Overview
Vancouver Shipyards, based in North Vancouver, has a very busy and exciting year ahead, as we continue to make progress on the first of two 174m long Joint Support Ships (JSS) for the Royal Canadian Navy – the largest ships ever built in Canada! We are also constructing an Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) for the Canadian Coast Guard and have secured significant contracts to build a second JSS, a Polar Icebreaker and several Multi-Purpose Vessels. These projects will bring long-term job stability for many years to come.
Now is the best time to be part of Canada’s shipbuilding industry. Join us and be part of the regeneration of the shipbuilding tradition and become a member of a talented, diverse team that is forging a bright future for Canadian shipbuilding at one of the most modern shipyards in North America.
The General Supervisor, Steel Fabrication (Ship-fitting) is responsible for managing teams of multi-discipline trades workers, resolves staffing requirements, and coordinates work assignments within an assigned Area. This individual is responsible for ensuring all work is carried out in accordance with shipyard safety, quality, and environment standards, policies and procedures.
To ensure standards are met the General Supervisor will regularly check on performance, conduct performance management tasks, including but not limited to: disciplining trades employees, approving trade employee time cards, trade employee leave requests and ensuring the collective agreement is applied appropriately. The position reports directly to an Area Manager or SOC Manager and requires significant interaction with Trade Managers.
Duties/Accountabilities
Assumes accountability for safety, cost, schedule and quality performance in area of responsibility.
Implements and enforces Seaspan’s health, safety, environmental and quality processes on the shop floor and strives to eliminate safety hazards at every opportunity.
Responsible for delivering product and customer quality standards.
Allocates labour force accordingly with schedule and priorities, assigning work to trade employees with the skill and ability to efficiently complete scheduled work.
Follows and implements the collective agreement and standard methodologies to lead trades employees effectively.
Responsible for discipline, including performance and attendance management, termination of employment and assigning or removing chargehand responsibilities of trades employees.
Partners with Trade Development Managers to ensure trade employees have the skills, equipment, training and certifications required to perform planned work activities.
Responsible for interpreting work order specifications and manufacturing information by ensuring work orders are completed, keeping updated on standards, changes in plans and provision of materials.
Assists in the determining of work plans, sequences and schedules and may be required to assist in preparing estimates.
Investigates workplace incidents and completes Drug & Alcohol checklists and testing as required.
Responsible for timekeeping administration and approval for both direct and indirect reports.
Ensures work crews minimize waste expense and unnecessary delays in construction or repair work.
Works with Management to eliminate inefficient work practices and promotes continuous process improvement (“CPI”) daily.
Collaborates with front line supervision to establish daily and weekly goals and holds employees accountable for performance.
Reports internally on work process and status to Area Managers and/or SOC Managers.
Raises technical trade issues and implements solutions as identified.
Promotes a work environment that is respectful and harassment-free.
Works closely with Trade Development Managers, HSE, Quality, Human Resources and the Employee Relations teams as required.
Leads by example and demonstrates Seaspan’s core values.
Carries out other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Must have Red Seal and trades certifications
Minimum 5 years of related trades work experience outside of any trades apprenticeship or educational program.
A minimum of an additional 3 years of previous supervisory experience in a heavy industrial environment, preferably in a unionized environment.
Proficient knowledge of trade responsibilities specific to heavy manufacturing (welding, metal fabrication, electrical, pipefitting, paint/sandblasting, mechanical, rigging, etc.).
Skills, Knowledge and Required Proficiencies
Strong written, verbal and electronic communication skills.
Time management and organization skills with a demonstrated dedication to follow-up and follow-through.
Ability to empower others, lead change, have difficult conversations and coordinate discipline when required.
Conflict resolution and negotiation skills to resolve disagreements quickly and optimally, bringing a problem-solving demeanour to conflicting approaches and priorities.
Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with others towards a shared goal.
Dedication to safety and quality, with experience in the application of behavioural based safety.
Appreciation and understanding of the value of diversity within a team.
Proficiency with MS Office products and web-based applications
Seaspan is committed to Employment Equity, supports diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including, women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities. Furthermore, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment. If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will work with you to support your request.