Overview

Are you looking to become a part of Canada’s shipbuilding industry and the regeneration of shipbuilding tradition? Apply today to join a dedicated, diverse team that is forging a bright future for Canadian shipbuilding at one of the most modern shipyards in North America.

Vancouver Shipyards, based in North Vancouver, has a very lively 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 Polar Icebreaker and several Multi-Purpose Vessels.

The General Supervisor, Welding is responsible for leading teams of Welders and Steel Fabricators (Shipfitters) on ship construction projects. This individual leads all aspects of their team and ensures that work is carried out in accordance with shipyard safety, quality, environmental standards, policies, and procedures.

To ensure standards are met, the successful candidate will regularly supervise and manage performance against project schedule, cost, and labour requirements. This includes daily goal setting, process improvement, developing team members skills, and approving employee timecards and leave requests, while ensuring the collective agreement is applied appropriately. The position reports directly to an Area Manager and requires significant interaction with Trades Managers and Operations leadership.

Vancouver Shipyards is a 24/5 Operation with occasional weekend work as required. Currently there are opportunities for both day and afternoon shifts but are also open to candidates who might be interested in night shift work. These positions lead teams who will work the following hours:

Day Shift: 06:16 – 14:30

Afternoon Shift: 15:00 – 23:00

Night Shift: 21:30 – 05:30

Duties/Accountabilities

Implements and carries out Seaspan’s health, safety, environmental and quality processes on the shop floor and strives to eliminate safety hazards at every opportunity.

Assumes accountability for safety, cost, schedule, and quality performance in area of responsibility.

Committed to the continued improvement of performance, quality, and effort of the welding team.

Responsible for delivering product and customer quality standards.

Allocates team accordingly with schedule and priorities, assigning work to trades employees with the skill and ability to efficiently complete scheduled work.

Follows and implements the Collective Agreement and standard methodologies to lead trades employees optimally.

Responsible for reprimanding, including performance and attendance management, termination of employment and assigning or removing chargehand responsibilities from trades employees.

Partners with Trade Development Managers to ensure trades employees have the skills, equipment, training, and certifications required to perform.

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.

Works with Management to eliminate inefficient work practices and promotes continuous process improvement daily.

Works with Trade leadership establish daily and weekly goals and holds employees accountable.

Reports internally on work process and status to Area Managers and/or SOC Managers.

Promotes a work environment that is respectful and harassment-free.

Works collaboratively with Health & Safety, 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/or trades certifications in welding.

A minimum of 3 years previous supervisory experience in a heavy industry, preferably in a unionized environment.

Minimum of 5 years of related trades work experience outside of any trades apprenticeship or educational program.

Proficient knowledge of trade responsibilities specific to heavy manufacturing in welding or metal fabrication.

Skills, Knowledge and Required Competencies

Dedication to safety and quality, with experience in the application of behavioural based safety.

Strong written, verbal, and electronic communication skills.

Time management and organization skills with a proven dedication to follow-up and follow-through.

Ability to equip others, lead change, have difficult conversations and coordinate discipline when required.

Conflict resolution and influencing skills to resolve disagreements quickly and efficiently, bringing a problem-solving mentality.

Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with others towards a shared goal.

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.