Gonzales, LA
General Manager of Marine Maintenance and Shipyard Operations
About the Role
Our client is looking to a General Manager – Marine Maintenance / Shipyard Operations to serve as the direct successor to the executive responsible for all company marine maintenance and shipyard operations.
This is a hands-on leadership role for a seasoned marine operator who understands how to run complex projects while working safely, efficiently and under real-world constraints. Technical knowledge of marine systems (diesel, propulsion, hydraulics, electrical/mechanical) is required.
Job description:
- Overall execution of vessel repairs and equipment maintenance
- Planning and control of repair schedules for tugboats, barges, cranes and yard equipment
- Manpower allocation across multiple concurrent jobs to minimize downtime
- Ownership and continuous improvement of the fleet Preventive Maintenance (PM) program
- Mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and diesel troubleshooting alongside crews and vendors
- Coordination with Logistics on vessel outages and return-to-service timelines
- Application of USCG, Subchapter M and company safety standards to vessel repairs
- Leadership of supervisors and crews; acting head of operations when required
- Clear operational reporting on labor, repairs, costs and deferred maintenance
Preferred Background & Experience
This role is best suited for candidates who bring depth, not just exposure, including:
- 10+ years of experience in marine industry operations (shipyard, fleet, or vessel operations)
- Proven leadership in maintenance-intensive, safety-critical environments
- Experience managing skilled trades and multi-craft crews
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Maritime Management or a comparable technical discipline preferred
- Strong working knowledge of diesel systems, hydraulics, mechanical and electrical systems
- Ability to make operational decisions that directly impact safety, uptime, and cost
How Success Is Measured
- Reduced unscheduled vessel downtime
- High PM completion and compliance rates
- Supporting safety, compliance and risk management across vessels, barges, and dock operations
- Accurate labor and repair estimates
- Controlled maintenance cost per vessel
- Clear visibility into deferred maintenance and operational risk
Career & Leadership Path
- Direct succession path to Executive in Charge of All Marine Maintenance and Shipyard Operations
- Mentorship from senior marine and operational leaders
- Real authority and responsibility from day one