Sailing Manager

Sailing Manager – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS)

Auckland, New Zealand | Full-time, Permanent

Lead an iconic sailing programme at one of the world's most respected yacht clubs.

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, home of the America's Cup is seeking a talented Sailing Manager to lead all on-water activity at our club in Auckland.

This is a rare opportunity to join an internationally recognised sailing institution and take charge of a diverse, exciting programme spanning club racing, regattas, youth pathways, high-performance, learn to sail and major events.

Overseas applicants are welcome to apply.

About the Role

Reporting to the General Manager, the Sailing Manager oversees the strategic planning, coordination, and operational delivery of all RNZYS sailing activity and events. You'll lead a skilled team across race management, coaching, youth training and boat maintenance, ensuring safe, high-quality and consistently excellent outcomes for members, athletes, volunteers, and partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, manage and deliver the annual sailing programme: learn to sail, racing, regattas, youth training, cruising, and member events.
• Lead planning and execution for major local, national and international regattas.
• Provide strong, positive leadership across the sailing team — coaching, coordinating and developing staff, volunteers and contractors.
• Ensure safe operation of all RNZYS vessels and uphold best-practice maritime and race-management standards.
• Oversee race documents (NORs, SIs), operational planning, fleet maintenance and on-water resourcing.
• Enhance digital systems and processes to streamline race management, communication and member experience.
• Build strong relationships with members, committees, Yachting New Zealand, World Sailing, class associations, sponsors, and partners.
• Champion RNZYS locally and internationally through professionalism, expertise and exceptional sailing delivery.

About You

You will be an experienced sailing leader with a deep understanding of race management, coaching environments, and event delivery. You thrive in dynamic environments, stay calm under pressure, and enjoy working with people — from youth sailors to senior volunteers.

Skills & Experience Needed

• Significant experience managing sailing programmes, regattas, or high-performance environments.
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing teams, volunteers and/or coaches.
• Robust understanding of race management, safety systems, World Sailing rules, and maritime compliance.
• Proven ability to deliver complex events with many moving parts.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong organisational skills and a systems-driven, detail-oriented approach.
• Capability with digital tools relevant to sailing, racing or event management.

You'll also bring:

• Good judgment in dynamic or high-pressure environments
• Integrity, professionalism and trustworthiness
• A collaborative, positive approach
• A passion for developing sailors, volunteers and community
• A hands-on mindset and willingness to support all aspects of on-water operations

Why Join RNZYS?

• Lead the sailing programme at a globally recognised, high-profile yacht club.
• Work in Auckland — one of the world's great sailing cities.
• Be part of a passionate community of members, athletes, volunteers and industry leaders.
• Have real scope to innovate, grow programmes and influence RNZYS' future direction.
• Competitive salary aligned with experience.
• A unique opportunity for overseas applicants seeking a lifestyle or career move.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience and why you are interested in joining RNZYS and relocating (if applicable). Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

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