Boat Lifting, Rigging & Dredging Manager

Location: Berthon Boat Company, Lymington, UK
Position: Full-time (site-based)

About Berthon

Berthon Boat Company is a long-established family business operating a busy shipyard in Lymington. We have no debtand continuously invest in our plant, machinery, and infrastructure from retained profits rather than borrowing. We own our 10-acre shipyard and 8 acres of the river, allowing us to take a long-term approach to the development of the yard and the services we provide.

We are creating a new management position to lead and expand our yacht rigging services, managing our busy boat lifting and launching, and dredging operations. Administrative support is provided by our office team, allowing this role to focus primarily on customer interaction, technical oversight, operational management, and leadership of the teams involved.

Working within the existing management team, the role will include providing technical direction and decision-making, following up enquiries from customers, liaising with manufacturers regarding specifications, viewing boats to draw up technical specification, costing labour and materials, quoting customers, following up to obtain signed orders & deposit payments, and scheduling work. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong marine technical knowledge and the ability to coordinate and direct operational teams.

Yacht Rigging

• Lead and develop the yacht rigging capability within the yard
• Assess rigging requirements for yachts undergoing maintenance, repair, or refit
• Diagnose rigging faults and provide technical recommendations
• Define scope of work and technical specifications for rigging projects
• Provide technical leadership and support to the team of skilled yacht riggers
• Oversee mast stepping, unstepping, and rig commissioning operations
• Conduct sea trials and rig tuning where required
• Liaise with equipment manufacturers regarding technical specifications and installation requirements
• Ensure high standards of workmanship and safe working practices
• Support the training and development of apprentices and junior riggers
• Coordinate with yard departments and project managers

Boat Lifting

• Lead and coordinate all boat lifting and launching, plus movements within the shipyard and marina
• Direct daily operational activities of the boat hoist operators
• Ensure safe and efficient boat handling procedures are followed at all times
• Oversee the positioning and safe storage of vessels ashore within the yard
• Make operational decisions regarding lifting methods, equipment use, and sequencing of movements
• Coordinate with yard departments and project managers
• Ensure lifting operations comply with safe working practices and operational procedures

Dredging

• Plan dredging requirements
• Managing dredging operations within Berthon’s marina and the Lymington River
• Manage the operation of Berthon’s dredging barge, spud-leg barge and excavator
• Oversee the maintenance and operational readiness of the dredging equipment
• Coordinate dredging operations to minimise yard and marina disruption

Team Leadership

• Lead and manage the teams for rigging, lifting and dredging
• Provide clear direction, technical guidance, and decision-making
• Ensure safe working practices across all lifting and rigging operations
• Support the development and training of team members
• Maintain high standards of workmanship, safety, and professionalism

Candidate Profile

• Strong technical knowledge of yacht rigging and/or boatyard operations
• Practical experience with boat lifting, yard logistics, and marine plant
• Experience leading operational teams in a boatyard, marina, or marine environment
• The ability to make confident technical decisions and direct teams effectively
• A practical, hands-on approach combined with strong organisational awareness
• Experience with rigging systems, cranes, travel hoists, or marine plant equipment would be advantageous.

 What Berthon Offers

• Competitive salary plus annual notional dividend based on company profitability
• 33 days’ paid holiday (25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays)
• Flexible working where operationally possible
• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• Opportunity to work on a wide variety of yachts and marine projects

Berthon Boat Company is a financially independent company with a strong balance sheet. Owning our shipyard and river frontage allows us to take a long-term approach to investment, staff development, and customer relationships.

If you feel you meet the requisite criteria and want to work in a company that values its staff, now and into the future, please apply in writing by sending a completed application form along with your CV to: