Planner III (Change Planning) at Seaspan ULC

Job Description

The Planner III (Change Planning) is an experienced planning professional responsible for leading complex change planning activities across shipbuilding programs. This role focuses exclusively on engineering change, with an emphasis on sequencing and implementing Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) in a manner that minimizes disruption to production.

As a technical expert in change implementation, the Planner III develops sequencing strategies, coordinates cross-functional inputs, and identifies schedule risks before they impact production. Working closely with Engineering, Assembly Planning, Detail Planning, Production Control, Supply Chain, and Production teams, the Planner III ensures changes are efficiently sequenced, aligned with evolving build strategies, and that reforested or overdue tasks are communicated promptly to the appropriate teams. The role participates in cross-functional discussions and provides planning expertise to support decision-making related to change implementation.

Note: Due to business needs, this position is required to be fully on-site at 50 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the development of implementation strategies and detailed schedules for Production Impact ECNs, ensuring sequencing minimizes production disruption
• Analyze change scope, block/production zone status, and production readiness to determine optimal in-sequence or out-of-sequence planning approaches.
• Schedule WCT ECNs in alignment with SOC priorities, block/PZ progress, and upcoming production windows.
• Support Supply Chain in evaluating subcontractor schedule impacts and providing planning inputs for negotiations.
• Prepare and deliver clear communication regarding ECN plans, risk areas, alternatives, and scheduling rationales.
• Establish and follow up on tasks due across assignment groups (Engineering, Planning, etc.).
• Support the Stop Work process by assessing shop order and production impacts, establishing SW due dates, attending Stop Work meetings, and applying Stop Works in the MRP system (IFS/Oracle). Responsible for monitoring and following up with Engineering and Planning on any overdue Stop Work actions.
• Represent Planning in cross-departmental meetings and ensure alignment with organizational and program goals.
• Provide guidance to junior and mid-level planners; lead planning-focused initiatives and facilitate cross-functional working groups.
• Provide functional guidance to the team and support coordination of deliverables when the supervisor is unavailable. Develop, maintain and provide timely and accurate change status reporting to senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement in change planning processes, sequencing methodologies, and planning tools.
• Monitor program build plans and update change implementation schedules as strategies evolve.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, or a related field.
• Advanced certifications (e.g., Red Seal or equivalent Trade Certification, PMP, Lean Six Sigma).
  
  
  

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, or a related field.
• Advanced certifications (e.g., Red Seal or equivalent Trade Certification, PMP, Lean Six Sigma).
• 5-8 years of experience in change planning, production control, project coordination, project management, or build support engineering, preferably within shipbuilding or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency with planning and data tools, including ARAS, Jira, IFS/Oracle, Microsoft Power BI, and advanced Excel.
• Strong understanding of configuration control, change management workflows, and shipbuilding production sequences.
• Practical knowledge of electrical outfit, cable, pipe, mechanical, and steel manufacturing processes, specifically related to ECN impacts.
• Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to determine optimal sequencing to protect production.
• Strong influencing skills with the ability to build collaborative, cross-functional working relationships.
• Exceptional communication skills, capable of clearly conveying complex information to stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage high volumes of information and competing priorities under tight timelines.
• Self-starter with strong initiative, able to work independently with sound judgment, discretion, and accountability.
• Process improvement mindset with the ability to analyze workflow inefficiencies and recommend practical, scalable enhancements.
• Advanced reporting and data visualization capabilities, with the ability to translate complex data sets into clear dashboards, metrics, and executive-level summaries.
• Proactive problem-solving skills, able to anticipate risks, identify conflicts, and determine effective solutions.
• Ability to develop and maintain standardized processes, templates, and tools to improve consistency and efficiency across planning activities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, adapting to shifting priorities and program requirements.
• High level of ownership and accountability, consistently delivering high-quality work with limited oversight.
  
  
  

Why you’ll love working here

• This is a full-time, permanent position. With multiple operations and long-term projects, Seaspan employees enjoy job stability as we look ahead to build ships for decades to come .
• In addition to an annual bonus and pension plan matching, this role provides you with a very competitive salary in line with the successful candidate’s experience.
• We also provide the best-in-class health and wellness benefits package for this position, including things such as extended health care (i.e. paramedical services for massage therapy, speech therapy, mental health coverage, physiotherapy, and more), dental care, vision care, life insurance, medical leave coverage, parental leave coverage, childcare benefit partnership, $500 personal spending account, and an Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
• Free on-site gym.
• Parking is included and to assist those that are using transit, we operate a complimentary shuttle bus Monday through Friday with various pick up and drop off points around North Vancouver.
  
  
  

The estimated salary for this position is $99,000 - $121,000. In determining final salary, Seaspan considers many factors including the successful Candidate’s skills and experience as well as position location and internal equity. The final base salary offer will be at the Company’s sole discretion and presented as part of a competitive total compensation package.