Job Description
Reporting to the Executive Vice President, the Vice President & General Manager (VP&GM) of Victoria Shipyards is the top executive responsible for the Shipyard's overall strategic, operational and financial success. This role manages a large multidisciplinary team involved in complex ship repair, manufacturing, maintenance, modernization and conversion projects for both government and commercial clients. The VP&GM ensures that Victoria Shipyards delivers safe, high‑quality, on‑time and within‑budget results while fostering a culture of operational excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.
The position is responsible for long‑term business growth, customer satisfaction, workforce development, and alignment with Seaspan Shipyards’ strategic priorities. As a key member of the Seaspan Shipyards senior leadership team, the VP & GM works closely with peers across Vancouver Shipyards, Vancouver Drydock and corporate functions to enhance enterprise‑wide performance and uphold Seaspan’s values and reputation as a trusted partner in Canada’s maritime industry.
Note: Due to business needs, this position must be fully on‑site at 825 Admirals Road, Victoria.
What You'll Do
Develop and implement the long‑term strategic plan for Victoria Shipyards, ensuring it aligns with Seaspan’s enterprise strategy, customer needs and market opportunities. Oversee annual business planning, capital planning and performance management processes.
Oversee all shipyard operations, including production, project management, engineering, supply chain, quality and facilities. Ensure all programs run safely, efficiently and reliably, focusing on schedule adherence, cost control and technical excellence.
Promote a proactive safety culture and ensure adherence to Seaspan’s safety management systems, regulatory requirements and environmental standards.
Manage the shipyard’s P&L, including revenue, margins, capital expenditures and operating budgets. Promote cost savings, productivity gains and strict financial controls.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders, including the Royal Canadian Navy, Department of National Defence, Public Service & Procurement Canada, other government partners, commercial clients and local First Nations. Represent Victoria Shipyards at industry forums, community events and regulatory meetings.
Lead a diverse workforce of unionized trades, technical professionals and management staff. Foster a culture of respect, inclusion, collaboration and ongoing learning. Support talent growth, succession planning and labor relations.
Provide executive oversight of major ship repair and modernization programs, ensuring effective risk identification, mitigation, escalation. Support contract negotiations, change management and claims resolution.
Collaborate closely with Seaspan’s senior leadership team to share best practices, align processes and support enterprise initiatives in digital transformation, sustainability, supply chain resilience and operational integration.
What You'll Bring
Degree in Engineering, Business Administration or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. A master’s degree is considered an asset.
Over 15 years of leadership in shipbuilding, repair, heavy manufacturing, defence, marine operations or related industries.
Demonstrated success in overseeing large‑scale operations with significant workforce, safety and financial responsibilities.
Experience with government, defence or regulated industries is highly preferred.
Experience managing unionized environments and working with labor partners.
Strong financial expertise in P&L management, capital planning and cost control.
Extensive experience leading initiatives for organisational change, ongoing improvement and operational transformation.
Extensive understanding of project management methods, risk mitigation and contract handling.
Proficient in operational planning, resource management and performance assessment.
Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Why you’ll love working here
Full‑time permanent position reporting directly to the Executive Vice President.
In addition to an annual bonus and pension plan, this role provides a competitive salary in line with your experience.
Best‑in‑class health and wellness benefits package, including extended health care, dental, vision, life insurance, medical leave, parental leave, childcare partnership, $500 personal spending account and Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
Join an amazing team supporting each other’s success.
Estimated salary: $300,000 – $360,000. Final offer based on candidate’s skill set, experience, location and internal equity.
About Us
Seaspan Shipyards is one of North America’s most modern shipyards and unique in its ability to provide a complete range of services including new construction, conversion, refit, repair and life‑cycle maintenance for Canada’s Coast Guard and Navy as well as commercial vessels such as cruise ships and deep‑sea vessels. Operations include Vancouver Shipyards, Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards.
To learn more, visit www.seaspan.com.
This position may involve defence articles and/or technical data regulated by the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the U.S. Arms Export Control Act. In compliance with ITAR, the successful candidate will be subject to a security clearance through the Canadian Controlled Goods Program as regulated by the Controlled Goods Regulations and Defense Production Act. The successful candidate will be required to maintain their security clearance throughout employment.
Seaspan is committed to Employment Equity, supports diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous persons and persons with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at recruit@seaspan.com for confidential support.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment.
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