Assistant Project Manager, Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships Program

Irving Shipbuilding; Halifax; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipbuilding company in Halifax is seeking an Assistant Project Manager to drive program execution and manage stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have a post-secondary degree and a minimum of three years' project management experience. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential. This full-time position requires in-office presence and involves managing complex projects within the defense sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of project management experience in relevant industries.
• Strong command of core project management practices.
• Project Management designation is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives under the guidance of program management.
• Integrate Program Management KPIs for operational efficiency.
• Ensure consistent alignment across departments.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Communication

Detail-oriented planning

Education

Post-secondary degree in business administration or engineering

Job description

Overview

JOB DESCRIPTION Are you a master of multitasking, a strategic thinker, and a natural-born problem solver? Join our crew as an Assistant Project Manager, where you'll be the captain steering projects from kickoff to completion! Reporting to a Program Manager, you'll be handed a scope of work and all the tools to succeed. You'll dive deep into the Statement of Work and Contract requirements, uncover root causes, and deliver smart, strategic solutions that keep stakeholders smiling. Your strengths include:

• Planning and tracking every detail like a pro
• Managing performance to hit every milestone
• Solving problems with precision and flair
• Communicating like a champ across teams

Responsibilities

• Drive Program Execution: Lead strategic initiatives under the guidance of the AOPS Project Manager, Program Manager and Director. Establish and maintain a unified management framework to ensure seamless program delivery.
• Align Performance Metrics: Integrate Program Management KPIs with broader organizational processes to maximize customer value and operational efficiency.
• Streamline Cross-Functional Communication: Design and implement high-level performance reporting methods. Ensure consistent alignment across AOPS departments to support unified execution.
• Deliver Insightful Reporting: Develop and enhance dashboards, metrics, and performance reports. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to gather and validate data.
• Lead Stakeholder Engagement: Manage communications with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment in performance management.
• Support Strategic Initiatives: Provide hands-on support for ad-hoc projects led by Program Managers, contributing to agile and responsive program operations.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field (Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of formal education).
• Minimum three years of project management experience in defense, design, or construction industries.
• Background in large-scale national contracts, project build sectors, or heavy industrial environments is an asset.
• Proven ability to manage stakeholders, collaborate across teams, and deliver results proactively.
• Strong command of core project management practices: scheduling, lean methodologies, budgeting, forecasting, performance tracking, and risk management.
• Project Management designation (e.g., PMI) is an asset.
• Continuous improvement certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt) is an asset.

Due to the nature of the work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

This position requires a full-time, in-office presence at the Halifax Shipyard. The successful candidate will also be required to complete a mandatory drug test due to the health and safety requirements of the work environment.

About Us

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About the Team

Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada's National Shipbuilder. Our team is constructing more than 20 modern patrol ships and destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard as part of the largest defence procurement project in Canadian history.

By joining our team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders, you can enjoy a dynamic and exciting career with a company dedicated to your success, development, and safety.

At Irving Shipbuilding, we're making history - why not make it with us? Learn more about careers at Irving Shipbuilding: shipsforcanada.ca/opportunities.

We invite applications from all qualified candidates, including racially visible persons, women in underrepresented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self-identify.