Rigging Supervisor

Job Summary

The Rigging Supervisor is responsible for achieving sales and profitability goals within the rigging business unit by overseeing planning, coordination, and management of the Rig Shop. This role actively drives rigging sales through customer interactions, interprets diagrams and measurements, and ensures that customer orders are accurately completed. The manager will assess lead times and coordinate workflow to optimize resource utilization, determining when jobs should be completed in-house or by the production facility. A commitment to quality assurance is paramount, with the manager overseeing all products before delivery to customers. West Marine is a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Partner with the Store Manager to recruit, interview and hire to build a skilled and dedicated team


• Educate and supervise new Crew Members on rigging SOPs to ensure their timely and successful completion of the certification process


• Oversee the daily workflow of the department, ensuring smooth and efficient operations


• Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations to support employee development


• Ensure that rigging staff embody the brand's values and deliver exceptional service

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive sales plan to achieve annual sales goals for the rigging shop and store


• Collaborate with PRO Market Team Managers to enhance wholesale business and market share through effective planning and goal setting


• Work alongside store management to schedule rigging staff according to peak customer demand and planned jobs


• Oversee all quotes, orders, transfers, purchase orders, production, and payment processes for rigging products and services


• Execute rigging activities related to product creation and installation, ensuring quality and efficiency.


• Occasional travel for on-site assessment and installation of customers’ rigging orders


• Maintain up-to-date professional and technical knowledge of rigging through company and industry-sponsored training


• Provide product knowledge to customers and suggest additional items and services they may need


• Execute and direct all shop inventory procedures and activities to optimize stock levels


• Ensure a safe and clean work environment for crew members and customers, adhering to all safety rules and standards


• Maintain the shop’s stability and reputation by complying with all relevant legal requirements


• Train and inform store associates about rigging shop capabilities and services to enhance customer engagement


• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Craft & Technical Rigging Responsibilities

A core function of this role is the skilled, hands-on execution of marine rigging work. The following craft responsibilities require advanced knowledge and are performed to professional trade standards:

• Perform hand splicing of running rigging lines, including eye splices, Flemish eyes, and whipped ends, using high-performance materials such as Dyneema, Spectra, Technora, Vectran, and polyester braid.


• Fabricate custom running rigging assemblies — halyards, sheets, control lines, guys, and other sail control lines — to precise customer and OEM specifications.


• Measure, cut, and finish standing rigging components, including 1x19 stainless steel wire and Dyform wire, to required lengths and tolerances.


• Install and service swage fittings, turnbuckles, toggles, lifeline hardware, and associated deck fittings on customer vessels.


• Conduct thorough rigging inspections on customer vessels, assessing standing and running rigging for wear, corrosion, fatigue, and structural integrity.


• Consult with customers to evaluate rigging needs, interpret boat specifications and diagrams, and recommend appropriate materials, components, and service solutions.


• Support production facility orders and OEM boat builder rigging programs, ensuring output meets brand quality and specification standards.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities


• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on customer service excellence


• Proven track record in sales and customer service, driving revenue and customer satisfaction


• Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail, ensuring efficient operations


• Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines consistently


• Effective analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address challenges proactively


• Robust supervisory and leadership abilities to guide and motivate teams


• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and delegate appropriately when necessary


• Comfortable functioning in a fast-paced and occasionally high-pressure environment


• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software applications


• Ability to interpret rigging diagrams, measurements, and terminology to assist customers and streamline workflow


• Demonstrates advanced technical skills in splicing and rigging installation duties in both shop and marine vessel settings


• Capable of providing transportation to various worksites as required


• Understands proper techniques for working at heights and can execute these procedures safely


• Ability to obtain certification from cordage vendors for splicing various types of cordage

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.


• Over 5 years of experience in rigging and management roles

Physical Requirements

• Continuous standing and walking throughout the retail space


• Ability to wear and communicate through a headset continuously


• Frequent climbing, bending, stooping, crawling and twisting


• Occasionally operate equipment, including forklifts


• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds to shoulder height unassisted frequently


• Prolonged periods of standing and walking

Other Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old


• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record


• Willing to submit to a criminal background check


• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and DMV checks per the West Marine Driver Fleet Safety Program


• Willing to work a varied shift based upon business needs, including unscheduled overtime

West Marine offers a wide range of benefits, which include medical/dental/vision, various voluntary benefits, 401k, and paid time off. To view eligibility and additional information on these benefits, along with starting pay ranges for select states, please visit our benefits page at www.embbenefits.com/wm-home/.

Compensation for this position ranges from $30.00 to $32.00 per hour and is based on experience and qualifications.

Join us at West Marine and help us provide the best boating experience for our customers!