Project Manager, Acceptance

Irving Shipbuilding; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipbuilding company located in Dartmouth, Canada, seeks a skilled Project Manager, Acceptance. This role focuses on managing validation and acceptance activities for the River Class Destroyer program. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in defense contracting and a strong grasp of project management principles. This is a full-time position requiring in-office presence.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in defense contracting, ideally in naval/maritime programs.
• PMP certification is an asset.
• Lean Six Sigma certification is an asset.
• 5+ years in project management within defense/design/construction industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead stakeholder reviews across scope, cost, schedule, and risk.
• Develop and communicate performance measures to stakeholders.
• Serve as SME for Validation and Acceptance.
• Manage change impacts across the enterprise.
• Analyze data to identify root causes and recommend solutions.
• Ensure compliance with ISI regulations.

Skills

Project management principles

Risk management

Scheduling

Budgeting

Continuous improvement methodologies

Education

Post-secondary degree in business, engineering, or related field

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a skilled Project Manager, Acceptance to lead the Validation and Acceptance activities for the River Class Destroyer (RCD) program. This role blends technical expertise in defense contracting with disciplined project management to ensure successful delivery of whole-ship acceptance milestones. You will manage performance tracking, change control, and reporting, while driving quality, risk mitigation, and process improvements. Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, you'll ensure acceptance criteria are clearly defined, governed, and executed to standard.

Responsibilities

• Lead stakeholder reviews across scope, cost, schedule, and risk.
• Develop and communicate performance measures to internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as SME for Validation and Acceptance, establishing governance structures.
• Manage change impacts across the enterprise.
• Analyze data to identify root causes and recommend solutions.
• Ensure compliance with ISI regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Provide leadership to project teams and contribute to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in business, engineering, or related field.
• 7-10 years of experience in defense contracting, ideally in naval/maritime programs.
• Strong knowledge of project management principles; PMP certification is an asset.
• Continuous improvement certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma) is an asset.
• Proven experience in scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and performance tracking.
• 5+ years in project management within defense/design/construction industries.
• Experience in ship delivery, transition, and acceptance for major programs.

Due to the nature of work, 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 are 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.