Job Description

CHIEF STEWARD

Nanaimo

The Opportunity

As a Chief Steward, you will lead the passenger services and catering operations aboard one of our vessels. Combining the responsibilities of a Hotel Manager, Operations Manager, and Food and Beverage Manager, you will oversee customer service, retail operations, catering, employee leadership, and operational excellence. You will play a key role in creating an exceptional customer experience while fostering a safe, engaged, and high-performing team.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Chief Steward, you will be responsible for the following:

• Ensuring passenger and employee safety is at the forefront of our business by leading a safety focused team with process review, awareness, and implementation on new initiatives and directives

• Modelling exemplary customer service to both internal and external customers by using timely and appropriate problem-solving techniques to address a variety of possible, and at times unexpected, issues

• Deploying crew appropriately to meet operational, regulatory, and business requirements for the various areas including catering, retail, baggage handling, and janitorial

• Identifying and implementing strategies to improve quality of service, productivity, and profitability

• Managing labor and expenses within the budget under the direction of the Senior Chief Steward

• Leading and managing a diverse team in all aspects of the business, with particular focus on developmental plans, mentoring staff, and guiding the performance management process as required

• Strengthening the department by empowering all members to contribute idea of innovation and continuous improvement across environmental, employee engagement, and financial ideas

• Working in a team environment by respectfully engaging with various departments and encouraging collaboration as required

• Attending departmental and operational meetings as required

What you bring to the team

Educational Requirements

• University/College degree in Business, Human Resources, Hospitality, or a related field is an asset

• Food Safe Certificate

• Serving It Right Certificate

• Seafarers Medical Exam (must be willing to obtain upon offer of employment)

Work Experience Requirements

• 3-5 years of food service experience

• Strong background in customer service

• Minimum two years of experience in a leadership role overseeing employee development within a diverse team is preferred

• Experience managing employees, including performance management, coaching, career development, and succession planning

• Demonstrated success in the food and beverage, hospitality, or another customer service-focused industry is strongly preferred

• Experience leading teams in a unionized environment

• Experience conducting performance reviews and providing ongoing coaching and mentoring that encourages employee development

Competency Requirements

• Knowledge of labour cost control principles

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel

• Proven ability to work collaboratively and cohesively as part of a team while coaching, training, counselling, and supporting employees

• Highly responsible and reliable, with the demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment and under pressure

• Strong focus on guest/customer service, with the ability to remain calm, courteous, and professional at all times

• Proficient in budgeting and forecasting

• Strong business writing, presentation, and project management skills

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving abilities

• Flexible and willing to work variable shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Strong capacity to collaborate with cross-functional partners

• Commitment to fostering a respectful, diverse, and inclusive workplace

• Self-motivated and proactive in identifying and implementing improvements

• Willingness to communicate new ideas, contribute to process improvements, and support organizational change

• Maintains a high level of professionalism and leads by example in promoting a customer-centric culture

Join us! 

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by August 19, 2026.

Additional information 

The target salary range: $77,300-$96,600 per annum. The starting salary is determined based on the successful candidate’s knowledge, experience and internal equity.  

"We sail to serve and connect the people and the coast of BC”  

At BC Ferries, our people are at the heart of delivering safe and reliable service along 1,600 km of coastline. Every day, we connect communities and move tens of thousands of passengers and vehicles across our 25 routes through the dedication, expertise and hard work of our teams. Guided by a shared commitment to safety, service, inclusion, and local commitment, we offer meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a positive impact. Whether you work onboard our vessels, in our terminals or behind the scenes, you'll play an important role in connecting people, supporting communities, and keeping coastal BC moving. 

We support employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace. 

We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.