Boat Development Manager

Our client, a marine conservation charity, is seeking a Boat Development Manager to join their team on a 6-month contract. This is a primarily remote role, with occasional travel required.

ROLE

We are seeking an experienced development manager to undertake a boat development options appraisal and business planning exercise to underpin strategic decision making by the trustees and senior management team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Undertake a full options appraisal and business planning exercise to include a refit of the current research vessel, purchase and fitting out of a replacement vessel, and the expansion of the boat-based assets of the charity to include purchase of a second vessel.
• Document requirements, technical specifications, and whole life costs, covering a minimum 10-year period, for the development of the existing research vessel and procurement of a new boat asset (second-hand or brand new), in consultation with the Boat Committee, scientific and educational staff.
• Scope the requirements, delivery plans, and budget for a full refit of the charity’s current research vessel Silurian to modernise the living space, boat systems and scientific capabilities.
• Conduct extensive market research on suitable second-hand vessels available to purchase and refit and present options for consideration and shortlisting to the Boat Committee.
• Scope the requirements and costs for a new build vessel, including a review of suitable boat builders / shipyards and the development of relevant partnerships and contacts.
• Produce a business plan covering a minimum 10-year operational period for the various options identified, including annual operating costs for any new vessel that is uncovered by market research and shortlisted by the committee, in isolation and in combination with the operation of the current vessel.
• Present findings to the boat committee, collate feedback and provide expertise and facilitation to assist the committee to select an option, or combination of options, to take forward.
• Outline a fundraising strategy, for the option or combination of options, selected by the boat committee and assist the Director to draft grant proposal documentation and hold initial funding pitch meetings.

REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience in business development or sales within the marine or shipyard industry.
• Technical boat knowledge/background (in maritime charter, engineering, or naval architecture).
• Good contacts/relationships with surveyors and boat yards.
• Strong stakeholder communication, negotiation, and reporting skills, plus the ability to translate technical knowledge for non-specialists (i.e. charity trustees).
• Sound understanding of safety and compliance, including international maritime regulations and coding requirements.
• Familiarity with boat operations on the west coast of Scotland and the challenges and limitations of operating a vessel in this location.
• Resourceful, with demonstrable understanding of the financial constraints which exist within the charity sector. 
• Confident in ability to communicate project results/recommendations with internal stakeholders and funders through bid writing and pitch meetings.
• Understanding of the charitable sector, or previous experience working for a third sector organisation.