Leading Hand Shipwright / Team Leader

Ready to take the next step in your career?

We're looking for an experienced shipwright who's ready to move beyond simply working on the tools. You'll still spend most of your time working on boats, but you'll also lead projects, mentor apprentices and help shape the future of a growing business.

This role is suited to someone who enjoys leading people, communicates well, stays organised and naturally brings out the best in those around them.

Enjoy a better lifestyle in East Gippsland — affordable housing, no commute, and access to some of Victoria's best outdoor areas.

Pay: $50–$60/hr + super ($99k–$119k a year)

Extras: Above-award pay, relocation support payment available, flexible work arrangements, 2:30pm finishes every Friday, ongoing professional development and a family-run work environment.

At Fullard Boat Co., we believe quality workmanship still matters.

From timber restorations and complex fibreglass repairs to custom modifications and high-end marine joinery, no two weeks are the same. We take pride in doing the job properly, solving interesting problems and delivering work we can genuinely stand behind.

If you're an experienced shipwright who's ready to lead projects, mentor others and play a key role in the future of a growing business, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced boatbuilder / shipwright to join our growing workshop in a hands-on leadership role.

You'll have the skills and confidence to run projects from start to finish while leading a small team and upholding our commitment to quality.

You'll spend the majority of your time working on boats while leading projects, mentoring apprentices, coordinating workflow and helping ensure projects continue progressing safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

This role is ideal for someone who leads by example, communicates clearly and takes pride in helping both projects and people succeed.

Your work will include:

• Running restoration, repair and modification projects from start to finish
• Leading and mentoring apprentices and junior staff
• Planning daily workflow with the workshop team
• Working closely with our administration team to organise materials and keep projects progressing smoothly
• Monitoring project quality and progress, identifying issues early and helping solve them
• Fibreglass and composite repairs and reconstruction (epoxy/polyester/vinylester)
• Timber repairs and restoration (traditional and modern)
• Complex modifications and custom projects
• Fairing, gelcoat, paint and finishing work
• Occasional marina/offsite work around the Gippsland Lakes (company vehicle provided)

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll need to:

• Be an experienced boatbuilder / shipwright
• Be confident running jobs independently from commencement through to completion
• Be a strong communicator who enjoys leading, mentoring and developing others
• Be organised, proactive and able to plan work ahead
• Naturally identify problems and work towards practical solutions
• Take ownership of your work without needing constant direction
• Have experience in fibreglass/composite and/or timber boatbuilding. Experience across both is an advantage, but not essential
• Have excellent attention to detail
• Hold a current Australian driver's licence

If you need constant direction, struggle to communicate with people or you're happy with 'good enough', this won't be the right fit.

About Us

Fullard Boat Co. is a family-run business established in 2018. We've built a strong reputation for high-quality boat restoration, repairs and modifications, specialising in both timber and fibreglass work. Based in Bairnsdale, we service the Gippsland Lakes region, from Lakes Entrance to Paynesville.

We take pride in delivering quality workmanship, clear communication and work we can stand behind.

What You'll Receive

• $50–$60/hr + super ($99k–$119k)
• Above-award wages
• Flexible work arrangements
• 2:30pm finishes every Friday
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Genuine input into how the workshop operates
• The opportunity to help shape the future of a growing business
• A workplace where your skills, leadership and professional judgement are respected

Live and work in a region people holiday in — from the Gippsland Lakes to 90 Mile Beach and the High Country, it's all on your doorstep. Spend your time off on the water, at the beach, snowboarding or exploring the mountains, without the crowds or long commutes.

Relocation

We welcome applications from interstate candidates considering a move to regional Victoria.

Please note:Applicants must already have the right to work in Australia. We are not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

How to Apply

If you think you're the right fit, we'd love to hear from you. Send your CV and a short cover letter to office@fullardboatco.com.

We're interviewing as applications come in, so don't wait to apply.

Check out our social media to see the kind of work you'll be part of!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $99,000.00 – $119,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Relocation assistance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have an Australian drivers license?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Boat Builder and what type of boat building work have you done?

Work Authorisation:

• Australia (Required)

Work Location: In person