Material Supervisor

Irving Shipbuilding; Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian shipbuilding company in Halifax is seeking an experienced Material Supervisor to lead a unionized warehouse team. This role is critical for ensuring the efficient flow of materials supporting production across the site. The ideal candidate will have a strong safety focus, supervisory experience, and a proactive problem-solving approach. This full-time position requires a presence on-site, contributing to a dynamic production-driven environment. Join us in making history in shipbuilding!

Qualifications

• 5+ years of supervisory experience, including 2+ years in warehouse management.
• 6+ years of experience in logistics or distribution within shipbuilding or similar.
• Experience leading a unionized workforce safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with procedures.
• Support timely and accurate material delivery to trades.
• Drive continuous improvement and implement best practices in operations.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Safety culture promotion

Problem-solving

Strong communication

Education

Post-secondary education in a related field

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

We're looking for an experienced Material Supervisor to lead and inspire a unionized warehouse team of 10-12 employees, working alongside hundreds of skilled trades. In this critical role, you will ensure the safe, efficient, and seamless flow of materials that support production activities across the site.
You will oversee receiving, shipping, issuing, and delivering materials - while maintaining exceptional inventory accuracy within your area. As a hands‑on leader, you'll drive safety culture, support multiple trades, uphold quality standards, and take full ownership of your crew's performance and development.
If you are a proactive problem-solver, a strong communicator, and a leader who thrives in a dynamic, production‑driven environment, this role is for you.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Warehouse Operations

• Champion a strong safety culture; ensure all work begins only after DPS and Safe Start procedures are completed.
• Participate in daily production meetings to share material updates and contribute to planning.
• Monitor operations to ensure priorities are met and deliverables stay on track.
• Support trades—including rigging, welding, fitting, outfitting, HVAC, pipe, mechanical, and electrical—through timely and accurate material delivery.

Communication & Coordination

• Support the team with issue resolution and help define daily priorities.
• Prepare, develop, and present reports as required.
• Maintain communication boards with up‑to‑date production and schedule metrics.

Achieving Results

• Set clear commitments and consistently follow through—going beyond "just getting it done."
• Anticipate and manage risks or unexpected challenges to maintain seamless operations.
• Drive and reinforce strong business practices while modeling organizational values.

Driving Continuous Improvement

• Seek out best practices, generate new ideas, and implement improvements to enhance operations.
• Demonstrate innovation and encourage a culture of "finding a better way every day."
• Support change initiatives and motivate others to embrace new ways of working.
• Measure the effectiveness of changes and ensure improvements deliver meaningful results.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post‑secondary education in a related field.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience, including 2+ years in warehouse, inventory control, logistics, or distribution. Experience in shipbuilding or ship repair is an asset.
• 6+ years of experience in warehouse, inventory control, logistics, or distribution within shipbuilding, defence, manufacturing, or a similar environment.
• Proven success leading a unionized workforce safely and efficiently.

Due to the nature of 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).
Please note this position requires a full‑time, in‑office presence.

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.