Production Supervisor, Paint

Irving Shipbuilding; Halifax; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding is seeking a Production Supervisor, Paint (AOPS) to lead multi-disciplinary, unionized crews across shipyard and naval dockyard settings. You will drive safety, quality, and production excellence, delivering outcomes that impact customer satisfaction and company success.

You will oversee schedules, defects resolution, and adherence to trade norms while collaborating with cross-functional teams to influence build strategies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of supervisory experience (2+ in production) in shipbuilding, defense, or manufacturing.
• Strong leadership, time management, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to lead in shipyard and client-embedded environments.
• Familiarity with industrial marine construction and repair practices.
• Excellent communication and emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated ability to drive results and manage change effectively.
• Commitment to continuous learning and personal development.

Responsibilities

• Champion a strong safety culture by enforcing HSE policies and ensuring all work begins with a DPS and Safe Start.
• Lead and manage crews to meet production schedules, quality standards, and project milestones.
• Monitor and drive performance, ensuring timely resolution of defects and adherence to trade norms.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, providing updates on progress, risks, and metrics.
• Oversee accurate timekeeping and address noncompliance issues promptly.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying and implementing process enhancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence build and repair strategies.
• Ensure full accountability for crew output, safety, and adherence to company values.

Skills

Leadership

Time management

Conflict resolution

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Change management

Results oriented

Continuous learning

Education

Technical Diploma

Red Seal

AMPP coating inspector certification

NACE certification

CWB certification

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Are you ready to lead from the front in one of Canada's most exciting industrial environments? As a Production Supervisor, Paint (AOPS), you'll take charge of high-performing, multi-disciplinary unionized crews across shipyard and naval dockyard settings. You'll be the driving force behind safety, quality, and production excellence-delivering critical outcomes that directly impact customer satisfaction and company success. This is your opportunity to lead with purpose, solve complex challenges, and make a tangible difference every day. If you thrive in fast-paced, hands-on environments and are passionate about leading teams to success, we want to hear from you.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Champion a strong safety culture by enforcing HSE policies and ensuring all work begins with a DPS and Safe Start.
• Lead and manage crews to meet production schedules, quality standards, and project milestones.
• Monitor and drive performance, ensuring timely resolution of defects and adherence to trade norms.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, providing updates on progress, risks, and metrics.
• Oversee accurate timekeeping and address noncompliance issues promptly.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying and implementing process enhancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence build and repair strategies.
• Ensure full accountability for crew output, safety, and adherence to company values.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Technical Diploma, Red Seal, or equivalent; relevant trade certifications (e.g., NACE, CWB) preferred.
• Coating inspector certification from the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is required for new construction projects. Candidates without certification where required upon hire will need to successfully complete the training and certification process within a reasonable timeframe.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience (2+ in production), or 6+ years of trade experience in shipbuilding, defense, or manufacturing.
• Strong leadership, time management, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to lead in both shipyard and client-embedded environments.
• Familiarity with industrial marine construction and repair practices.
• Excellent communication and emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated ability to drive results and manage change effectively.
• Commitment to continuous learning and personal development.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We 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.
Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.
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.