Head of Boatbuilding

Head of Boatbuilding

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 also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature. In 2020, SailGP set a new standard as the first climate positive sports and entertainment property and began delivering actions and innovations that advance the global adoption of clean energy. Underpinning the organization’s purpose-driven agenda is a diversification of the league, with the goal of immediately progressing gender and racial equity and inclusivity.

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

As the Head of Boatbuilding at SailGP, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of our technical operations across global events. This multifaceted position encompasses pre-event planning, on-site coordination, and post-event evaluation, with a strong focus on budgeting, resource management, and team logistics.

You will be responsible for working closely with SailGP Technologies to create a unified workforce, as well as managing the on-tour boat building budget, working with the 2iCs to coordinate personnel resources, and overseeing the preparation, testing, and maintenance of our F50 fleet. During events, you will lead the Boatbuilding Team, ensuring that all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed, daily tasks are efficiently executed, and all calibration and measurement procedures meet the strict “One Design” standards.

Post-event, you will drive continuous improvement by collaborating with the various SailGP teams, plan maintenance upgrades, and contribute to the overall technical agenda of SailGP. Throughout all phases, you will advocate for SailGP’s values, champion a positive and inclusive team culture, and operate with a focus on financial responsibility and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Event:

• Responsible for the on tour boatbuilding budget
• Responsible for work with the SailGP People department on employees and contractors
• Organization of Boatbuilding Team personnel resources and associated logistics.
• Calibration schedule
• Communicate with the other HOD group members regarding communal department projects.
• Alongside the boatbuilding 2iCs, assist in organization and coordination of contractors or other required team members for the upcoming event, with a focus on integration of the SailGP Technologies workforce.
• Preparation and planning of Boatbuilding Team related Job Lists for the upcoming event.
• Following up on the delivery of parts and equipment procured for the upcoming event.
• Planning and schedule of testing, repairs & development proposals within the Boatbuilding Department
• Assisting with event Tech Site set-up and pack-down as required by Tech HQ.

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 Boatbuilding Department SOPs for all executed roles.
• Planning and communication of Boatbuilding Team’s daily joblists
• Planning and communication of Machine Shop Team’s daily joblists
• Continuous follow up with team members regarding boat progress and issues
• Coordination of daily “sailing checks” for the programmed F50 sailing operations
• Communication and coordination with the Boatbuilding Team of daily routines of F50
• Calibration and Measurement procedures
• Overseeing the correct F50 measurement and calibration documents
• Work alongside the class authority and maintain the “One Design” aspect of the fleet
• Confirmation of sign off procedures with Boatbuilding members.
• Assisting with event Tech Site set-up and pack-down as required
• Understanding Team Boatbuilding inventories and final packed photos for shipping

Post Event:

• Discussion with team member’s availability for upcoming events.
• Generating order lists and all required procurement.
• Generating Joblist for next event.
• Assist SailGP design resources regarding any issues arising from previous events and development looking forward.
• Assist in planning and execution of ongoing maintenance upgrades on F50 and components.
• Assistance to SailGP Technologies when required

About You

• Extensive experience in the Marine/Boatbuilding Industry specifically in composite boatbuilding or marine engineering, ideally within high-performance racing or similar environments.
• Proven experience in managing the construction, maintenance, and repair of advanced racing yachts or similar marine vessels.
• Familiarity with ‘one design’ yacht fleets and their associated calibration, measurement, and maintenance protocols is desirable
• Demonstrated leadership experience, managing diverse technical teams across multiple locations or events.
• Proven ability to organize, coordinate, and lead a team both pre-event and during large-scale events, including a focus on resource allocation and personnel logistics, ensuring the right skills are deployed to the right tasks in high-pressure environments.
• Strong project management experience, especially in coordinating multi-phase projects with time-sensitive deliverables.
• Experience in planning and executing technical set-ups, pack-downs, and logistical operations at international events.
• Track record of overseeing complex operational tasks including setting up tech sites, managing equipment logistics, and facilitating smooth operational transitions.
• Strong knowledge of yacht calibration, measurement, and compliance with international standards, particularly within a racing context.
• Understanding and experience with F50 or similar high-performance racing yachts is highly desirable.
• Experience managing technical or operational budgets, including cost control and procurement of parts and equipment.
• Familiarity with financial reporting and operational forecasting for technical departments.
• Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including design, technical, and operational departments.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both with technical and non-technical stakeholders, including event leadership, team members, and external contractors.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying technical issues, troubleshooting, and implementing innovative solutions to maintain peak yacht performance.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, international event environment, ideally in the context of professional racing or high-profile sports.
• Understanding of international shipping logistics and inventory management related to the movement of technical equipment for global events.
• 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

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.