Head of Operations - Ship Repair

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, security and energy transition ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

Job Description

Highly motivated and experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead our team of Ship Repair professionals in Belfast in what is a fast paced, reactive business unit servicing Cruise, Ferry, Commercial, Offshore and Defence marine market sectors.

The Senior Operations Manager will oversee the overall strategic, operational, and financial performance of the Ship Repair business unit. The postholder provides vision, leadership, and direction to ensure the safe, profitable, and high-quality delivery of projects across cruise, ferry, commercial, offshore, and defence markets.

This role oversees end-to-end project and operational delivery, driving excellence through strong leadership, financial discipline, and effective management of complex, multi-stakeholder marine projects. They will champion safety, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver consistent results aligned with company strategy, customer expectations, and long-term business growth objectives.

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Ship Repair business unit, ensuring delivery against agreed financial, operational, and customer objectives.
• Lead the development and execution of the Ship Repair strategy in line with the company’s vision and wider company objectives.
• Drive a high-performance culture through effective leadership, coaching, and talent development.
• Oversee all project delivery, ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, quality, and safety standards.
• Manage business unit P&L, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth through efficiency, innovation, and market development.
• Foster strong customer relationships and act as the senior point of contact for major clients, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and company requirements, including HSEQ standards and risk management processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments (Engineering, Commercial, Procurement, HR, Finance) to optimise business and project performance.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and process improvements to strengthen competitive advantage.
• Prepare and present reports to executive management on business unit performance, forecasts, and strategic initiatives.
• Represent the company at industry forums, conferences, and key customer meetings.

Qualifications

• Degree level, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Project Management or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in similar role, showing a career path from either a marine or ship repair background. Showing relevant experience in ship repair, marine, or offshore operations, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity.
• Proven record of leading large-scale ship repair or refit operations, managing cross-functional teams, and delivering commercial success.
• Strong financial management and analytical skills, with proven experience managing P&L accountability.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles preferred.
• High awareness of HSEQ standards and marine industry compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Power BI, and project management tools.

Additional Information

On offer

• Competitive salary
• Company pension
• Life Assurance
• L&D opportunities

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, we commit to a fair and unbiased recruitment process at every stage. This includes ensuring hiring managers are aware of legislation, providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, and actively seeking to eliminate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a recruitment environment where every candidate feels valued and has an equal chance to succeed.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.