Project Director

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 country.

Job DescriptionProject Director – Methil | Navantia UKAbout Us Navantia UK is a trusted partner in delivering innovative naval solutions. As part of the global Navantia Group, we design, construct, and support advanced engineering projects that serve both defence and commercial sectors. With shipyards in Methil and Belfast, we are committed to investing in skills, technology, and long-term growth for the UK’s shipbuilding industry.

The Opportunity We are looking for an experienced Project Director to take the lead on large-scale, high-value engineering programmes. This role offers the chance to influence strategy at a senior level, set direction for multi-site operations, and ensure delivery of complex projects that are critical to our customers and the future of UK shipbuilding.

What You’ll Do In this senior leadership role, you will:

• Lead both the bid and execution phases of complex engineering programmes.
• Define programme strategy, governance, and direction to ensure delivery on time, on budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, maintaining strong relationships and building trust through consistent delivery.
• Oversee large, multi-disciplinary teams across our Methil and Belfast facilities, ensuring alignment of resources, priorities, and capabilities.
• Drive operational performance, continuous improvement, and cost-effectiveness in planning, production, and delivery.
• Anticipate and manage risks, issues, and opportunities, ensuring robust controls are in place throughout the programme lifecycle.
• Champion collaboration between engineering, supply chain, production, and commercial functions to resolve challenges and deliver results.
• Provide visible leadership, mentoring, and support to your teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.
• Represent Navantia UK with senior stakeholders, ensuring the company’s reputation and commitments are upheld at all times.

What We’re Looking For To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Extensive leadership experience in delivering major, complex engineering projects or programmes (preferably >£1bn in value).
• A background in shipbuilding, manufacturing, or large-scale engineering delivery.
• Strong knowledge of programme management methods, governance, and performance controls.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, including working with senior executives, partners, and customers.
• A track record of managing multifunctional teams, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in tools such as P6, MS Project, MS Office, or equivalent.
• A degree in a relevant discipline (Project Management, Engineering, etc.); postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications (PMP, APM, etc.) are desirable.

Why Join Navantia UK?

• Be at the forefront of transformational engineering programmes.
• Shape and influence the future of UK shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing.
• Lead talented, multi-disciplinary teams across two strategically important shipyards.
• Benefit from the resources and backing of the global Navantia Group, with opportunities for professional growth and international collaboration.
• Join a business that values innovation, accountability, and excellence.

Location: Methil (with travel between sites as required)

Ready to lead? Apply today and play a pivotal role in delivering programmes that define the future of naval engineering in the UK.For any enquires or assistance applying please email mike.kelly@navantia.co.ukAdditional InformationIf 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.