiarity with recognised yacht rigging and spar manufacturers., • Experience with load testing, lifting operations, inspection, compliance or associated technical services., • CAD capability, preferably using Rhino or similar software., • Spanish-language ability., • Experience with 3D printing or modern fabrication technologies., • An established professional network within Palma, the Spanish Mediterranean or the wider European superyacht market. Location and Travel The position is based in Palma, Mallorca, with regular involvement in projects across the Spanish Mediterranean. International travel will occasionally be required for client projects, yacht visits, boat shows and relevant industry events. Package A competitive senior leadership package will be offered, depending on experience and suitability. Performance-related incentives may also be considered for the right candidate based on contribution, results and long-term fit. Why Apply? This is an opportunity to join a respected specialist business during an important stage of its growth. The successful candidate will have genuine influence over the company’s operational structure, team development, processes and future service capability. You will play a central role in helping the business scale while maintaining the technical quality, responsiveness and personal service expected within the superyacht industry.
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39 Camí de la Vileta, Ponent, 07011, Palma
