Fleet Chief Engineer

Northumberland Ferries Limited and Bay Ferries Limited operate vital ferry services connecting Atlantic Canada's coastal communities. With a strong commitment to safety, reliability, and operational excellence, we take pride in maintaining our vessels and terminals to the highest standards. Our team is dedicated to continuous improvement, innovation, and providing an exceptional travel experience for all passengers.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Fleet Chief Engineer to provide leadership, oversight, and support across our fleet's engineering operations. This role is responsible for supervising and mentoring vessel Chief Engineers, ensuring regulatory compliance, driving safety and performance, and contributing to the long-term operational readiness of our fleet.

As a key leader, you will balance office-based responsibilities with hands-on vessel oversight, ensuring engineering excellence while fostering a positive and respectful workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and mentor vessel Chief Engineers, including performance management and development.
• Provide watch relief for Chief Engineers as needed, with all duties and responsibilities of the role.
• Serve as the engineering lead for recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Oversee and guide Chief Engineers in areas such as:
• Safety Management
• Crewing, pay, training, and discipline
• Time off and scheduling
• Performance management
• Planned maintenance and defect tracking
• Class and regulatory compliance
• Inventory management
• Act as first-level reviewer for disciplinary and safety investigations.
• Represent engineering in labour-management meetings as required.
• Lead development of the planned maintenance management system.
• Coordinate vessel input for scope of work during refit, drydock, and major projects.
• Develop Safety Management System procedures, SOPs, and long-range maintenance plans.
• Conduct periodic Fleet Chief Engineer inspections of vessels.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to Chief Engineers as appropriate.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Canadian Certificate of Competency, First Class Motor or equivalent qualifications and experience.
• Current Continued Proficiency Endorsement and Seafarers Medical Certificate.
• Certificates in Simulator Training, Type Rating, First Aid, and MED.
• Continuous Certificate of Discharge (Discharge Book), valid passport, and Canadian driver's license.
• Strong knowledge of vessel and terminal operations, processes, and technology.
• Excellent understanding of statutory and regulatory rules and requirements.
• Proven leadership and communication skills, with the ability to mentor, support, and empower shipboard officers.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and frequent overnight travel.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily day-work schedule (Mon–Fri), with flexibility for extended hours, weekend work, and travel.
• Oversight of vessel operations in various conditions, including exposure to weather, hot climates, and maintenance environments.
• In addition to office-based work, this role will require frequent visits to vessels, terminals, and other company locations, primarily located in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, and will require considerable time on the road.
• Attendance at industry conferences, courses, and training as required.
• Ability to access all areas of ships and terminals, including ladders and tanks.

Our Leadership Culture

We are committed to a management approach that:

• Supports and mentor's shipboard officers in their development.
• Empowers responsible decision-making at all levels.
• Prioritizes safety above all else.
• Provides constructive feedback on performance.
• Fosters mutual respect, professionalism, and accountability.
• Strives for operational efficiency through collaboration and sound decision-making.

We are committed to employment equity and actively recruit candidates from designated groups defined in the Employment Equity Act (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities).

Salary & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package, including salary, benefits, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application no later than Friday, October 24th, 2025, at 1600.

Please include a cover letter with your application outlining your current certifications.