Systems Lead - Safety & Environmental Management Systems

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.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Systems Lead to take ownership of our Integrated Safety and Environmental Management Systems across our shipbuilding and ship repair operations.

This is a key leadership position responsible for maintaining, developing and continually improving our ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management System, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, customer expectations and industry best practice.

Operating within a complex engineering environment that supports both commercial and defence programmes, you will act as the subject matter expert for management systems governance, compliance assurance, auditing and continuous improvement. You will also provide guidance and leadership to the Systems Coordinator, helping drive excellence across the wider HSEQ function.

Key Responsibilities

Management Systems Leadership

• Lead the maintenance, development and continual improvement of the organisation's ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified management systems.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, customer expectations and contractual obligations.
• Maintain system documentation, procedures, policies and operational controls.
• Support and facilitate Management Review processes, providing performance reporting, trend analysis and improvement recommendations.
• Monitor changes in legislation, standards and industry best practice, ensuring management systems remain current and effective.
• Provide expert guidance to operational and project teams on management system requirements.

Auditing & Compliance Assurance

• Plan, coordinate and deliver internal audit programmes across the business.
• Conduct audits against ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 requirements.
• Manage corrective actions and ensure timely close-out of audit findings.
• Support external certification, customer and regulatory audits.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and support implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Promote a proactive culture of assurance, compliance and continual improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvement initiatives across safety and environmental performance.
• Analyse performance data, audit results, incidents, observations and compliance trends.
• Support the development and monitoring of HSE objectives and targets.
• Implement improvement plans that enhance management system effectiveness and business performance.
• Encourage engagement and ownership of health, safety and environmental responsibilities across all levels of the organisation.

Operational Support

• Provide practical HSEQ systems support to project teams, production departments and business functions.
• Support risk-based approaches to operational management, including environmental aspects, hazards, controls and improvement actions.
• Assist in meeting customer requirements, including those associated with defence and public-sector contracts.
• Support compliance obligations relating to shipbuilding, ship repair and associated engineering activities.

Team Leadership

• Provide day-to-day guidance, coaching and support to the Systems Coordinator.
• Prioritise and allocate system-related activities while ensuring effective delivery.
• Develop capability and competence within the wider systems function.
• Promote collaboration and effective communication across departments.

Essential Qualifications

• NEBOSH Level 6 National or International Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety (or equivalent), or currently working towards completion.
• IRCA (or equivalent) Lead Auditor qualification for ISO 45001.
• IRCA (or equivalent) Lead Auditor qualification for ISO 14001.

Desirable

• Membership of a recognised professional body such as:
  • IOSH
  • ISEP
• Experience within defence, marine or highly regulated manufacturing sectors.
• Knowledge of assurance requirements associated with Ministry of Defence contracts.
• Experience managing Integrated Management Systems (IMS).

***Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance***

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

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.