Senior Fleet Engineering Manager

Senior Fleet Engineering Manager

Reports To: Director of Engineering

About Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC) and Hullo

We're the Vancouver Island Ferry Company, a modern Canadian ferry company transforming how we travel in British Columbia. It's all about being an easier, faster, and more enjoyable ferry experience.

Headquartered in Nanaimo and operating under our service brand Hullo, we will provide service between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo. We're talking comfortable and reliable sailings in around 70 minutes, a seamless booking process complete with reservable seats, and refreshments that will be just that…fresh. Say goodbye to the biggest pain points of travel and be ready to be welcomed aboard with a smile and a "hullo".

The Hullo Culture

At Hullo, we're all about taking things to the next level Our obsession with safety and delivering an unforgettable guest experience is only matched by our passion for constant improvement. We don't settle for the ordinary - we encourage our employees to think outside the box, innovate and make waves. With data-driven decision making and a continuous improvement mindset, we are committed to raising the bar in everything we do.

VIFC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in our organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, and any other category protected under applicable law. We welcome all qualified applicants who contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

About the Role

The Sr. Fleet Engineer is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for the overall technical and engineering integrity, strategy, and performance of the Hullo fleet.

This role provides strategic leadership to the entire engineering department, ensuring that all vessel machinery, systems, and maintenance activities meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The Sr. Fleet Engineer oversees long-term asset management, plans and executes major refits and dry-docking operations, and manages the department's operational and capital budgets.

This position leads and mentors the Fleet Engineering Manager and shore-based technical teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence, proactive maintenance, and continuous improvement across the fleet.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Technical Leadership

• Provide overall technical leadership and direction for the fleet, ensuring optimal functionality, reliability, and minimal downtime of all propulsion, auxiliary, and passenger systems.
• Develop and implement long-term maintenance, repair, and asset lifecycle strategies for the fleet.
• Oversee and optimize the fleet's planned maintenance system (PMS / Maximo), ensuring its effectiveness for preventive maintenance, inventory management, and regulatory compliance.
• Act as the primary technical expert for the company, providing guidance on complex engineering issues and evaluating new technologies or modifications to enhance vessel performance, safety, and sustainability.

Dry-Dock & Project Management

• Lead the strategic planning, budgeting, and coordination of all vessel dry-docking, refits, and major capital projects.
• Manage relationships with shipyards, classification societies, major vendors, and contractors, ensuring all work is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

Financial & Vendor Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating and capital budgets for the engineering department, including maintenance, repairs, spare parts, and dry-dock activities.
• Monitor expenditures, analyze vessel performance metrics (fuel, emissions, maintenance costs), and implement strategies for cost-effective operations.
• Lead high-level procurement and negotiation with key suppliers and service providers to ensure quality, value, and timely delivery of parts and services.

Safety, Compliance & Team Development

• Champion and ensure departmental compliance with the company's Safety Management System (SMS) in accordance with the ISM Code, Transport Canada, and all other applicable maritime regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL).
• Act in support of the company's Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Company Security Officer (CSO) as required, ensuring robust safety and security protocols.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the engineering team, including the Fleet Engineering Manager(s) and Chief Engineers, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and professional growth.
• Oversee all engineering documentation, including technical logs, maintenance records, and compliance reports, ensuring they are meticulously maintained and ready for audit.

Requirements

• Valid Transport Canada Certificate of Competency – Chief Engineer, STCW Reg. III/2 (Motor Ship) or equivalent.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in marine engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior management or shoreside technical role (e.g., Engineering Superintendent, Technical Manager, Fleet Manager).
• Proven experience in planning and managing vessel dry-docks, refits, and major technical projects.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in developing and managing departmental budgets.
• In-depth, expert knowledge of High-Speed Craft (HSC) and the HSC Code.
• Expert knowledge of vessel engineering systems, ISM Code, MARPOL, SOLAS, and Transport Canada regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a proven ability to mentor and develop technical teams.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.

Desirable Qualifications

• Direct experience with waterjet propulsion systems.
• ISM Lead Auditor / Designated Person Ashore (DPA) Certification.
• Bachelor's Degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related field.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $148,000.00-$160,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Wellness program

Work Location: In person