Superintendent of Marine Operations

Job Description

<p><b>ABOUT OUR CLIENT</b> </p><p>Our client, a federal Crown corporation responsible for ensuring safe and efficient marine navigation in Canadian waters of the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, and adjoining regions. By providing professional pilotage services, the organization plays a critical role in protecting the environment, facilitating trade, and supporting the vitality of Canada’s maritime economy. </p><p> </p><p>With a dedicated team of licensed marine pilots and a culture rooted in safety, collaboration, and service excellence, the Authority ensures the secure movement of vessels through some of North America’s most complex waterways. Constantly adapting to evolving industry needs, the organization continues to strengthen its operational standards, attract skilled talent, and deliver high-value services that connect communities and global markets. </p><p> </p><p><b>BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLE</b> </p><p>Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Superintendent of Marine Operations (SMO) is responsible for the strategic leadership and functional operational performance of the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority (GLPA). The SMO ensures the delivery of safe, secure and efficient sustainable pilotage services in compliance with applicable binational legislation, applicable regulations, and Authority policies. This role combines strategic planning, operational oversight, and technical expertise, requiring strong leadership capabilities and business acumen. </p><p> </p><p><b>DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES</b> </p><p>The Superintendent of Marine Operations will utilize industry’s best practices in the provision of strategic advice and functional management of daily operations to ensure the provision of safe, secure, sustainable and cost-effective pilotage services. This includes, but is not limited to; </p><ul><li>Provide strategic and functional oversight of GLPA’s daily operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements. </li><li>Ensure compliance with marine legislation, regulations, and safety protocols across all areas of responsibility. </li><li>Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational policies, procedures, and performance standards using the ISPO Management system. </li><li>Oversee the evaluation and integration of emerging technologies to enhance operational safe, secure, efficiency service delivery, </li><li>Champion innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies and digital tools to enhance safety monitoring, incident reporting, and risk mitigation. </li><li>Lead or oversee key operational projects, applying sound project management principles to ensure timely execution, resource optimization, and measurable outcomes. </li><li>In collaboration with Finance department, conduct operational financial impact analyses to support strategic decision-making and effective resource allocation. </li><li>Represent the Authority in marine industry forums, clients and stakeholder meetings, and regulatory discussions, advocating for operational excellence and continuous improvement. </li></ul><p> </p><p><b>Safety, security and compliance</b> </p><ul><li>Promote and uphold a strong safety and security culture across all operational areas, ensuring strict adherence to established business protocols and regulatory requirements to proactively reduce operational risks. </li><li>Lead investigations into near-misses, incidents, accidents, and regulatory non compliance, ensuring thorough analysis and implementation of corrective actions. </li><li>Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure that safety innovations are effectively integrated into daily operations and aligned with industry best practices. </li><li>Chair the Pilotage Quality Assurance Committee, overseeing pilot assessments and </li><li>continuous improvement initiatives. </li><li>Support the adoption and integration of new technologies and digital tools to improve dispatch efficiency, pilot scheduling, and service delivery. </li></ul><p> </p><p><b>Human Resources and Training</b> </p><ul><li>In collaboration with HR, determine training needs and budgets for Pilots, Dispatchers, marine safety and operational staff. </li><li>Oversee the recruitment, training, and licensing of Apprentice-Pilots. </li><li>Manage the Training Program (Long, medium and short terms) and ensure compliance with STCW standards. </li><li>Participate in labour negotiations and grievance resolution. </li></ul><p> </p><p><b>Operations’ Function Oversight</b> </p><ul><li>Provide leadership and oversight of operations personnel, ensuring alignment with GLPA’s strategic objectives and performance standards. </li><li>Support the implementation and enforcement of the Pilotage Act, General Pilotage Regulations, and other applicable marine safety legislation. </li><li>Oversee the Operations’ Centre and pilotage infrastructure, ensuring 24/7 operational available of capacity (ashore and on waters), functionality, readiness and responsiveness ensuring direct reports take timely and appropriate action to meet operational demands. </li><li>Conduct annual performance evaluations and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. </li><li>Guide teams in the planning and execution of projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. </li></ul><p> </p><p><b>Stakeholder Engagement</b> </p><ul><li>Serve as the primary liaison with marine industry stakeholders, including port authorities, pilotage authorities, Transport Canada, and other regulatory bodies. </li><li>Foster strong, collaborative relationships with customers, shipping agents, and their industry representatives, ensuring concerns are understood and addressed. </li><li>Represent the Authority in industry forums, working groups, and stakeholder meetings to promote transparency, service excellence, and continuous improvement. </li><li>Communicate notifications, service updates, and strategic initiatives to internal and external stakeholders in a clear and timely manner. </li><li>Actively seek feedback from industry partners to inform service enhancements and strengthen GLPA’s reputation as a trusted and responsive service provider. </li></ul><p> </p><p><b>Additional Responsibilities</b> </p><ul><li>Act as Duty Officer for after-hours decision-making. </li><li>Act as Marine Enforcement Officer for the Authority where applicable. </li><li>Represent the Authority at the Board of Examiners for pilot licensing. </li><li>Ensure transparency and reporting of safety & security issues, including near-misses, occurrence and corrective actions. </li><li>Carry out other duties as assigned by the CEO. </li></ul><p> </p><p><b>QUALIFICATIONS</b> </p><ul><li>Valid Master, Near Coastal or Master Mariner Certificate of Competency. </li><li>Minimum ten (10) years of progressive experience in the shipping industry, including at least five (5) years as Master of a vessel or Marine Pilot. </li><li>Demonstrated leadership and line management experience, including supervisory </li><li>responsibilities. </li><li>In-depth knowledge of Canadian marine regulations, industry best practices, and </li><li>navigable waterways. </li><li>Proven ability to make informed, strategic decisions that balance operational needs with team performance and marine safety & security. </li><li>Strong experience in labour relations, including collective bargaining and grievance resolution. </li><li>Effective communicator with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, including industry partners and regulatory bodies. </li><li>Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both official languages (French and English). </li><li>Practical experience navigating the Great Lakes and Seaway systems, with knowledge of relevant binational regulations and procedures. </li><li>Strong presentation and public speaking skills with high degree of bilingual fluency (French & English). </li><li>Knowledge of Quality Management Systems such as ISPO, ISO 9001 etc. </li><li>Prior experience conducting audits in a marine or regulatory environment. </li></ul><p> </p><p><b>SKILLS</b> </p><ul><li>Demonstrates strong project management capabilities, including planning, execution, and evaluation of complex operational and strategic initiatives. </li><li>Applies sound judgment and initiative in high-pressure environments, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to evolving circumstances. </li><li>Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build </li><li>trust, resolve conflicts, and foster collaboration across diverse teams. </li><li>Leads teams through technological change, fostering adoption and ensuring successful integration of new systems and processes. </li><li>Possesses advanced technological literacy, with the ability to assess, adopt, and implement digital tools and systems that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and service delivery. </li><li>Establishes clear objectives, delegates responsibilities effectively, and evaluates team performance to drive continuous improvement. </li><li>Recognizes and leverages the strengths of direct reports while supporting professional development and addressing performance gaps. </li><li>Promotes a culture of continuous improvement through the application of Quality Management System (QMS) principles, ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance. </li></ul><p> </p><p><b>Language Requirements </b> </p><ul><li>Strong Fluency in French and English, both spoken and written, is required. </li></ul><p><br></p><p><b>INFORMATION</b> </p><p>The Humanis team is committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We are happy to accommodate all applicants who require assistance due to a disability or medical need. Please contact us by email to discuss specific accommodations.</p>