Hire Boat Wharf Operations Manager

Foxhangers is a long‑established, family‑run canal boating business based near Devizes, Wiltshire. With a fleet of 18 hire boats and a team of around 30 staff, we deliver memorable canal holidays while also building, repairing and maintaining boats on site.

We’re looking for a Hire Boat Wharf Operations Manager to play a central role in our growing business. This is a varied, hands‑on position for someone who enjoys leading people, solving practical problems and creating great customer experiences in a unique outdoor environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

March–November: Operational Season

You’ll take the lead in coordinating all wharf operations and ensuring the smooth turnaround of our hire fleet. On busy handover days you’ll act as the operational lead on site — managing boat movements, directing engineers and housekeeping teams, and ensuring customers receive a warm, well‑organised welcome.

December–February: Winter Maintenance (Optional)

During the winter period, the role shifts to planned maintenance and refit work. You can either take this period off, or continue working on fleet maintenance tasks — ideal for someone seeking a balanced, seasonal working pattern.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Season

Leading, motivating and supporting engineers, cleaners and wharf operatives
Overseeing customer handovers and welcome‑backs
Maintaining high standards of health & safety across the site
Planning boat logistics and movements on changeover days
Coordinating engineering tasks, call‑outs and maintenance priorities
Supporting housekeeping to maintain excellent interior standards
Preparing schedules, monitoring stock levels and maintaining operational records

Winter Responsibilities (Optional)

Supporting planned maintenance, repairs and refit work
Overseeing deep cleans and interior refreshes
Preparing the fleet for the new season
Assisting with small improvement projects around the wharf

About You

We’re looking for someone with strong leadership skills and practical boating knowledge, ideally with experience supervising staff in a customer‑facing or operational environment.

Supervisory or team leadership experience
Clear, confident communication with staff and customers
Understanding of boat systems (training provided where needed)
Practical, hard‑working and able to prioritise under pressure
Fit and agile for an active outdoor role
Flexible with working hours (mainly Fri/Sat/Mon from 8am until final handover, plus Tuesday mornings)
Full clean driving licence
Plumbing or basic woodwork skills
First Aid certificate (or willingness to train)
Computer literacy for scheduling and record‑keeping

Progression & Development

As our business continues to grow, there is scope for this role to develop. Depending on your strengths and interests, opportunities may include:

Taking on additional operational responsibility
Supporting the training of seasonal staff
Becoming more involved in winter maintenance planning
Leading small fleet improvement projects

Progression is based on trust, experience and the contribution you bring to the team.

Hours, Salary & Benefits

Average 32 hours per week (some longer days in season; reduced hours or optional winter break Dec–Feb)
Option to take December–February off, or work through the winter on maintenance
Company pension scheme
Discounted on‑site mooring
A varied, outdoor role within a friendly, family‑run team
A beautiful working environment right on the Kennet and Avon Canal
Anticipated start date: April/May 2026

How to Apply

If you think this could be the opportunity for you, please write to us telling us how your qualifications, skills, and experience make you suited to this position, be sure to mention your earliest availability and whether you would need to work any notice to any current employer. Please also enclose a full employment history CV. We look forward to hearing from you.

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