Summary
Position: CEO
Marine & Leisure Retail Group (Confidential Search)
Spanish Employment Contract
Base Salary: €70,000
OTE: Circa €80 - €100,000 with no limit on commissions which are set at 7% of shared group comms
Start Date: Flexible
Location: Spain (candidates must already be based in Spain, ideally Balearic Islands or willing to relocate but have EU Residency or citizenship)
Overview
A well-established and profitable marine leisure business is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Chief Executive Officer to lead all strategic and operational aspects of the organisation.
The company operates a multi-revenue model including new and pre-owned vessel sales, technical service and maintenance operations, warranty administration, and additional marine-related services.
The CEO will be responsible for overall business performance, growth, and operational excellence while ensuring high customer satisfaction and strong financial results.
This is a hands-on leadership position suited to a senior manager or director-level professional who combines strategic leadership with operational execution.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Operations
- Define and execute company strategy, annual objectives, and growth plans
- Oversee day-to-day operations across all departments
- Improve organisational efficiency and internal processes
- Make executive decisions regarding expansion, partnerships, and resource allocation
- Act as the primary representative of the business with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies
Sales & Commercial Management
- Lead the sales function and set performance targets and KPIs
- Implement strategies to grow market share across new and pre-owned product lines
- Manage relationships with manufacturers and distributors
- Oversee inventory and presentation of stock
- Monitor market conditions and competitor activity and adjust pricing strategies accordingly
Financial & P&L Management
- Full responsibility for company financial performance and profitability
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
- Ensure accurate reporting and compliance with regulations
- Monitor cash flow and margin performance
- Manage commercial agreements, contracts, and pricing structures
- Report performance to ownership/board
Marketing & Business Development
- Develop and implement marketing strategy across digital and traditional channels
- Strengthen brand presence within the Spanish and Mediterranean leisure markets
- Manage marketing budget and campaigns
- Identify new revenue streams and commercial opportunities
- Lead PR activity and stakeholder engagement
Technical & After-Sales Operations
- Oversee service and maintenance operations
- Ensure quality workmanship and strong customer satisfaction
- Supervise warranty and after-sales support processes
Leadership & People Management
- Recruit, develop, and retain staff across all departments
- Build a performance-driven company culture
- Implement training and employee development initiatives
- Maintain compliance with administrative and legal requirements
- Build and maintain key industry relationships
Required Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Marine, Retail or related discipline
- 10+ years’ experience within marine, leisure retail, dealership, automotive, or similar asset-based sales businesses
- Proven P&L responsibility
- Strong operational leadership experience
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams
- Commercial sales and marketing experience
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Understanding of the Spanish and/or Mediterranean leisure market
Preferred Experience
- MBA or postgraduate business qualification
- Previous dealership or service-based operational management
- English and Spanish fluency (additional European languages advantageous)
- Warranty or compliance management experience
- Knowledge of marine regulations or technical products
- Established network within the boating, yachting, or luxury leisure sector
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking
- Commercial acumen & Professional accountability
- Revenue growth and sales leadership
- Financial management
- Team leadership and development
- Customer relationship management
- Marketing and brand building
- Operational problem-solving
- Decision-making ability & Adaptability and innovation
