Project Manager

Role Overview

Ontario Shipyards is seeking a full-time, permanent Project Manager for its St. Catharines, Ontario location. The position is intended for someone who can commute reliably to the site or relocate before beginning work. Compensation is targeted at $80,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience.

About the Company

Ontario Shipyards runs two major marine facilities on Lake Ontario: a primary fabrication center in Hamilton and the historic Port Weller Dry Docks on the Welland Canal in St. Catharines. Together, these yards represent the largest Canadian-owned ship repair and refit operation on the Great Lakes. The organization supports the Canadian Coast Guard and large commercial fleets with services ranging from advanced fabrication to major vessel life-extension work.

The company is entering a significant growth phase, supported by Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. In parallel, it is carrying out the Ontario Shipyard Modernization Project (OSMP), a multi-million-dollar initiative that is reshaping shipyard operations in Ontario and beyond. The team takes pride in maintaining the Great Lakes fleet and supporting the vessels that help power Canada’s economy.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Lead Deputy Project Manager, you will work closely with the Project Office, Production Managers, and Planning team to manage complex marine projects from start to finish. This is a hands-on role that requires regular presence in the ships, shops, and dry docks to confirm progress directly on the floor. You will convert technical scopes and timelines into workable deliverables while also managing budgets, controlling costs, and guiding each project through initiation, execution, monitoring, control, and closeout.

• Work with the Tendering Department to define project scope and build detailed schedules and manpower plans in Primavera P6.
• Allocate and prioritize tasks, set milestones, monitor deadlines, coordinate resources, control spending, and support Purchasing with material sourcing.
• Measure project progress through KPIs and provide weekly updates to the Lead Deputy Project Manager.
• Identify and address risks early, manage scope changes, and communicate change orders back to Tendering.
• Ensure deliverables meet quality expectations and prepare thorough project records, including photo-based and inspection documentation.
• Handle client communication, organize and run meetings, and help maintain strong customer relationships.
• Partner with Supervisors and skilled trades to share information, coordinate resources, act as a technical support resource, and promote continuous improvement.
• Take on other project-related duties as needed to support shipyard operations.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate holds a degree or diploma in Engineering, with Marine Engineering preferred. Mechanical or Civil Engineering will also be considered if supported by marine experience.

You should bring 3 to 5 years of construction experience in a Project Manager, Project Engineer, or Project Coordinator role. Preference will be given to applicants with at least 3 years of experience in marine repair, maintenance, or construction, including scheduling and sequencing marine work. Experience collaborating with skilled trades is important, as is the ability to read and interpret engineered design drawings.

Strong computer proficiency is required, particularly with Primavera P6, Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, and Project, and CAD tools. PMP certification is an asset.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive pay aligned with experience and skill level
• Health benefits covering medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage for employees and dependents
• RRSP matching and a Health Spending Account
• Paid vacation and statutory holidays
• Discounts on safety boots and safety glasses
• Opportunities for professional growth and specialized shipyard training
• On-site parking

Additional Information

This position is an immediate, active opening. Each application is reviewed manually by the recruitment team, and no AI or automated screening tools are used to assess candidates for this role.

Ontario Shipyards is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and accessible workplace. The company does not tolerate discrimination and provides equal employment opportunity in line with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Reasonable accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you need accommodation during hiring, you may notify Human Resources so your accessibility needs can be supported.