Strategic Planning Student / Co-op- Winter 2026

J.D. Irving, Limited; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipbuilding company in Dartmouth is seeking a motivated student for a full-time co-op in Strategic Planning. You'll collaborate with teams to shape business objectives and support leadership meetings. Ideal candidates should be enrolled in a business-related undergraduate program and have excellent communication skills. This role provides a chance to engage with senior leadership and develop skills in a vital industry.

Benefits

Up to $1000 covered in co-op program fees

Qualifications

• Track record of strong academic performance.
• Willingness to grow and take on new challenges.
• Genuine interest in the shipbuilding or marine industry.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Strategic Planning team.
• Support industry benchmarking initiatives.
• Contribute to monthly director meetings.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Organizational skills

Education

Enrollment in a 4-year undergraduate program

Job description

Overview

Step into a role where your contributions truly matter. As a valued member of our team, you’ll play a key part in driving forward exciting new construction programs, working on impactful projects that shape the future of shipbuilding in Canada.

This is more than just a co-op placement — it’s your gateway to building meaningful connections with business leaders, collaborating with talented colleagues, and joining a vibrant community of fellow co-op students at ISI. You’ll gain firsthand exposure to Strategic Planning, and discover what a long-term career at Irving Shipbuilding can look like.

Expect broad visibility across the business and opportunities to engage with senior leadership — giving you a front-row seat to how big ideas become reality.

And because we believe in investing in your future, Irving Shipbuilding proudly covers up to $1000 in co-op program fees to support your journey.

Qualifications

What You Bring to the Table:

We’re looking for a motivated and curious student who’s ready to dive into a fast-paced, high-impact environment. The ideal candidate will have:

• Enrollment in a 4-year undergraduate program — business-related disciplines preferred, but all fields are welcome.
• A track record of strong academic performance and a passion for learning.
• 0–2 years of experience, with a willingness to grow and take on new challenges.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills — you’re someone who listens, collaborates, and finds solutions.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• A natural ability to organize and prioritize tasks, learn quickly, and adapt to shifting demands.
• A high level of professionalism and discretion, especially when supporting senior leadership and participating in board-level meetings.
• A genuine interest in the shipbuilding, defense, or marine industry, and a desire to be part of something big.

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

What You’ll Be Doing:

As part of the Strategic Planning team, you’ll be at the heart of driving business performance and operational excellence. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with the Strategic Planning team to help shape and manage core business objectives.
• Supporting industry benchmarking initiatives, helping us stay competitive and informed.
• Contributing to monthly director meetings by preparing materials and insights that guide decision-making.
• Assisting with quarterly business reviews, ensuring leadership has the data and context they need.
• Coordinating phase two of our Service Level Agreement (SLA) framework, helping elevate service standards across the organization.