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Engineering Project Manager - Job Opportunity at Todd Hayes

Southampton, GB
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 17, 2025
On-site
£65,000 - £85,000 per year based on the senior-level responsibilities, specialized marine industry expertise, complex stakeholder management requirements, and Southampton's position as a major marine industry hub with competitive compensation packages for experienced project managers.

Key Responsibilities

Drive end-to-end project ownership from initial client engagement through final handover, positioning yourself as the primary strategic interface between the organization and high-value marine clients
Orchestrate comprehensive build planning and execution for luxury yacht construction projects, ensuring seamless coordination across multiple departments to meet critical delivery timelines
Maintain dynamic project documentation including Master Work Lists that capture all specification variations and pricing options, serving as the definitive reference for project scope and commercial requirements
Deliver executive-level progress reporting that translates technical build metrics into strategic business insights, enabling informed decision-making on resource allocation and project priorities
Lead cross-functional collaboration with production teams to achieve predetermined cost targets and delivery schedules, ensuring optimal resource utilization and operational efficiency
Partner with commercial departments to establish and maintain profit margins on standard and optional equipment procurement, directly impacting project profitability
Champion health, safety, and environmental excellence across all project activities, establishing best practices that protect both personnel and organizational reputation
Manage sophisticated client relationship activities including progress communications, payment milestone coordination, and completion forecasting using executive-approved data
Coordinate complex interior design integration activities, ensuring seamless alignment between aesthetic vision and production realities
Facilitate high-value client site visits through strategic scheduling and preparation, maximizing the productivity and impact of each client interaction
Execute comprehensive financial closure processes including payment collection and documentation preparation, ensuring smooth project handover and client satisfaction
Oversee critical commissioning activities in partnership with specialized managers, ensuring all systems meet performance specifications before client delivery
Lead sea trial coordination and issue resolution processes, maintaining quality standards that protect brand reputation and minimize warranty exposure
Manage complex administrative requirements including yacht registration, licensing, and regulatory compliance, ensuring full legal and operational readiness at handover

Requirements

Education

Degree level educated

Experience

Experience of managing complex work schedules in a matrix management structure to meet cost, quality, and delivery

Required Skills

Strong knowledge of the systems and equipment typical of large, modern cruising yachts Strong knowledge of the marine industry, yacht production techniques and processes IT literate, competent user of Microsoft Office products and project management IT tools Strong stakeholder management skills Experience of sailing large, modern cruising yachts is ideal along with charter experience

Certifications

Project management qualification e.g PRINCE2 OR APMP Accredited (Desirable) Yacht Master Offshore or Ocean (or equivalent) would be an advantage Full driving licence is required
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The luxury yacht industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increasing wealth concentration among ultra-high-net-worth individuals, particularly in emerging markets, creating sustained demand for custom yacht construction and project management expertise. Digital transformation in marine manufacturing is revolutionizing project management through advanced ERP systems, IoT monitoring, and predictive analytics, requiring project managers to blend traditional marine expertise with sophisticated technology management capabilities. Sustainability regulations and environmental consciousness are reshaping yacht design and construction processes, with new IMO regulations and client demands for eco-friendly vessels requiring project managers to navigate complex environmental compliance requirements. The post-pandemic luxury market has shifted toward experiential investments, with private yacht ownership becoming increasingly attractive as a safe luxury experience, driving demand for skilled project managers who can deliver complex custom builds.

Role Significance

Typically manages cross-functional teams of 15-30 specialists including production managers, engineers, craftspeople, and commercial staff, while coordinating with external suppliers, designers, and regulatory bodies throughout the project lifecycle.
Senior-level position with significant strategic responsibility, serving as the primary client interface and project owner with full accountability for complex yacht construction projects from inception to delivery, requiring extensive experience in matrix management and multi-departmental coordination.

