Project Manager, Acceptance

J.D. Irving, Limited; Halifax; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Halifax is seeking a skilled Project Manager, Acceptance, to lead validation and acceptance activities for the River Class Destroyer program. This role requires strong project management expertise in defense contracting and involves performance tracking, change control, and driving quality within a compliance-focused environment. Candidates should have a relevant degree and significant experience in naval/maritime projects.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in defense contracting, ideally in naval/maritime programs.
• 5+ years in project management within defense/design/construction industries.
• Experience in ship delivery, transition, and acceptance for major programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead stakeholder reviews across scope, cost, schedule, and risk.
• Develop and communicate performance measures to stakeholders.
• Manage change impacts across the enterprise.
• Analyze data to identify root causes and recommend solutions.
• Provide leadership to project teams.

Skills

Defense contracting expertise

Project management principles

Scheduling and budgeting

Risk management

Continuous improvement

Education

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

Tools

PMP certification

Lean Six Sigma certification

Job description

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.

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 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.

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.