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Shipyard General Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Shipyard Area Manager

National City, CA · On-site

$67K - $90K/yr

Area Manager - Shipboard Operations & Repair Location: San Diego, CA (Shipyard) Position Type ... Resolve conflicting trade priorities, coordinate resource allocation with Trade General Supervisors ...

Shipyard Area Manager

National City, CA

$67K - $90K/yr

Area Manager - Shipboard Operations & Repair Location: San Diego, CA (Shipyard) Position Type ... Resolve conflicting trade priorities, coordinate resource allocation with Trade General Supervisors ...

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Showing results 1-20

Shipyard General Manager information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$64.2K

$108.6K

How much do shipyard general manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for shipyard general manager in California is $64,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $73,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a shipyard general manager?

A Shipyard General Manager oversees the entire operations of a shipyard, ensuring efficiency, safety, and profitability. They manage staff, coordinate projects, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Responsibilities include budgeting, resource allocation, maintenance oversight, and client relations. Strong leadership, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the primary challenges faced by a shipyard general manager, and how are they addressed?

Shipyard General Managers often face challenges such as coordinating large-scale projects with tight deadlines, managing diverse teams, ensuring safety compliance, and controlling operational costs. These challenges are typically addressed by implementing robust project management processes, fostering clear communication across departments, and maintaining strict adherence to safety and quality standards. Managers rely on their leadership skills to motivate staff and resolve conflicts, while also utilizing technology to streamline operations. Successful Shipyard General Managers anticipate potential obstacles proactively and adapt their strategies to keep projects on track and within budget.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the shipyard general manager position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Shipyard General Manager, you need substantial experience in shipbuilding or maritime operations, strong leadership abilities, and knowledge of project management and budgeting—typically supported by a relevant engineering degree or maritime certification. Familiarity with ERP systems, production scheduling software, and safety compliance protocols is also essential. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills are key soft skills that set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure effective oversight of complex shipyard operations, timely project delivery, and a safe, motivated workforce.

What are popular job titles related to Shipyard General Manager jobs in California?

For Shipyard General Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Shipyard General Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Shipyard General Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Shipyard General Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Shipyard General Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Shipyard General Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,174 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Shipyard Area Manager

Lead Staffing

National City, CA • On-site

$67K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Area Manager – Shipboard Operations & Repair
Location: San Diego, CA (Shipyard)
Position Type: Full-Time / Direct Placement & Extended Contract Options
Pay Range: Competitive Salary (DOE) + Benefits Package
Shift: 1st Shift (Flexibility required for shipboard production schedules)

ABOUT LEAD STAFFING
LEAD Staffing is a national leader in marine, shipyard, and commercial trade staffing. We partner with top-tier shipyards, defense contractors, and industrial operators to place highly skilled craftspeople and operational leaders into critical roles across the country.

POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking an experienced Area Manager to oversee ship construction and repair operations within assigned shipboard areas at a major shipyard facility in San Diego, CA.
In this role, you will be directly accountable for managing production trade execution, subcontractor coordination, safety compliance, quality assurance, schedule adherence, and cost efficiency. As the primary operational lead for your assigned project zone, you will bridge the gap between production trades, ship managers, planning, engineering, and customer representatives (including NAVSEA and Ship’s Force).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Operational & Production Leadership: Oversee daily trade activities, sequencing, and workflow in assigned shipboard zones; ensure work is completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.
  • Safety & Environmental Standards: Manage ship-wide safety, housekeeping, and environmental compliance; ensure strict adherence to OSHA and shipyard safety protocols.
  • Trade & Subcontractor Coordination: Resolve conflicting trade priorities, coordinate resource allocation with Trade General Supervisors, and direct subcontractor activities.
  • Schedule & Budget Control: Monitor project milestones, anticipate schedule/budget deviations, and implement proactive corrective action plans.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Quality Assurance, Planning, Contracts, Material Control, Warehousing, Test & Trials, and Engineering to maintain project momentum.
  • NAVSEA & Regulatory Compliance: Understand and administer NAVSEA Standard Items (for repair availabilities) and interface directly with customer representatives and regulatory bodies.
  • Reporting & Process Improvement: Provide structured progress reports, lessons learned, and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) to senior leadership to drive productivity improvements on ongoing and follow-on hulls.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
  • Education: High School Diploma or GED required; formal maritime, trade school, or college education is a plus.
  • Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of supervisory or operations experience in a major shipbuilding, ship repair, or heavy industrial manufacturing environment.
  • Technical Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of ship systems, trade responsibilities, line management, and shipboard construction/repair practices.
  • NAVSEA Knowledge: Practical understanding of NAVSEA Standard Items, Work Authorization Forms (WAFs), and shipboard Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) processes.
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a proven track record of writing effective progress and status reports.
  • Leadership: Strong team-building, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution abilities under fast-paced production deadlines.
  • Work Authorization: Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and obtain/maintain required shipyard access credentials (e.g., DBIDS / SECNAV).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Must be able to spend up to 60% of time in an outdoor shipyard environment across all weather conditions.
  • Capable of climbing scaffolding, stairs, and vertical ladders; transiting through manholes () and tight, confined, or congested shipboard spaces.
  • Comfortable working at elevated heights (12’+) aboard vessels under construction or repair.
  • Physical agility to bend, stoop, crouch, reach, and lift/maneuver on uneven surfaces.
  • Ability to work in noisy production environments (requiring standard PPE including steel-toe boots, hard hat, safety glasses, and hearing protection).
Benefits: 
  • Health insurance
  • 6 Paid holidays
  • 40 Hours of Paid sick leave
 
*The benefits listed above are subject to eligibility requirements*

To see a list of more available jobs, please visit www.leadstaff.com/jobs/

HOW TO APPLY
Ready to lead major shipboard operations in San Diego?
  • Call/Text: (619) 468-2372
  • Email Resume: [leadmarine@leadstaff.com]
  • Apply Online: [www.leadstaff.com]

About LEAD Staffing