An experienced Project & Build Manager is required to oversee the successful delivery of a major yacht build programme at a partner shipyard in France.

Acting as the client's on-site representative, you will take ownership of build performance, programme delivery, commercial management and stakeholder engagement throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. Working closely with shipyard leadership, suppliers and internal stakeholders, you will ensure the project is delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule and to the highest quality standards.

This is a senior leadership position suited to an individual with substantial experience within manufacturing, marine, shipbuilding or complex engineering environments. The successful candidate will bring strong operational and commercial acumen, coupled with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive performance across multiple functions.

The role is offered on a two-year fixed-term contract and will be based full-time in Gujan-Mestras, France.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary on-site representative throughout the yacht build programme.
• Lead the planning, execution and delivery of the project from industrialisation through manufacture, commissioning and final handover.
• Monitor and challenge build performance to ensure project milestones, quality standards and delivery schedules are achieved.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, cost reporting and commercial performance.
• Provide oversight of contractual matters, supplier relationships and change management activities.
• Coordinate activities between the shipyard, suppliers and wider stakeholder groups.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness, production efficiency and successful programme execution.
• Identify and mitigate risks that could impact schedule, cost, quality or delivery.
• Monitor commissioning and sea-trial activities, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and quality requirements.
• Deliver clear and timely reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Protect commercial interests whilst maintaining collaborative relationships with key partners and subcontractors.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the build programme.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience managing complex manufacturing, engineering, marine or shipbuilding programmes.
• Strong operational leadership experience within a production, manufacturing or build environment.
• Proven commercial management capability including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and contract administration.
• Experience working with third-party manufacturers, subcontractors, shipyards or strategic delivery partners.
• Strong understanding of project delivery, programme management, risk management and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels.
• Fluent English language skills.

Highly Desirable

• Fluent French language skills.
• Experience within yacht construction, shipbuilding or marine manufacturing.
• Experience representing an owner, customer or client within a shipyard environment.
• Knowledge of commissioning, testing and final acceptance activities.
• Professional Project Management qualification (APM, PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent).
• Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Project Management or a related discipline.

Candidates with significant manufacturing and operational leadership experience will be of particular interest. This role is likely to suit a senior individual who has successfully delivered large, complex build programmes and managed commercial, production and stakeholder responsibilities at a strategic level.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded and results driven.
• Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
• Highly organised and delivery focused.
• Confident in challenging and influencing stakeholders.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Collaborative approach with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

What's on Offer

• Salary of €90,000 - €100,000, dependent on experience.
• Opportunity to play a key role in the delivery of a high-profile luxury yacht construction programme.
• International working environment.
• Significant autonomy and responsibility.
• Exposure to complex engineering and manufacturing operations.
• Professional development opportunities within a highly respected marine sector organisation.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, two-year fixed-term contract based in Gujan-Mestras, France.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in France or be eligible to obtain the appropriate work authorisation.

Early applications are encouraged as suitable candidates may be progressed prior to the advertised closing date.