Job description 

POSITION AVAILABLE FROM:
March 2026

Location:
Athlone Industria, Cape Town, South Africa.

Job Description:

We are seeking a Head of Department with excellent organisational and communication skills and a deep knowledge of manufacturing principles when working with stainless steel and aluminium.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• • Manage the SSF Department in line with company policies and procedures.
  • Allocate resources effectively to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Liaise with external contractors as required to address surplus production demands.
  • Continuously review current fabrication techniques with the aim of driving improvement and reducing waste.
  • Communicate with various stakeholders regarding products manufactured for final installation by the Outfitting Departments – Carpentry, Deck, Lamination, and Systems.
  • Ensure all work meets safety standards and follows best practices.

Experience and Skills Required:

• • Trade-tested artisan with 10 years’ experience in the marine manufacturing industry, including machining, fabrication, welding, and polishing of stainless steel and aluminium.
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a management position within a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure. Excellent organisational and planning skills are essential.
  • Strong leadership and self-motivation to achieve departmental KPIs.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings to determine required parts and materials, and to provide accurate estimates and production hour allocations.
  • Proficiency in MS Office applications is essential; exposure to CAD software is advantageous.
  • Sailing/yachting experience or experience on oceangoing vessels is considered an advantage.

Southern Wind Shipyard builds luxury sailing yachts for the global market. The yachts are of contemporary Italian design and built with South African craftsmanship. Each yacht is unique, offering a high level of customization and the option of adapting design elements according to Clients’ personal preferences. The company has been in existence for more than 27 years with a Marketing division based in Italy and manufacturing facility based in Athlone Industria. For more information please visit www.sws-yachts.com

Please submit your details to apply for the above position

To apply please submit your Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages) including three relevant & contactable references, a short motivational letter (maximum 1 page), and current contact details via form or email to recruitment@sws-yachts.com.

Please note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for follow-up interviews. Candidates who have received no response within three weeks of the closing date should kindly assume that their application has not been successful.