Technical · St Catherines, Ontario
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada (office based, with extensive domestic and international travel)
Employment type: Full-time, permanent
Eyonzy Recruitment is hiring a Technical Superintendent for a leading Canadian shipping company headquartered in St. Catharines, Ontario. This is a permanent, frontline technical management role overseeing the day-to-day technical operation of an assigned group of vessels within a large fleet of dry bulk carriers, self-unloaders and product tankers. It suits a marine engineer, ideally holding a Class One certificate, who has made or is ready to make the move from sea into shore-based technical management.
Our client is one of Canada's most established shipping companies, with a long history on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. From its head office in St. Catharines, Ontario, the business owns and operates a large fleet of dry bulk carriers, self-unloaders and product tankers, carrying the raw materials that keep North American industry moving. It has a strong reputation for safety, investment in its fleet and a collaborative, team-based culture where technical staff work closely with operations, vessel management and crew.
As Technical Superintendent, you will be the frontline management representative for your assigned vessels, responsible for keeping them safe, reliable and efficient in line with company policy, regulatory requirements and customer expectations. You will report to the Director, Technical Operations, and play a central part in operational safety, environmental protection and vessel readiness.
This is a hands-on role with real ownership. You will spend time on board for inspections, dry dockings and any major breakdown, and you will work closely with the QHSE, Marine, Fleet Personnel, Logistics, Purchasing and Sales and Traffic teams ashore. Extensive domestic and international travel is part of the role, and you will also join the Marine Emergency Response team and the after-hours hotline rota.
You will provide direct support to your vessels and maintain the safe and efficient operation of all vessel-related functions. You will carry out vessel visits and inspections to make sure ships are maintained to the required standards, and attend on board in the event of any major breakdown. You will monitor vessel efficiency and environmental performance, make sure agreed KPIs are met, and work to keep your vessels operating continuously without downtime due to breakdown. You will also take on projects as required by the Director, Technical Operations.
You will oversee the maintenance and repair of your vessels, monitoring the Planned Maintenance System to make sure work is being carried out, and developing maintenance specifications in line with company procedures. You will review every unplanned downtime event, making sure it is reported and dealt with promptly. You will prepare and supervise dry dockings and the related surveys and inspections, and arrange and manage the work of shoreside contractors.
You will liaise with flag, class and port state authorities, and work closely with the QHSE and Marine departments on all vessel-related matters. You will review Shipboard Safety Management Committee minutes, and lead or take part in internal audits and in the investigation of any occurrence, accident or incident.
You will prepare, monitor and control the budgets for your assigned vessels, contribute to the Fleet Plan, and coordinate with the Logistics and Purchasing departments so that supplies and equipment reach the ship as efficiently as possible.
You will work with the Fleet Personnel department on the scheduling of senior officers and wider crewing, making sure assignments meet regulatory and company standards for certification and experience. You will contribute to crewing and training requirements and complete performance appraisals for Masters and Chief Engineers. You will also work with the Sales and Traffic department to understand customer service requirements.
You will have post-secondary education in Maritime Studies, preferably in Marine Engineering, and a Class One certificate of competency is preferred. Ideally you will have 1 to 3 years' experience in a role with responsibilities similar to this one, and a proven track record in technical and managerial positions with relevant maritime organisations.
You will have sound knowledge of quality and regulatory disciplines including ISM and ISO, as well as OCIMF requirements, and the ability to carry out investigations and analysis. You will be able to analyse and interpret technical information and drawings, and bring strong troubleshooting, project management and planning skills.
You will be an excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing, well organised and able to prioritise. You will be able to lead and motivate groups and individuals, show sound judgement in balancing business needs with your role as an advocate for your crews, and bring a creative, enquiring and logical approach with plenty of initiative. You will be proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
A valid passport and driver's licence are required, and you must be free of any travel restrictions.
Where is this Technical Superintendent job based?
At the company's office in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, with extensive domestic and international travel to the vessels.
Do I need a Class One certificate?
A Class One certificate of competency is preferred, along with post-secondary education in Maritime Studies, ideally Marine Engineering.
How much experience do I need?
Ideally 1 to 3 years in a role with similar responsibilities, together with a track record in technical and managerial positions within the maritime industry.
How much travel is involved?
Extensive. You will attend your vessels for inspections, dry dockings and breakdowns, both in Canada and internationally, so a valid passport, a driver's licence and no travel restrictions are essential.
Who does the role report to?
The Director, Technical Operations.
To apply, send your CV to Eyonzy Recruitment or apply through the Eyonzy jobs page. All applications are treated in strict confidence.