Senior Procurement Specialist, Ship Repair

Irving Shipbuilding; Halifax; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to lead full lifecycle procurement for complex ship repair programs. You will guide sourcing, supplier engagement, contract negotiations, and performance management across critical packages to ensure quality, safety, and timely delivery.

This hands-on role requires strategic insight and a proven track record in procurement within shipbuilding, aerospace/defence, or heavy manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of procurement experience in Shipbuilding, Aerospace/Defence, Heavy Manufacturing, or Construction.
• Proven ability to manage complex procurement lifecycles with precision and strategic insight.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and procurement tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies through in-depth market research and analysis.
• Lead stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment with project timelines and deliverables.
• Manage supplier relationships from pre-qualification through post-award, ensuring quality, safety, and delivery performance.
• Prepare and manage RFIs/RFPs, lead negotiations, and draft contracts and executive briefings.
• Oversee purchase order and invoice management to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement in delivery and quality standards.

Skills

Sourcing strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Contract negotiation

Supplier relationship mgmt

RFIs/RFPs

Education

Post-secondary education (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

Procurement tools

Job description

Job Description

Are you a seasoned procurement professional ready to take on a high-impact role in one of Canada's most significant naval programs? Join our dynamic team supporting ship repair and help shape the future of naval defense.
As a Senior Procurement Specialist, you'll be at the forefront of full lifecycle procurement for complex, high-value systems, equipment, and materials. You'll lead strategic sourcing, supplier engagement, contract negotiation, and performance management across a portfolio of critical procurement packages.
This is a hands-on, high-responsibility role where your expertise will directly influence the success of the ship repair program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies through in-depth market research and analysis.
• Lead stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment with project timelines and deliverables.
• Manage supplier relationships from pre-qualification through post-award, ensuring quality, safety, and delivery performance.
• Prepare and manage RFIs/RFPs, lead negotiations, and draft contracts and executive briefings.
• Oversee purchase order and invoice management to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement in delivery and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field (preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of procurement experience in Shipbuilding, Aerospace/Defence, Heavy Manufacturing, or Construction.
• Proven ability to manage complex procurement lifecycles with precision and strategic insight.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and procurement tools.

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.

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.