At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a positive workplace and resolve employee challenges in a unionised environment.
- Company: Join Navantia UK, a leader in defence and maritime innovation.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to fairness and opportunity.
- Why this job: Shape a supportive work environment and champion employee relations.
- Qualifications: Experience in unionised settings and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime 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.
Location: Appledore (with travel as needed)
Department: People / HR
Are you passionate about building positive workplaces, resolving challenges fairly, and working collaboratively with unions? We're looking for an Employee Relations Advisor to help shape a supportive, engaging environment across our unionised manufacturing sites.
What you’ll be doing
- Support colleagues and leaders with conflict resolution, grievances, and disciplinary matters
- Partner closely with union representatives to maintain strong, constructive relationships
- Champion consistent application of policies and UK employment law
- Deliver training on ER issues, conflict management, and policy awareness
- Lead thorough, fair investigations into workplace concerns
- Track ER trends and provide insights to senior leaders
What you’ll bring
- Solid experience working in a unionised manufacturing environment
- Strong communication, mediation, and problem‑solving skills
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practice
Who you are
- Calm under pressure
- Fair, curious, and committed to doing things the right way
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities
- Keen to learn and grow
You’ll be part of a supportive HR team where your expertise matters. You’ll gain exposure to a range of ER cases, build strong partnerships, and help drive a people‑first culture.
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.
Employee Relations Advisor in Appledore employer: Navantia Group
Navantia UK is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment in the heart of Appledore. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we offer unique opportunities to engage with union representatives and shape workplace culture while contributing to vital national projects in defence and energy. Our values of service, trust, and excellence ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Advisor in Appledore
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Navantia UK on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common employee relations scenarios. Think about how you'd handle conflicts or grievances, and be ready to share your thoughts during the chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for building positive workplaces! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully resolved issues in the past and how you can bring that experience to Navantia UK.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Advisor in Appledore
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Employee Relations Advisor role. Highlight your experience in a unionised environment and showcase your communication skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for building positive workplaces shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've resolved conflicts or worked collaboratively with unions in the past. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Navantia UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia Group
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on UK employment law and employee relations best practices. Being well-versed in these areas will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to fair practices, which is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Mediation Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully resolved conflicts or grievances in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your calmness under pressure and problem-solving abilities.
✨Understand Union Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with how unions operate and the importance of maintaining constructive relationships with union representatives. Be ready to discuss how you would approach partnership with unions to foster a positive workplace culture.
✨Demonstrate Your People-First Approach
Think about how you can contribute to a people-first culture at Navantia UK. Prepare to share your vision for building supportive workplaces and how you would champion employee engagement and fairness in your role as an Employee Relations Advisor.
