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 workplace

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!

Application deadline: August 19, 2026

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.

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📌 Chief Steward (British Columbia)
🏢 BC Ferries
📍 British Columbia