Expedition Manager

G Adventures; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel company in Toronto is seeking a skilled Operations Manager to oversee expedition vessel operations. This role includes ensuring compliance with safety standards, managing budgets, and coordinating with internal teams. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in expedition operations and proven leadership skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered, along with opportunities for growth in a diverse work environment.

Benefits

Competitive Total Rewards Package

Exclusive travel perks

Additional vacation days

Enhanced Parental Leave

Learning and Growth Opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Expedition cruising or related operations.
• Minimum 2 years experience managing direct reports.
• Strong analytical skills to solve operational problems.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vessel operations and compliance with safety standards.
• Coordinate operational planning with internal departments.
• Manage financial budgets for expedition operations.
• Communicate timely with field operations and headquarters.
• Conduct regular risk assessments for safety.

Skills

Expedition cruising experience

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Leadership capabilities

Interpersonal communication

Education

Relevant certifications in marine operations

Job description

About Us

Let’s go on an adventure together!

Hey there, we’re G Adventures. We’re one of the world’s leading small group travel companies, and we’ve always believed that travel isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how it changes you.

For the last 35 years, we’ve set out to do things differently. No cookie‑cutter tours. No giant buses or cruise ships. And not to mention, as few selfie sticks as possible. Just real humans, travelling your heart out across the world with open minds and a non‑stop desire to make our planet better, simply by exploring it.

At G Adventures, our DNA (or GNA, if you will) is built on belonging — where bringing your authentic self to work every day isn’t just accepted, it’s downright celebrated. For our office crew — you wanna rock a t‑shirt with your dog’s face on it? We say go for it. For our Chief Experience Officers — you wanna hit the road and call some of the most epic places on Earth your home office? We love that — and we’ve got you. Wanna spend your days with people you genuinely like? Us too — and we’re pretty sure you’ll fit right in, wherever that is.

Now about that career of yours — this is the kind of place where you can spread your wings and truly grow into your role. The best part? You get to do it all alongside a passionate, freakishly talented, one‑of‑a‑kind bunch excited to produce top‑notch work and spread a ridiculous amount of goodness at the same time.

Feel like this could be the right fit? We think so too, and we’re already way too excited to meet you.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Vessel Operations & Compliance:

  • Demonstrate and apply in-depth knowledge of vessel operations, expedition program management, shipboard Safety Management Systems, marine policies, and regulatory compliance standards.

  • Serve as a company resource and expert representative for IAATO and AECO regulations and local rules, overseeing all compliance.

  • Recruit, train, performance‑evaluate, and develop qualified expedition staff to build a competent and motivated team.

  • Manage the rotation of onboard teams to proactively minimize travel costs.

• Operational Planning & Coordination:

  • Maintain consistent communication and provide support to the Expedition Leader and Expedition Manager.

  • Manage the permit application process for operating in Polar regions, including but not limited to South Georgia, Environment Canada Antarctic permit, Greenland, and Svalbard.

  • Collaborate with internal departments (Revenue Management, DMC) and shipboard teams to supervise passenger operations and ensure a superior experience from arrival to vessel embarkation.

• Budgeting & Financial Management:

  • Develop and manage financial budgets for hotel and expedition operations, covering staffing, shore excursions, equipment, training, and travel.

  • Monitor adherence to budgets related to Expedition operations, including shorex and port charges.

• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Ensure accurate, timely, and clear communication between field operations and company headquarters, including submitting post‑trip reports for regulatory bodies.

  • Provide advisory support and analysis to marketing, sales, product, and yield management teams regarding expedition knowledge, regulatory requirements, and product offerings.

• Risk Management & Safety:

  • Conduct regular risk assessments for expedition operations, identifying hazards and implementing mitigation strategies.

  • Develop, implement, and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve efficiency and safety onboard.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement:

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing operational data and feedback to optimize procedures and reduce costs.

  • Monitor and report on key operational performance indicators (KPIs) related to vessel efficiency, safety incidents, and budget adherence.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Expedition cruising or related operations.

• Minimum 2 years experience managing direct reports.

• Relevant certifications or training in marine operations, safety, or related fields (e.g., STCW certification) including required Field Operations tests by IAATO and AECO.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to apply logical reasoning to solve complex operational problems.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including team motivation and strong interpersonal communication skills.

Working Conditions

• This role requires regular travel, including a minimum of 3 trips per operating season to the ship, as well as attendance at industry (IAATO and AECO) events.

• Ashore: Tasks are primarily desk work in a stable office setting with little exposure to hazards.

• Onboard: Potential exposure to extreme weather, sea, and land conditions (ice, rough waters, unstable footing on hikes). Onboard activities involve high physical effort, including zodiac driving and hiking with passengers in extreme geographic locations.

• The role has an on‑call component as marine operations are conducted 24/7.

What Do We Offer You?

• Competitive Total Rewards Package, including exclusive travel perks!

• Additional days off, including on your birthday!

• Vacation time for you to recharge

• Enhanced Parental Leave

• Meaningful Employee Recognition Program

• Learning and Growth Opportunities

• Employee Resource Groups

*Applicable based on location*

Please note that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used in the selection or interview process.

G Adventures is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We consider all qualified applicants.