BC Ferries is one of the world’s largest and most complex ferry systems, connecting coastal communities across more than 1,000 miles of West Coast shoreline. As an essential transportation provider operating under a unique public–interest mandate, the organization is entering an important phase of renewal — strengthening reliability, modernizing its fleet and terminals, and deepening accountability to its regulators, customers, and the communities it serves.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CEO, the General Counsel is the senior legal, governance, and regulatory leader for the organization — a strategic advisor to the Board, the Executive Team, and senior operational leaders.

This role sits at the center of BC Ferries’ most important decisions. You will guide the organization through significant commercial activity, major capital programs, regulatory oversight, privacy and information-management demands, and Board governance. You’ll lead a high-performing Corporate Affairs team spanning Legal, Regulatory, Privacy, and Corporate Secretary functions, shaping both corporate strategy and day-to-day execution.

For a senior in-house leader seeking scope, visibility, and mission-driven impact, this is a rare opportunity: a chance to influence a system relied upon by millions of passengers each year and help steward one of British Columbia’s most visible and community-anchored organizations.

What You’ll Lead

• Strategic legal and governance advice to the CEO, Board, and Executive Team
• Oversight of major commercial transactions, contracts, regulatory compliance, and litigation
• Enterprise-level risk management aligned with BC Ferries’ operational and service goals
• Relationships with the Office of the BC Ferry Commission, BC Ferry Authority Board, and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
• Leadership of the Corporate Affairs team and the full Legal, Regulatory, Privacy, and Corporate Secretary portfolios
• Strengthening governance processes and ensuring compliance with the Coastal Ferry Act, Coastal Ferry Services Contract, FOIPPA, and related frameworks

Who You Are

• 10+ years’ experience with deep in-house or mixed practice experience
• Experience providing senior level strategic legal advice in a highly visible and regulated capital-intensive business
• Strategic Thinker – strong business judgment and the ability to navigate complexity with clarity
• Team Leader — capable of setting direction, developing talent, and shaping culture
• Comfortable operating at the intersection of public accountability, commercial discipline, and community impact

Location

Based in Victoria, British Columbia, at BC Ferries’ head office. Hybrid flexibility is available.

How to Apply

This is an exclusive search. For more information or to apply in confidence, please contact Warren Smith (warren@smithlegalsearch.com) or Trevin Sewell (trevin@smithlegalsearch.com).