Marine Operations Manager
We are hiring a Marine Operations Manager to join our world-class team at Sonora Resort, a luxury all-inclusive Relais & Chateaux Resort, in the unspoiled wilderness of British Columbia. This is a Full-time Management position that works seasonally from February through October, with 3 months off from November to January. Required start date of February 3rd, 2025. We are seeking a candidate who will commit to working with Sonora for multiple seasons in this capacity.
Sonora Resort is a remote location located in the Discovery Islands of British Columbia. During the pre-season (February to Mid-April), this position offers a hybrid work-from-home schedule, with one pre-determined week per month required onsite at Sonora Resort, and the option to work from home for the remainder of the month. During the operational season from Mid-April to Mid-October, the Marine Operations Manager will work on site at the Resort full-time in shift work rotations.
The Marine Operations Manager will have a passion for excellence in guest service and a background in tourism, recreational fishing, or the marine industry. The Marine Operations Manager is responsible for scheduling guest activities with in-house staff as well as with third-party providers, working closely with the Reservations and Guest services team to meet guest demand for activities during their stay at Sonora. They will provide direction and leadership in effective and efficient day-to-day operation of the Marine Operations team (guides and dock staff).
Summary of Responsibilities- Set expectations and hold Marine Operations team accountable for demonstrating desired service behaviors in accordance with Relais and Chateaux expectations.
- Conduct all administrative work including scheduling marine staff and out-of-house guides, inventory control, purchasing processes, and maintenance logbooks.
- Review all guest reservations to ensure all marine transportation and activity needs are booked with Sonora vessels and/or third-party providers as needed.
- Coordinate with Event Manager and the management team to execute all special event-related requirements including meeting room set-ups, special arrival/departure processes, off-site catering events, and activity programming.
- Work closely with the Dock Supervisor to oversee the daily operations of the dock team and coordinate all marine activities such as fishing and eco tours.
- Source and order all equipment and supplies required for marine activities, fishing, and dock operations.
- Track tour numbers, fishing hours, and contract guide fuel usage; review and approve contract guide and other third-party provider invoices for payment.
- Work with Maintenance technicians to ensure any deficiencies with Sonora’s fleet of boats are addressed in a timely manner.
- Stay aware of local fishing regulations, ensuring compliance with all Department of Fisheries and Oceans recreational fishing regulations.
- Ensure the financial success of the department by monitoring productivity, revenues, and costs; proactively implement appropriate procedures or programs wherever necessary.
- Assist with shut down and winter storage procedures for Sonora’s fleet of boats, as well as pre-season preparations.
- Follow effective employee relations practices including behavioral interviewing, supporting training, maintaining professional supervision of all employees, and evaluating performance on a timely basis.
- Recruit and evaluate employees on a timely basis to meet recruitment goals.
- Plan and implement effective onboarding and training programs for new staff and professional development activities for experienced staff.
- Provide supervision, direction, and leadership to the team of approximately 6 Staff Guides and 9 Dock Hands to achieve department goals.
- Complete Employee Performance and Development reviews on time.
- Maintain quality control within a group of contract guides working for the company.
Qualifications- Must be legally authorized to work in Canada and fluent in English. Second languages are an asset.
- 2+ years in tourism, marine, or resort experience, preferably in a senior role of responsibility.
- Thorough understanding of the tourism industry; experience in a live-in resort environment is preferred.
- Transport Canada Marine Operator certificates (SVOP, MED A3, Radio Operator Certificate & Marine First Aid) and boat handling skills are an asset.
- General knowledge of BC coastal flora and fauna, marine wildlife, geography, and local tidal salmon fishing techniques.
- Pleasure Craft Operators Card and valid Driver's License required for this role.
- Strong leadership skills to coach, influence, and motivate the team.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proficiency with MS Office suite and Outlook; experience with POS systems is an asset.
- Good Human Resources Skills.
Resort Life- Shift work is required during the resort operational season; comprised of 10 working days and 4 non-working days, subject to change during peak season.
- During the non-operational season, the Marine Operations Manager will be required to work one pre-determined week per month onsite at Sonora Resort with the Management team.
- Shift work during the operational season may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Staff are required to leave the resort on their scheduled non-working days and are responsible for securing accommodation and further transportation thereafter.
APPLY TODAYSonora Resort is an equal opportunity employer that aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our company’s success. We wish to thank all applicants; however, due to the volume of applications, we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. No telephone inquiries please. Be advised, Sonora Resort does not use third-party recruitment services.
Please be aware that Sonora may collect, use, and/or disclose your personal information where it is reasonable for establishing, managing, or terminating an employment relationship.