About Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC):

The Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC), an agency of the Government of Ontario, plays a vital role in Ontario’s tourism and transportation system, overseeing the operation of four ships, seven terminals and dock facilities, and administers contractor-operated seasonal air service. OSTC owns and operates the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry, which provides seasonal service to community members, commercial clients and a large tourism-based ridership between Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula, sailing along the borders of Georgian Bay and Lae Huron. The MV Niska I, a landing craft ferry, provides vehicle, freight and passenger transportation services between Moosonee and Moose Factory Island on the Moose River at the mouth of James Bay. Additionally, OSTC operates the MV Pelee Islander and MV Pelee Islander II for ferry service between the mainland, Pelee Island, and Sandusky, Ohio.

About the Role

Working in close partnership with the Board of Directors, the President and CEO of the Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC), will provide strategic leadership to deliver a safe, efficient, and reliable ferry transportation system across three distinct operations serving communities throughout the province. Accountable for a $29 million annual operating budget, a $3–20 million capital program, and stewardship of a fleet valued at more than $200 million, the President and CEO will develop and execute a -long-term vision for OSTC, ensure strong governance and accountability within the provincial framework, and foster a best -in -class, safety -first, customer -centric organization. This role combines executive leadership, public stewardship, and organizational transformation, including leadership of a highly engaged workforce of approximately 200 staff, stewardship of a four vessel fleet, and relationship building with government, communities, Indigenous partners, unions, and key interest holders, set against the exceptional lifestyle offered by Georgian Bay.

Here, you don’t have to choose between career growth and personal wellbeing. You can build something meaningful, lead at the highest level, and integrate mental and physical health into your everyday life.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Direction

• Execute the strategic direction, operating model, and short- and long-term goals approved by the Board to advance OSTC’s mandate as a provincial agency. 

• Provide thought leadership to drive organizational priorities, innovation, and transformation within a complex, seasonal operating environment.  

Operational Excellence & Service Delivery

• Oversee ferry transportation operations across three distinct regions, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery aligned with community needs. 

• Develop and implement operational strategies that address the complexities of diverse operating models, vessels, and assets.  

Governance, Risk & Accountability

• Ensure strong governance, accountability, and compliance with provincial directives, including the Agencies and Appointments Directive, Annual Letter of Direction (ALOD), and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

• Identify, mitigate, and report on strategic, operational, financial, and reputational risks, including crisis and emergency response.  

Financial Stewardship & Resource Management

• Oversee budget planning, financial performance, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility, value for money, and regulatory compliance. 

• Explore and implement revenue generation and cost effectiveness opportunities while safeguarding public assets.  

People Leadership & Stakeholder Relations

• Lead, develop, and support a high performing executive and team, fostering a safety first, inclusive, and engaged organizational culture.

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with government, communities, Indigenous partners, unions, and key interest holders, acting as OSTC’s principal spokesperson.  

Qualifications

• A degree in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, Communications, or a related field, complemented by significant strategic and operational leadership experience in the public and/or private sector.  

• A Master of Business Administration (MBA), Certified Professional Accountant (CPA), or Certified Human Resource Executive (CHRE) designation is considered an asset. 

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, including at least 5 years at the executive level (e.g., Vice President, Director, or equivalent). 

• Demonstrated executive leadership experience within public sector organizations is a strong asset. 

• Proven expertise leading complex, large-scale organizational transformation and change initiatives. 

• Experience in a marine or transportation operating environment is considered an asset. 

To apply for this key role, please fill out the application form below.

Application deadline: Monday, April 27, 2026

AI will not be used in the candidate screening process.

This is an existing position with a current vacancy.