Director of Safety & Security

About Us
Northumberland Ferries Limited and Bay Ferries Limited are trusted marine transportation providers serving Atlantic Canada and beyond. As operators of critical transportation infrastructure, we connect communities, support tourism, support trade, and deliver essential marine transportation services safely, reliably, and efficiently.

Position

Title: Director of Safety & Security
Location: Halifax Office
Type: Full-Time Permanent

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Vice President, Administration, the Director of Safety & Security (DSS) is the Company’s senior leader responsible for safety, security, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, enterprise risk management, and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System (SMS). The successful candidate also fulfills the statutory role of Designated Person Ashore (DPA), maintaining direct access to the Chief Executive Officer on all matters affecting safety, security, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape safety culture, strengthen regulatory compliance, and provide strategic leadership across both Northumberland Ferries Limited and Bay Ferries Limited.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the Company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and Just Culture.
• Ensure compliance with the ISM Code, Canada Shipping Act, Marine Safety Management System Regulations, Canada Labour Code, and other applicable regulations.
• Lead incident investigations, audits, inspections, Master’s Reviews, and corrective action programs.
• Monitor safety performance, trends, and continuous improvement initiatives across vessels, terminals, and shore operations.
• Lead the Company’s marine and facility security programs.
• Maintain Vessel and Facility Security Plans.
• Liaise with Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, Classification Societies, and other regulators.
• Support cybersecurity governance and operational technology risk management.
• Serve as the primary safety link between shipboard personnel and senior leadership.
• Provide independent oversight of operational safety performance.
• Ensure vessels and operational locations receive appropriate shore-side support and resources.
• Develop safety objectives, KPIs, budgets, and annual strategic plans.
• Chair or support safety and security committees.
• Provide executive reporting, risk assessments, and trend analysis.
• Coach and mentor leaders while representing the Company with regulators and industry stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
• Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Occupational Health & Safety, Marine Transportation, or related discipline; or equivalent marine certification (Master Mariner or Chief Engineer).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the ISM Code, DPA responsibilities, SOLAS, STCW, Marine Transportation Security Regulations, and related regulatory frameworks.
• Experience leading audits, investigations, emergency management, and regulatory engagement.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent analytical, risk assessment, and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of maritime cybersecurity and operational technology risks.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams in a complex 24/7 operational environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits.
• Employer-supported pension program.
• Paid vacation.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.

Opportunity to lead safety, security, and regulatory excellence within a critical transportation organization.

To Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter outlining their experience, leadership philosophy, and interest in joining our organization to: John Mooy - Director, People & Culture; jmooy@nfl-bay.com

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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