General Manager – Shipyard
General Manager- Shipyard: Mississippi
About Us:
We are a leading Gulf Coast shipyard specializing in the construction and repair of tugs, barges, and inland marine vessels. With a legacy of quality craftsmanship and on-time delivery, we serve both commercial and government clients across the inland waterways and coastal regions. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a General Manager to lead operations, drive efficiency, and uphold our commitment to excellence.
Position Overview:
The General Manager will oversee all aspects of shipyard operations including production, planning, safety, personnel, and financial performance. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in vessel construction—specifically tugs and barges, a passion for leadership, and a proven track record in managing high-performing teams in a dynamic marine environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead day-to-day shipyard operations to ensure efficient, safe, and timely production of tugs and barges.
- Oversee production planning, scheduling, and coordination across departments (hull fabrication, outfitting, paint, etc.).
- Manage and mentor department supervisors and team leads across operations, engineering, QA/QC, safety, and logistics.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies including ABS, USCG, OSHA, and EPA.
- Maintain and improve KPIs related to on-time delivery, cost control, labor efficiency, and quality standards.
- Directly manage budgets, P&L reporting, and project cost tracking.
- Develop strong relationships with clients, vendors, and subcontractors to support successful project delivery.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production, safety, and workforce development.
- Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and collaboration.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in shipbuilding, preferably with tug and barge construction.
- Strong knowledge of welding, hull construction, outfitting, and modular fabrication techniques.
- Experience managing yard schedules, trades personnel, and multiple simultaneous projects.
- Proven track record of managing safety programs, cost controls, and production targets.
- Effective communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage diverse teams.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Familiarity with inland waterways vessel standards.
- Experience with government or Jones Act vessel programs.
- Working knowledge of ERP or shipyard production systems.
- Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Opportunity to make a significant impact in a respected and growing shipyard