Chief Steward (Intermediate)

BC Ferries; Comox; On-site; CAD 77,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

BC Ferries seeks a Chief Steward to lead passenger services, catering operations, and a safety-focused team aboard one of our vessels. You will oversee customer service, retail operations, and staff leadership to deliver exceptional experiences while maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.

The role combines responsibilities of Hotel Manager, Operations Manager, and F&B Manager, requiring strong budgeting, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration across ships and terminals.

Qualifications

• University/college degree in Business, Human Resources, Hospitality, or related field is an asset.
• Food Safe Certificate.
• Serving It Right Certificate.
• Seafarers Medical Exam (willing to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Lead a safety-focused team with process review and new initiatives.
• Model exemplary customer service and resolve issues promptly.
• Deploy crew to meet catering, retail, baggage handling, and janitorial needs.
• Identify strategies to improve quality, productivity, and profitability.
• Manage labour and expenses within the budget under direction of Senior Chief Steward.
• Lead diverse team with development plans, mentoring staff, and performance management.
• Collaborate across departments and participate in meetings as required.
• Support continuous improvement and organizational change across the operation.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Budgeting

Staff development

Operations management

Education

University/College degree asset

Food Safe Certificate

Serving It Right Certificate

Seafarers Medical Exam

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Job Description

CHIEF STEWARD

Little River

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

Qualifications

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, counseling, 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

Additionalinformation

The target salary range:$77,300-$96,600per annum. The starting salary isdeterminedbased on the successful candidate’s knowledge,experienceand 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 along1,600 kmof coastline. Every day, we connect communities and move tens of thousands of passengers and vehicles across our 25 routes through the dedication,expertiseand 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'llplayan important rolein connecting people, supporting communities, and keeping coastal BC moving.

We support employment equity and diversity in theworkplace,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.

About Us

For 65 years, we have been dedicated to providing safe and efficient travel to our customers.

Our role as a ferry transportation provider goes beyond getting passengers from point A to B. With 25 routes throughout the west coast of BC, we serve as advocates for the coastal environment and communities where we operate.

Operations began in 1960 with just two ferries providing service on a single route. Today we have 37 ferries moving more than 22.7 million passengers and 9.7 million vehicles every year.