Marina General Manager

Job Description

Job Description

General Manager, Full-Service Drystack Marina

Ripley Light Drystack Marina — Charleston, South Carolina

On-Site | Full-Time, Year-Round | Targeted Start: Fall 2026

Reports to: Director of Operations & Corporate Leadership Team

COMPENSATION

$70,000–$80,000 per year, depending on experience, plus performance-based

bonus potential. Final compensation is flexible for the right candidate and

based on experience — if you're a strong fit, we encourage you to apply. We're

happy to discuss the full package, including bonus, during the interview process.

POSITION SUMMARY

Ripley Light Drystack Marina is hiring a General Manager to lead the daily

operations and financial performance of our full-service marina and service

yard on the Charleston, South Carolina waterfront. This is a year-round,

on-site leadership role with primary accountability for dry stack storage,

boat club operations, dockage, fueling, equipment, billing, and grounds.

Dry stack storage is the heart of the operation: the General Manager oversees

rack storage, forklift launch and retrieval, and the customer scheduling that

keeps boats moving safely and on time. The facility has an experienced team

and administrative personnel already in place and is fully operational.

The GM will partner closely with the corporate team to understand financial

objectives, lead the day-to-day business, support a high-performing team, and

deliver an exceptional experience to customers and guests while continually

enhancing the property and every customer touch point.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Asset Management

• Lead day-to-day operations and overall management of the marina business.
• Oversee dry stack storage and rack operations, forklift launch and retrieval, boat club operations, dockage, and fueling service.
• Coordinate dry stack launch scheduling via marina management platforms (e.g., Dockwa and Speedydock).
• Monitor fuel and conduct required inspections.
• Maintain the dry stack structure, docks, lifts, buildings, grounds, forklifts, and equipment; schedule preventative maintenance.
• Develop operational policies and support CapEx projects across the dry stack, docks, storage, and infrastructure.

Financial Performance

• Own the annual budget; manage variances, control expenses, and report on performance.
• Drive revenue across dry stack, slips, storage, service, and ancillary lines to optimize profitability.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, and storage contracts.
• Submit weekly lease and operational reports; manage the new-customer pipeline and pricing.

Team Leadership

• Hire, train, supervise, and schedule staff, including forklift operators and dockhands.
• Cultivate a positive, service-driven culture and manage performance and accountability.
• Set clear goals and coach the team through change.

Customer Experience & Relationships

• Serve as the face of the marina; build relationships with members, guests, tenants, vendors, and local authorities.
• Drive retention and service goals such as Net Promoter Score (NPS).

Sales & Marketing

• Drive dry stack and storage occupancy through proactive sales and local partnerships.
• Support marketing, promotions, and community engagement; build ties with local businesses and Charleston-area tourism partners.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, the SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES, including Coastal Management/OCRM), SC Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR), U.S. Coast Guard, and other applicable regulations; enforce safety and environmental procedures.
• Develop hurricane, tropical storm, and life-safety plans appropriate to the South Carolina Lowcountry coast, including dry stack and vessel securing protocols; ensure end-of-day security.
• Report all accidents, injuries, spills, and near misses promptly.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Knowledge

• Marina experience required: Proven experience managing a marina, boatyard, dry stack facility, or comparable marine operation, with direct accountability for storage and/or slips.
• Charleston / Lowcountry based: Located in or willing to relocate to the Charleston, South Carolina area, with familiarity with Southeast / Lowcountry coastal boating operations strongly preferred.
• Leadership track record: 5+ years of relevant management experience preferred, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Business acumen: Demonstrated success with P&L ownership, budgeting, revenue. and occupancy growth, lease-up strategy, and contract/lease management.
• Operational range: Able to operate or oversee marine equipment and forklifts (dry stack forklift experience a strong plus); boat-handling skills and local navigation experience preferred; knowledge of dock and dry stack construction and repair a plus. CDL and/or relevant marine certifications welcomed.
• Tools: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Teams); comfortable with marina/reservation management and scheduling platforms and payroll systems such as ADP.

BENEFITS

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off

WORK LOCATION

In person: Ripley Light Drystack Marina, Charleston, South Carolina.

Benefits: