With almost 100 years of trading, Fox’s Marina & Boatyard is one of the UK’s leading marine businesses, providing comprehensive marina, refit and repair services from our 15-acre site in Ipswich, Suffolk.
We are proud of our in-house team of highly experienced engineers, craftsmen, boat handlers, riggers, electricians and fabricators, supporting both leisure and commercial customers. Many who whom have been an integral part of the Fox’s family for years.
We are looking for an experienced Managing Director to lead the business through its next stage of development and growth
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership position with responsibility for the day-to-day performance and long-term direction of Fox’s Marina & Boatyard.
Leading a team of around 45 people, you will have responsibility for commercial and P&L performance, operations and people development. You’ll work closely with departmental leaders, providing clear direction and ensuring the business continues to deliver high standards of service, workmanship and customer care. You’ll join an established, loyal team and build on strong foundations, developing both the business and its people.
Reporting to the Group CEO, you’ll also be part of the senior leadership team responsible for the performance and development of the wider Fox’s group.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Marina & Boatyard business, with responsibility for operational and commercial performance.
- Set annual budgets and drive efficiency, revenue and sustainable growth.
- Provide clear leadership, technical guidance and decision-making across the business.
- Support and develop departmental managers and their teams.
- Work with the Production Director to further develop Fox’s refit capabilities.
- Provide technical and commercial input into major refit projects, estimates and quotations.
- Ensure consistently high standards of workmanship, customer service and safe working practices.
- Lead the Marketing, Finance, Marina, Front of House and Administration functions.
- Develop recurring marina revenues and support boat sales across the wider group.
- Maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers and industry partners.
- Develop industry networks and identify new commercial opportunities.
About You
You’ll be an experienced senior leader with a strong marine and technical background and a proven ability to manage a complex, service-led operation.
Commercially astute and comfortable with P&L responsibility, you’ll be able to balance strategic thinking with the practical demands of running a busy marina and boatyard.
Just as importantly, you’ll be a strong people manager: approachable, decisive and able to get the best from an experienced team.
You’ll bring
- Senior leadership experience within the marine industry.
- Strong technical knowledge and practical understanding of marine operations.
- Proven commercial and P&L management experience.
- Experience of developing teams and departmental leaders.
- Excellent customer and stakeholder management skills.
- A practical, collaborative and results-focused approach.
What we offer
- Salary: Competitive, depending on experience.
- Performance bonus: Linked to business results.
- Private health insurance: Employer contribution towards health cover.
- Hours: 40 hours per week, with additional or weekend cover when required.
- Holiday: Generous allowance linked to service.
- Benefits: Excellent working environment and heavily discounted boatyard services.
- Stability: An independently owned business with almost 100 years of history and ambitious plans for the future.
Pay: £65,000.00-£75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
