Rigging Lead

Rigging Lead

SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on-water. The annual, 14 event, global championship – established in 2018 and entering its fifth season – features national teams battling in short, intense races at iconic stadium-style venues across the globe.

The high-tech, high-speed action features the sailing's best athletes racing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, flying at speeds approaching 100 km/h who compete for the sport's top prize money, with US$7 million at stake over the season.

SailGP Technologies began as the high performance design, engineering and manufacturing arm of SailGP, the global purpose-led sail grand prix championship. SailGP Technologies has led the way in high-performance applied innovation. SailGP Technologies has decades of experience in both building commercial and custom sailing yachts for the world's most renowned racing teams, leagues and private owners.

Our constantly evolving design, composites engineering, software and data expertise is rooted in decades of experience at the forefront of cutting-edge sail racing. Previously established and located in New Zealand since 2001, SailGP Technologies has recently relocated to Southampton, UK, with the new state of the art facility due to be fully operational in Spring 2024.

SailGP is a global organisation with defined values that shape the culture of its diverse team: deliver quality, break boundaries, make an impact, stand together and strike a balance.

Summary

The Rigging Team Lead plays a critical role in the organization, coordination, and management of all rigging operations for SailGP events. This position is responsible for overseeing the planning, logistics, and personnel resources of the Rigging Team, ensuring the successful execution of all rigging-related tasks before, during, and after each event. Pre-event responsibilities include organizing the rigging crew, coordinating contractors, preparing job lists, and ensuring parts and equipment are ready for use. During the event, the Rigging Team Lead will manage daily operations, including rigging setup, sailing checks, compliance with F50 class rules, and on-water support during races. Post-event, they will handle team availability, inventory tracking, procurement, and any necessary maintenance or development of the F50 components. The role also involves collaborating closely with other departments, driving continuous improvement and aligning with SailGP's values of sustainability, inclusivity, and positive culture.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Event:

• Organisation of Rigging Team personnel resources and associated logistics.
• Be involved in communication with the HOD group + Technical manager regarding communal department projects.
• Organisation and coordination of contractors or other required team members for the upcoming event.
• Preparation and planning of Rigging Team related Job Lists for the upcoming event.
• Organise and follow up on the delivery of parts and equipment procured for the upcoming event.
• Planning and schedule of testing, repairs & development proposals within the Rigging Department
• Assisting with regatta Tech Site set-up and pack-down as required

During the Event:

• Coordination of the unpack of Workshop Containers in preparation for the event
• Preparation of all operational equipment pre F50 boat assembly
• Understanding of all Rigging Department SOP’s for all executed roles.
• Planning, tracking and aiding in communication of Rigging Team’s daily joblists
• Preparation of On Water Spares for Tech Support on Mothership.
• Continuous follow up with team members regarding rigging and platform progress and issues
• Coordination of daily “sailing checks” for the programmed F50 sailing operations
• Communication and coordination with Rigging Team of daily routines of F50 Launch and Lift procedures
• Overseeing rig setups are class compliant (rake and liftoff processes) ensuring recording of data has been accurately maintained.
• Involvement in technical on water support from onboard Mothership during racing
• Confirmation of sign off procedures with Rigging Team members and reporting as necessary.
• Awareness of Change Sheet documentation on a daily basis, pre F50 roll out.
• Inventory system tracking in Rigging workshop container
• Analysing of race and sailing data, monitoring any F50 issues, with full consideration of the F50 design rule.
• Assisting with regatta Tech Site set-up and pack-down as required.
• Ensuring Rigging Workshop inventory’s and final packed photos are distributed to Tech HQ following packing,

Post Event:

• Discussion with Rigging Team members availability for upcoming events.
• Generating Order lists for part procurement, pre next event.
• Generating Joblist for next event.
• Oversee charge out of components / consumables used by each team for the event.
• Assist in procurement of required parts for upcoming events, produce and issue PO’s as required and conform to budgetary limitations.
• Assist SailGP designers regarding any issues arising from previous events and development looking forward.
• Plan and execution of ongoing maintenance upgrades on F50 and components.

About You

• Extensive experience in rigging operations within the marine industry, ideally working with high-performance boats such as the F50 catamarans.
• Proven leadership experience in managing rigging or technical teams, with the ability to organize, schedule, and allocate resources effectively.
• Strong understanding of composite materials and marine rigging systems, including the assembly, calibration, and maintenance of sailing platforms.
• Experience in logistical planning and coordination, especially in event-driven environments, including managing personnel, equipment, and contractors.
• Hands-on experience in boat assembly and ensuring compliance with strict technical and safety standards.
• Understanding of F50 class rules and One Design principles to maintain the integrity of the competition fleet - highly desirable.
• Familiarity with SOPs and inventory management systems, with the ability to track and document rigging processes, equipment, and spare parts.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams, including HODs, the Technical Manager, and external contractors.
• Project management expertise in planning, tracking, and delivering against deadlines for both daily operations and long-term maintenance.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to multi-task across several rigging operations.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address and resolve technical challenges that arise during rigging setups and race events.
• Attention to detail, especially in data analysis related to rig setup, compliance, and race performance monitoring.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, particularly during the high-stakes, fast-paced environment of live sailing events.
• Proficient in procurement processes and budget management, including generating purchase orders and overseeing cost-effective sourcing of materials and parts.
• A collaborative mindset, capable of fostering strong relationships across departments and ensuring smooth operations between the Rigging Team, SailGP Technologies, and Tech HQ.

Behaviours and Expectations

• Advocate and promote SailGP Values and contribute to a positive culture
• Operate with a financially responsible mindset and strive for the commercial sustainability of SailGP
• Consider how each team action contributes to Better Sport, Better Planet
• Champion an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and our Code of Conduct is adhered to.
• A commitment to promoting safety, ensuring compliance with regulations, and adhering to SailGP's operational standards.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, during events and post-event operations.

Location

Southampton, United Kingdom with regular and extensive international travel with the SailGP tour

SailGP is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion.