At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Integrated Logistics Support for cutting-edge naval and maritime projects.
- Company: Join Navantia UK, a leader in defence and maritime innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your expertise.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital defence programmes and shape the future of maritime support.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in ILS strategy and delivery within complex engineering environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € 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.
Navantia UK is part of the global Navantia Group, a world leader in naval ship design, marine technology, and defence services. Based in Bristol, we specialise in delivering advanced, integrated maritime design solutions for naval and government programmes.
This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping, governing, and delivering Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and through‑life support solutions across defence, commercial, and export ship design and shipbuilding programmes. You will oversee the full lifecycle of ILS activities, from bid and concept development through delivery and in‑service support planning. The role ensures support solutions are compliant, scalable, customer‑focused, and fully integrated into ship designs and lifecycle support offerings. This is an opportunity to directly influence how complex maritime platforms are supported and sustained throughout their operational life.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Define, own, and evolve Navantia UK’s ILS strategy across UK MoD, commercial marine, and export markets
- Drive innovation in supportability engineering, digital twins, and digital support solutions
- Develop strategic partnerships with technology providers, service partners, and international customers
- Ensure supportability, availability, human factors, and cost‑effective design are embedded from concept
- Commercial, Export, and Bid Leadership
- Lead ILS strategy, support concepts, and pricing for major bids
- Develop compelling ILS value propositions that differentiate bid submissions
- Create scalable support models, from full through‑life support to targeted services
- Act as senior approver for ILS bid content, assumptions, risks, and cost models
- ILS Delivery and Programme Governance
- Develop and deliver ILS management plans using internal and subcontracted expertise
- Oversee ILS work packages across live programmes, ensuring quality, compliance, and schedule adherence
- Provide governance across Supportability Analysis, LSA, RCM/FMECA, Technical Publications, S‑Series data, training (DSAT/JSP 822), spares, and obsolescence management
- Ensure ILS is fully integrated into systems engineering, design reviews, and lifecycle decisions
- Customer, Stakeholder, and International Engagement
- Act as Navantia UK’s senior ILS representative with UK MoD, DE&S, Navy Command, classification societies, commercial operators, and international customers
- Lead senior‑level discussions on support concepts, in‑service strategies, and training philosophies
- Support overseas delegations, customer demonstrations, and programme reviews
- People, Capability, and Resource Management
- Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing ILS team
- Forecast and manage resource demand across bids and programmes, including subcontracted delivery
- Develop internal tools, skills, and processes to improve ILS maturity and efficiency
- Proven experience leading ILS strategy and delivery within naval, maritime defence, or complex engineering environments
- Strong knowledge of Def Stan 00‑600, S1000D, S3000L, and related defence ILS standards
- Experience leading or evaluating ILS tender responses, including strategy, pricing, and solution design
- Background in supportability engineering and systems engineering
- Experience managing ILS teams across multiple programmes
- Deep knowledge of shipbuilding ILS delivery
- Chartered status (CEng, CLog, CMILT, or equivalent)
- Experience developing export or commercial ILS and through‑life support solutions
- Familiarity with digital ILS tools and platforms including PLM and ERP systems
- Strong UK and international customer engagement experience
- Strategic and commercially astute
- Strong communicator with senior‑level influence
- Effective in complex and international environments
- Willing to travel in the UK and internationally
If you are a senior ILS professional ready to influence programmes from concept through to in‑service, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability.
Closing date: [Insert date]
Qualifications and Clearance- Degree in Engineering, Logistics, Systems Engineering, Project Management, or equivalent experience
- BPSS clearance and eligibility for SC clearance
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Hybrid working, typically three days per week in the office
- Career development opportunities within a global organisation
- The chance to lead ILS activities on strategically important naval and government programmes
- A collaborative and inclusive workplace where expertise makes a direct impact
- Company pension
- 33 days holiday
- Life assurance
Navantia UK is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. 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.
Head of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) in Bristol employer: Navantia Group
Navantia UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits, and a focus on inclusivity, we empower our team to lead significant maritime defence projects that shape the future of the industry. Join us to be part of a legacy that combines over 300 years of naval expertise with modern industrial capabilities, ensuring your contributions make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their ILS strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about what you bring to the table and how you can contribute to their success. A confident and concise introduction can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Navantia UK and being part of our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Integrated Logistics Support role. Highlight your experience in ILS strategy and delivery, especially within naval or maritime defence environments. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in ILS and how they relate to our needs at Navantia UK. Let’s see your passion for the industry!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, we’re keen on seeing your leadership experience. Make sure to include examples of how you've built and led high-performing teams in your previous roles. We want to know how you can drive innovation and supportability engineering!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Navantia UK. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia Group
✨Know Your ILS Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) principles and how they apply to naval and maritime defence. Brush up on relevant standards like Def Stan 00-600 and S1000D, as well as your experience with supportability engineering. This will help you speak confidently about your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of ILS, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've built and led high-performing teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, especially in complex engineering environments. This will show that you're ready to take on a senior role.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in high-level discussions about ILS strategy and support concepts. Familiarise yourself with Navantia UK's current projects and their strategic goals. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision and drive innovation in supportability engineering and digital solutions.
✨Engage with Customer Focus
Customer engagement is key in this role. Prepare to discuss your experience working with stakeholders, including the UK MoD and international customers. Highlight any successful collaborations or negotiations you've been involved in, and be ready to explain how you would approach building relationships in this new position.
