Project Manager, Health and Safety Governance

Job summary

Lead strategic, cross-functional initiatives to improve the HSE function and Safety Management System Framework. Manage the full project lifecycle, including scope, budget, and risk mitigation, while providing progress reporting to leadership.

Job details

Job Description Are you ready to lead meaningful change and elevate safety performance? As a Project Manager, HSE Governance, you will drive the effectiveness and continuous improvement of our HSE function and Safety Management System Framework by leading strategic, cross-functional initiatives that make a real impact. In this role, you’ll apply risk-based thinking, champion strong stakeholder engagement, and bring discipline to project delivery—overseeing everything from benchmarking and documentation development to change management and implementation. You’ll also partner closely with HSE leaders, providing project management support through clear progress reporting and thoughtful resource planning. If you’re passionate about turning strategy into action and shaping a safer, stronger organization, this is your opportunity to step in and make it happen— apply today. Responsibilities Identify, assess, and advance opportunities for improvement within the Irving Shipbuilding (ISI) Safety Management Framework. Translate performance insights, risk data, audit findings, and stakeholder input into well-defined initiatives aligned with HSE priorities and business objectives. Independently plan, execute, and deliver strategic projects that enhance the effectiveness, maturity, and sustainability of the HSE function. Maintain full accountability for project scope, schedule, budget, risks, dependencies, and delivery of intended outcomes and benefits. Define project charters, governance structures, and success criteria in alignment with established project management and HSE governance frameworks. Monitor project performance and provide accurate, timely reporting on progress, risks, issues, and dependencies to leadership and governance bodies. Prepare and maintain core project artefacts including schedules, statements of work, resource plans, and risk registers. Proactively identify and manage project-related risks, developing mitigation strategies and escalating issues in accordance with governance requirements. Qualifications Post-secondary degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field; equivalent experience considered. 5 to 7 years of progressive project management experience leading complex initiatives in regulated, operational, or technical environments. Strong command of project management principles across the full lifecycle; PMP preferred (CAPM considered with experience). Experience applying change management methodologies (e.g., Prosci, ADKAR) to drive successful adoption. Knowledge of continuous improvement practices (Lean, Six Sigma); certification or willingness to obtain is an asset. Familiarity with governance-driven environments, including compliance, risk management, and program oversight is an asset. Strong self-management, organization, and prioritization skills with the ability to work independently. Excellent communication skills, including presenting to senior leadership and governance groups. Collaborative team player with clear accountability for deliverables. 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. 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. We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 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. We invite applications from all qualified candidates, including racially visible persons, women in underrepresented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self-identify.

What you’ll do

Lead strategic, cross-functional initiatives to improve the HSE function and Safety Management System Framework. Manage the full project lifecycle, including scope, budget, and risk mitigation, while providing progress reporting to leadership.

Requirements

Requires a post-secondary degree in Engineering, Business, or Project Management with 5 to 7 years of progressive project management experience. PMP certification and experience with change management methodologies like Prosci or ADKAR are preferred.

Listed skills

• Continuous Improvement · Preferred
• Change Management · Preferred
• Compliance · Preferred
• Risk Management · Preferred
• Reporting · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Lean · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Project Management
• HSE Governance
• Risk Management
• Change Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Continuous Improvement
• Resource Planning
• Budget Management
• Strategic Planning
• Compliance
• Reporting
• Lean
• Six Sigma
• Safety Management Systems
• Cross-functional Leadership

Job areas

• Security & Safety
• Management & Leadership
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Environmental & Sustainability