Area Manager, Test and Trials

Irving Shipbuilding; Halifax; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipbuilding company in Halifax seeks a Trials Manager to oversee safety, quality, cost, and schedule performance across trades. The Trials Manager will lead multi-disciplined teams in executing the trials and commissioning program, ensuring adherence to safety policies, scheduling, and logistics. Ideal candidates should have at least 10 years in naval ship testing or complex shipbuilding, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in MS Office. This role offers a dynamic environment where proactive problem solving is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in naval ship testing or complex shipbuilding.
• Ability to work in a diverse workforce.
• Energetic self-starter who enjoys fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for trials supervisors and trades teams.
• Schedule and coordinate multi-trade activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies.
• Monitor adherence to project schedules.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Strong leadership abilities

Proficiency in MS Office

Experience in team-oriented environments

Education

University degree or equivalent

Red Seal Trade certification

Commercial or military marine engineering certification

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Trials Manager is responsible for managing safety, quality, cost and schedule performance across all trades and management teams in their assigned area. Trials Manager will lead efforts across multi-disciplined teams to execute the test, set-to-work, trials, and commissioning program for each ship, and are directly responsible for all work assigned and performed in their area. The Trials Manager is expected to engage in a hands‑on, proactive manner to get ahead of issues before they impact the trials program, while holding each team member accountable for their performance. The Trials Manager will also work with their peers in other departments to plan and coordinate material deliveries, troubleshoot complex technical issues, inspect work quality, and identify design issues throughout the build cycle.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide managerial leadership and oversight for a multi-skilled team of trials supervisors and unionized trades team members to execute the test, set-to-work, trials, commissioning, troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment and systems onboard new construction and ship repair areas for assigned area of responsibility.
• Scheduling and coordinating the multi‑trade activities.
• Constantly review multi‑trade loading / direction of crews to ensure efficient logistics and timing and delivery of work.
• Daily monitor and govern the adherence to the detailed schedule (daily management).
• Ensure compliance with all Company Environmental, Health and Safety policies and identify and suggest changes to promote safety awareness.
• Coordinate the timely supply of information and material flows, to ensure successful execution of work.
• Proactively removing barriers to ensure production continuity and escalating items as required.
• Ensure that 'lessons learned' are captured, documented and incorporated to prevent future delays/ issues.
• Provide 5S leadership for their designated areas.
• Develop and evaluate team of supervisors and Engineers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree, Red Seal Trade certification, college diploma, commercial or military marine engineering certification
• 10+ years of experience testing naval ships in a new construction program or similarly complex commercial shipbuilding experience, or comparable relevant experience in naval ship modernization and overhaul.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse workforce.
• Excellent computer system skills; MS Office
• People leadership experience.
• Customer focused individual with exceptional interpersonal and communications skills.
• Energetic self-starter who enjoys working in a fast paced, team-orientated environment.