Project and Build Manager vacancy in Gujan-Mestras, France

About Us

Oyster has a worldwide reputation as a thoroughbred British luxury sailing yacht builder. Since 1973, we’ve been designing, building and supporting some of the world’s best bluewater sailboats. We’re known worldwide for producing high-quality cruising yachts and for offering exceptional experiences, such as the Oyster World Rally and our Explorers Club.

With a global footprint, we support our owners throughout the life of their yacht, from new and used yacht sales to refits, after-sales care, technical assistance and training. Our people are at the heart of our success, guided by our core values of Excellence, Passion, Integrity and Family.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and commercially astute Project and Build Manager to join us on a full-time, two-year fixed-term contract, based at our build partner’s shipyard in France.

You will manage projects from design and industrialisation through manufacture, commissioning and final delivery, ensuring they meet agreed budgets, schedules, specifications and quality standards. Acting as Oyster’s principal day-to-day contact with the build partner, you will coordinate teams across our UK business and external suppliers, maintaining strong project controls, commercial oversight and effective communication throughout.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive project leader who can combine technical understanding with commercial awareness, build strong relationships and ensure our yachts are delivered to the exceptional standards expected of the Oyster brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project planning, delivery, reporting and governance in line with Oyster’s Project Management Office framework.
  

• Manage project schedules, budgets, forecasts, risks, issues and change control, ensuring timely decisions and escalation.
  

• Oversee commercial and contract matters, including supplier quotations, invoices, variations and cost control.
  

• Coordinate Design, Production, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance and other Oyster teams with the build partner and external suppliers.
  

• Support design-for-manufacture, industrialisation and production readiness to ensure successful yacht build and delivery.
  

• Monitor build progress, quality, commissioning and compliance against agreed specifications and Oyster standards.
  

• Build effective stakeholder relationships while maintaining accountability and protecting Oyster’s commercial interests.
  

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience managing complex, high-value projects from design and development through manufacture and delivery.
  

• Strong commercial and financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and contract management.
  

• Experience working with outsourced manufacturers, shipyards, suppliers or strategic partners.
  

• Strong knowledge of project planning, risk management, change control and project reporting.
  

• Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
  

• Experience in the marine industry or large-yacht construction is highly desirable.
  

• Degree-level education or equivalent; a recognised project management qualification would be advantageous.
  

• Fluency in both written and spoken French and English is essential.
  

Personal Characteristics

• Organised, methodical and detail-focused.
  

• Commercially aware, proactive and results-driven.
  

• A confident communicator and problem-solver.
  

• Resilient and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
  

• Adaptable, collaborative and able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
  

• Customer-focused, with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
  

• Opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading luxury yacht brands.
  

• International and collaborative working environment.
  

• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
  

• Supportive team culture built around Oyster’s core values.
  

We continuously review our benefits to maximise opportunities for our employees.

Please note:

We recommend that you apply as soon as possible, even if the closing date is in the future. Applications received may be reviewed before the closing date and should we receive a high number of applications for this post, or high-quality applications which demonstrate suitability, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date.

As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We want to ensure that you feel supported throughout the application process and provide reasonable adjustments where necessary and requested. If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of your application and interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

All vacancies are open only to candidates who already have the legal right to live and work in the territory and country advertised.