Key Projects

Complete luxury yacht builds ranging from 60-200 feet requiring 12-36 month construction cycles with budgets typically exceeding £5-50 million per project Multi-phase refit and modernization projects for existing vessels requiring complex scheduling around owner usage patterns and marina availability Custom specification implementation projects involving unique systems integration, bespoke interior design coordination, and specialized equipment installation Regulatory compliance and certification projects ensuring vessels meet complex international maritime standards and classification society requirements

Success Factors

Deep understanding of marine engineering systems and yacht construction processes enables effective communication with technical teams and realistic project planning that accounts for industry-specific challenges and requirements. Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities are crucial for balancing demanding client expectations with production realities while maintaining positive relationships across multiple internal departments and external partners. Commercial acumen and cost management expertise ensure projects maintain profitability while meeting quality standards, requiring constant balance between client demands and business objectives. Regulatory knowledge and compliance expertise are essential for navigating complex international maritime regulations, classification society requirements, and port state control standards. Cultural sensitivity and luxury service orientation are vital when working with ultra-high-net-worth international clients who expect exceptional service standards and personalized attention throughout the project lifecycle.

Market Demand

High demand driven by the luxury marine industry's robust growth, the specialized skill set required combining project management expertise with deep marine industry knowledge, and the limited pool of qualified professionals capable of managing complex yacht construction projects in the UK market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Marine systems knowledge is absolutely essential as it enables effective communication with technical teams, realistic project planning, and credible client consultation, forming the foundation for all other project management activities in this specialized industry. Stakeholder management capabilities are crucial for success given the complex matrix management structure, demanding clients, and multiple internal departments that must be coordinated throughout lengthy project cycles. Project management methodology expertise, particularly PRINCE2 or APMP certification, provides the structured framework necessary for managing complex, multi-phase projects with significant financial and reputational stakes. Commercial awareness and cost management skills are vital for maintaining project profitability while meeting quality expectations, requiring constant balance between client demands and business objectives.

Beneficial Skills

Yacht Master certification demonstrates practical sailing experience and deep understanding of yacht operations, enhancing credibility with clients and enabling more informed decision-making about vessel design and functionality. Advanced IT skills and familiarity with marine-specific software systems can significantly improve efficiency in project tracking, client communication, and integration with modern shipyard management systems. International maritime law and regulatory knowledge becomes increasingly valuable as projects involve complex compliance requirements and international delivery destinations. Languages skills, particularly in major yacht-owning markets such as German, Italian, or Russian, can provide significant advantages in client relationship management and business development activities.

Unique Aspects

This role uniquely combines traditional project management disciplines with specialized marine engineering knowledge, requiring fluency in both business operations and technical yacht construction processes.
The position offers direct exposure to ultra-high-net-worth clients and luxury market dynamics, providing valuable experience in managing relationships with demanding, sophisticated customers in the luxury goods sector.
International travel requirements and diverse project locations offer exceptional professional development opportunities while building a global network within the exclusive yacht construction industry.
The role bridges commercial and technical domains, requiring expertise in both engineering systems and business operations, creating a unique skill set highly valued in the marine industry.
Involvement in complete yacht construction cycles from sale to handover provides comprehensive exposure to all aspects of the luxury marine business, from initial design concepts to final client delivery.

Career Growth

Progression to director-level roles typically occurs within 3-5 years with strong performance, while transition to independent consulting or business development roles may happen within 2-3 years depending on network development and client relationship strength.

Potential Next Roles

Marine Operations Director overseeing multiple project managers and strategic business development initiatives Business Development Manager focusing on client acquisition and strategic partnerships within the luxury marine sector Independent Marine Project Consultant providing specialized expertise to multiple yacht builders and owners Marine Division General Manager with P&L responsibility for entire yacht construction operations

Company Overview

Todd Hayes

Todd Hayes operates as a specialized recruitment consultancy focused on engineering and technical roles within the marine and luxury sectors, maintaining strong relationships with prestigious yacht builders and marine engineering companies throughout the UK and internationally.

Established recruitment firm with particular strength in the marine industry, known for placing senior-level technical and project management professionals with reputable yacht builders and marine engineering companies, suggesting strong industry connections and market knowledge.
Based in Southampton, the firm is strategically positioned in the heart of the UK's marine industry cluster, providing access to major yacht builders, marine engineering companies, and the broader maritime sector ecosystem that defines this region.
The recruitment approach suggests a focus on high-caliber placements with prestigious clients, indicating a professional service environment that values technical expertise, industry knowledge, and long-term career development for placed candidates.
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