Business Unit Manager (French Speaking)

The Business Unit Manager – Marine Engines and Overhaul will be responsible for establishing, developing and managing Versatech France’s Marine Engines and Overhaul Division, with a particular focus on Caterpillar marine diesel engines and the superyacht sector.

The role combines technical expertise, business development, commercial management, and operational leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for building a profitable business unit, securing major engine overhaul contracts, developing long-term client relationships, and establishing Versatech as a recognised and trusted marine engineering service provider within the European large yacht industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Development and Commercial Management

  • Develop and implement a business strategy for the Marine Engines and Overhaul Division.

  • Identify and secure new business opportunities within the European superyacht and commercial marine sectors.

  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with yacht owners, captains, chief engineers, shipyards, yacht management companies, brokers and other industry stakeholders.

  • Prepare and negotiate commercial proposals, quotations, tenders and service agreements.

  • Convert technical enquiries and service opportunities into profitable contracts.

  • Develop and manage the division’s budget, revenue forecasts, sales pipeline and profitability targets.

  • Monitor market trends, competitor activities and emerging opportunities within the European marine engineering industry.

• Technical and Overhaul Operations

  • Oversee the planning, coordination and execution of major marine diesel engine overhauls, with particular emphasis on Caterpillar engines.

  • Ensure technical assessments, repair scopes, overhaul proposals and service recommendations meet the required standards of quality and reliability.

  • Provide technical and commercial guidance on complex engine repairs, rebuilds, troubleshooting and maintenance projects.

  • Ensure projects are delivered within agreed budgets, schedules and contractual requirements.

  • Coordinate technical resources, spare parts, specialist subcontractors and external service providers.

  • Resolve complex operational and technical issues, making sound decisions to minimise downtime and protect customer relationships.

  • Ensure compliance with applicable safety requirements, manufacturer procedures and relevant industry standards.

• Team Development and Leadership

  • Recruit, develop and lead a specialised team of marine engineers, technicians and support personnel.

  • Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations and accountability across the division.

  • Develop a team culture focused on technical excellence, customer service, operational efficiency and commercial awareness.

  • Provide technical guidance, coaching and professional development opportunities to team members.

  • Monitor team performance, productivity, resource allocation and service quality.

  • Promote effective communication and collaboration between technical, commercial and administrative functions.

• Customer Relationship Management

  • Build and maintain long-term relationships with key clients across the European marine industry.

  • Act as a senior point of contact for major customers and strategically important projects.

  • Ensure customer expectations are managed effectively and service commitments are fulfilled.

  • Handle escalated technical, commercial and operational matters professionally.

  • Maintain Versatech’s reputation for reliability, technical competence and high-quality service.

• Operational and Financial Management

  • Take responsibility for the day-to-day management and performance of the business unit.

  • Monitor operational costs, gross margins, project profitability and overall financial performance.

  • Establish appropriate systems and procedures for project planning, reporting, quality control and performance monitoring.

  • Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, resource utilisation and commercial returns.

  • Provide regular management reports on business performance, project progress, financial results and future opportunities.

  • Take ownership of operational decisions and ensure issues are resolved promptly and effectively.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in marine diesel engines, marine engineering or a closely related technical field.

• Extensive practical experience with Caterpillar marine diesel engines, particularly major overhauls, rebuilds, diagnostics and complex repairs.

• Demonstrated experience in a senior technical, operational, commercial or management role within the marine engineering industry.

• Proven ability to develop business opportunities, secure service contracts and manage commercially successful projects.

• Experience managing technical teams, engineering operations or specialised service departments.

• A strong understanding of marine engine maintenance, overhaul procedures, spare parts, technical service delivery and project cost management.

• An established professional network within the European marine industry, particularly the superyacht sector, would be a significant advantage.

• Previous experience working in France or managing operations within the French marine market would be highly desirable.

• Experience within a Caterpillar marine service organisation or an established European marine engine specialist would be particularly advantageous.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of Caterpillar marine diesel engines and major overhaul operations.

• Excellent commercial judgement and the ability to identify and convert opportunities into profitable business.

• Strong leadership, decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.

• Proven ability to build, motivate and manage a specialised technical team.

• Excellent negotiation, client relationship management and communication skills.

• Strong financial awareness, including budgeting, cost control, margin management and business performance monitoring.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities and demanding customer requirements.

• A high level of accountability, professionalism, integrity and sound judgement.

• A practical, hands-on approach to resolving technical and operational challenges.

• Ability to establish clear standards of performance and foster a culture of technical excellence and customer satisfaction.

Languages

• French: Fluency in spoken and written French is essential.

• English: Strong professional proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.

• French and Italian: Knowledge of Italian would be a significant advantage, considering the importance of the Italian marine industry and Versatech’s existing operations.

Location and Travel Requirements

The successful candidate must be based in, or willing to relocate to, the South of France. Regular travel throughout France and other European marine industry locations will be required to support business development, client relationships, project execution and operational management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be assessed against agreed business objectives, including:

• Revenue growth and profitability of the Marine Engines and Overhaul Division.

• Number and value of new contracts secured, particularly major engine overhaul projects.

• Achievement of budget, gross margin and financial performance targets.

• Development of strategic customer relationships and expansion of the client portfolio.

• Successful recruitment, development and retention of a competent technical team.

• Timely delivery of projects within agreed budgets and quality standards.

• Customer satisfaction, repeat business and overall service quality.

• Improvements in operational efficiency, resource utilisation and commercial performance.

Personal Profile

The ideal candidate will be an established professional within the European marine engineering industry who combines deep practical knowledge of Caterpillar marine engines with strong commercial instincts and proven leadership capabilities.

The successful individual will demonstrate the confidence and judgement required to lead a business unit, take ownership of decisions, develop a high-performing team and build lasting relationships with demanding clients in the superyacht industry. They will be commercially driven, technically credible, decisive and committed to establishing a sustainable and profitable operation for Versatech France.