As a Manager - Marine Transport, you will lead and direct marine transportation operations within the Department of National Defence. You oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of maritime logistics and cargo movement, ensuring vessels and transport systems operate efficiently and safely. This role involves managing teams of maritime professionals, budgets, schedules, and complex logistics networks that support Canadian defence operations across Canadian waters and internationally.
Your responsibilities include developing transportation strategies, optimizing route planning, managing vessel maintenance and crew readiness, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations and safety standards. You will coordinate with multiple stakeholders including naval personnel, port authorities, logistics teams, and external maritime organizations. Decision-making at this level impacts operational effectiveness, resource allocation, and the success of strategic defence initiatives.
This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic maritime environment where your leadership directly supports Canada's naval capabilities and defence objectives. You'll be part of a professional team dedicated to maintaining world-class marine transportation standards.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of marine services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the marine team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
You will typically require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business administration, logistics, supply chain management, or maritime studies. Many successful candidates have previous experience in maritime operations, military logistics, or transportation management at a supervisory level.
Professional certifications valued in this role may include project management credentials (PMP, CAPM), supply chain or logistics certifications, or maritime-specific qualifications such as those offered through the Canadian Maritime Law Association or equivalent bodies. The Government of Canada supports ongoing professional development, and you may have access to management training programs, leadership development courses, and specialized maritime operations training throughout your career.
Once hired, you will receive orientation training specific to DND operations, maritime safety protocols, and government systems. Opportunities exist for continuous learning through professional associations, conferences, and internal DND training programs to maintain and enhance your expertise in marine transport management.
Entry Plans
Entry into this Manager - Marine Transport position typically occurs through a competitive public service staffing process. Most positions are advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and through internal DND recruitment channels. Candidates may enter through several pathways:
Experienced candidates from outside the federal Public Service can apply to open competitions. These competitions assess your management experience, maritime logistics knowledge, leadership capabilities, and alignment with DND values. Internal DND employees may apply to competitions or be considered for promotion from supervisor or senior specialist roles within marine operations.
If you're early in your career, you might start in entry-level positions such as Marine Transport Officer or Logistics Coordinator, then progress to management roles as you gain experience and demonstrate leadership capability. Some candidates transition into this role from other federal departments or the Canadian Armed Forces after meeting the required qualifications.
Prospective candidates should monitor the Job Bank regularly, connect with DND recruitment teams, and ensure their resume highlights relevant marine transportation, logistics management, or military operations experience.
Part-Time Options
Part-time opportunities for Manager - Marine Transport positions are limited due to the supervisory and operational demands of the role. However, the Government of Canada is committed to work-life balance and flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Depending on specific assignments and business needs, some flexibility may be available for compressed work weeks or flexible scheduling during non-critical periods. Remote work options are typically limited for this role since marine transport management often requires on-site presence for operational oversight, vessel coordination, and team leadership. However, administrative and planning components of the work may occasionally be performed remotely.
If you are interested in flexible work arrangements, these are best discussed during the recruitment process and with your hiring manager. The Department values experienced professionals and works to accommodate requests where operational requirements permit. Many managers in this field work standard full-time schedules with potential for shift flexibility based on maritime operations schedules.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
