Head of Supply Chain – Bids & Proposals

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.

Head of Supply Chain – Bids & Proposals

Location: Preferably Bristol, with Appledore, Belfast or Methil also considered. Travel to other Navantia sites and supplier locations will be required.

Navantia UK is looking for a Head of Supply Chain – Bids & Proposals to lead the development of competitive, compliant and resilient supply chain solutions for our defence programmes. This is an opportunity to shape sourcing strategy, strengthen supplier partnerships and support major bids from early development through to contract award and delivery.

What you’ll do

• Lead a small team delivering robust supply chain input across bids and proposals.
• Develop contracting and sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, delivery, technology and risk.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Commercial and Legal teams on procurement packages, specifications, delivery models and cost models.
• Lead supplier engagement and negotiations, securing contract-quality offers and clear recommendations for approval.
• Build insight into global and UK supply chain capability, capacity and emerging opportunities.
• Develop high-performing supplier relationships and lead reviews with key strategic suppliers.
• Drive category management, cost reduction, value engineering, continuous improvement and digitalisation.
• Identify strategic supply chain risks and put effective management plans in place.

What you’ll bring

• Leadership experience in a complex maritime, construction, defence, aerospace or project-based environment.
• Strong procurement, commercial, contracting, negotiation and cost-analysis capability.
• Experience of complex contract models and business cases, ideally supporting NATO or Ministry of Defence contracts.
• A sound understanding of contract law, defence procurement, financial modelling and supplier risk.
• The ability to build trusted relationships with senior suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, bid tools and export or security requirements such as ITAR.

Why join us?

You’ll have the opportunity to influence supply chain strategy across significant UK defence programmes, lead meaningful supplier partnerships and help create long-term competitive advantage for Navantia UK.

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, identities and experiences. If your experience does not match every point listed but you believe you can make a strong contribution, we encourage you to apply.

Interested? Apply to join Navantia UK and help shape the supply chains supporting the next generation of maritime defence programmes.

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A relevant degree or equivalent experience; professional qualifications such as CIPS, APICS, CSCP or PMP are beneficial.

The package:

• Competitive base pay
• Company pension
• 33 days holiday

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.

***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.