Director, Operations & Security Centre

BC Ferries; Victoria; On-site; CAD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

BC Ferries is seeking a Director, Operations & Security Centre (OSC) in Victoria to lead the heart of our operational response. You will oversee 24/7 monitoring and incident response, strengthening enterprise emergency management, business continuity and operational resilience.

The role reports to the Vice President, Marine Operations and requires a seasoned leader with deep knowledge of emergency management, risk, and regulatory environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or post-secondary qualification in Emergency Management, Nautical Science, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in a command, operational or senior leadership environment.
• Professional qualification as a mariner or experience in terminal operations is asset.
• 5+ years of experience as a BC Ferries Marine Superintendent is asset.
• 5+ years of experience and knowledge of the BC Ferries operating network is asset.
• Significant experience leading teams in a complex, highly regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of emergency management, business continuity, incident response and operational risk.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across organizational levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Operations & Security Centre and provide strategic direction for 24/7 monitoring and response.
• Develop and strengthen enterprise-wide emergency management capabilities including preparedness and exercises.
• Serve as Deputy Director of the Emergency Operations Centre during significant events.
• Provide leadership during incidents, ensuring effective response strategies and contingency plans.
• Assess operational risks and drive improvements to OSC processes and readiness.
• Establish and monitor performance indicators for emergency management and readiness.
• Build relations across BC Ferries and with external agencies and regulators.
• Lead training, drills and ICS to strengthen organizational readiness.
• Ensure OSC policies, procedures and response protocols are current and compliant.
• Coach and develop OSC staff and manage workforce planning and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Emergency management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Relationship-building

Change management

Problem solving

Decision making

Training & exercises

Influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management / Nautical Science / Business Administration

Job description

Job Description

DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS & SECURITY CENTRE

Marine Operations

Victoria

We sail to serve and connect the people and the coast of BC.

When thousands of people are moving between coastal communities, every day brings a new set of operational realities. From changing conditions and service disruptions to emergency situations and emerging threats, BC Ferries needs to be ready to respond; quickly, thoughtfully and together.

We are seeking a Director, Operations & Security Centre (OSC) to lead the team at the heart of our operational response and coordination. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for strengthening how BC Ferries prepares for, responds to and recovers from operational incidents, emergencies and business disruptions.

The Opportunity

As a key member of our leadership team, you will lead the Operations & Security Centre and help build enterprise-wide capabilities in emergency management, business continuity, operational resilience and incident response. You will work across the organization and with external partners to ensure BC Ferries is prepared to respond effectively when circumstances change and able to continue providing safe, reliable service to the communities we connect.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned operational leader who thrives in complex environments, can confidently lead through incidents and disruptions, and is passionate about building resilient systems that support safe and reliable service delivery.

The Role

Reporting to the Vice President, Marine Operations, you will provide leadership and strategic oversight for BC Ferries' Operations & Security Centre, ensuring operational excellence, organizational readiness, and effective response to both routine and extraordinary events.

You contribute value through key areas of oversight such as:

• Leading the Operations & Security Centre and providing strategic direction for its 24/7 operational monitoring and response functions;
• Developing and strengthening BC Ferries’ enterprise-wide emergency management capabilities, including preparedness, response, recovery, training and exercises;
• Serving as Deputy Director of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), supporting coordinated corporate responses during significant events and emergencies;
• Providing leadership and oversight during operational incidents, ensuring appropriate response strategies are implemented and contingency plans are effective;
• Assessing operational risks, identifying opportunities to strengthen resilience, and directing improvements to OSC processes, practices and response capabilities;
• Establishing and monitoring meaningful performance indicators for emergency management, business continuity and operational readiness;
• Building strong working relationships across BC Ferries and with external agencies, regulators and emergency-management partners, including Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMRC), Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) and Transport Canada;
• Leading emergency management training, drills and exercises, including Incident Command System (ICS) training, to strengthen organizational readiness;
• Ensuring OSC policies, procedures and response protocols remain effective, current and aligned with regulatory and organizational requirements;
• Providing leadership, coaching and direction to OSC leaders and employees, supporting a healthy team environment, professional development and career growth;
• Overseeing workforce planning, recruitment, performance management and employee development within the OSC;
• Managing the OSC budget and ensuring resources are aligned with operational priorities;
• Contributing to enterprise risk management and broader corporate planning and decision-making;
• Supporting innovation and organizational change that improves operational effectiveness, efficiency and resilience; and
• Building a culture of preparedness, collaboration and continuous improvement across the organization.

What you bring to the team

• A bachelor’s degree or post-secondary qualification in Emergency Management, Nautical Science, Business Administration or a related discipline
• 10+ years of experience in a command, operational or senior leadership environment
• Professional qualification as a mariner or experience in terminal operations are considered an asset
• 5+ years of experience as a BC Ferries Marine Superintendent is considered an asset
• 5+ years of experience and knowledge of the BC Ferries operating network is considered an asset
• Significant experience leading teams and operations in a complex, highly regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of emergency management, business continuity, incident response and operational risk
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across organizational levels and with external partners
• Demonstrated ability to lead through complex and evolving situations, balancing immediate operational needs with longer-term organizational priorities
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to navigate complex issues and develop practical, sustainable solutions
• Experience developing organizational capabilities through training, exercises, performance measures and continuous improvement
• The ability to influence enterprise-wide decisions and build alignment across diverse stakeholders

What we offer

This is a regular full-time position with a target salary range of$159,800 - $199,700per annum.The starting salary isdeterminedbased on the successful candidate’s knowledge,experienceand internal equity.

Join us!

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your resume and cover letter by October 19, 2026 at 11:59pm.

"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,expertiseand hard work of our teams. Guided by a shared commitment to safety, service,inclusionand 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 theworkplaceand 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.