At a Glance
- Tasks: Support positive workplaces and resolve employee challenges in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Navantia UK, a leader in defence and maritime innovation.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, career growth opportunities, and a supportive HR team.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to fairness and equal opportunity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee relations and foster a people-first culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in unionised environments 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 Northam 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 industries. 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 Northam
✨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 conflict resolution or grievances, and be ready to share your experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for building positive workplaces! During interviews, highlight your commitment to fairness and collaboration with unions. It’s all about that people-first culture!
✨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 Northam
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Employee Relations Advisor. Highlight your experience in unionised environments and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for building positive workplaces and resolving conflicts. Let us know why you're excited about joining Navantia UK and how you can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an Employee Relations Advisor, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to mediate and solve problems effectively. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging situations in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 show your expertise 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. Highlighting your mediation skills will illustrate your ability to handle sensitive situations effectively, a key aspect of the Employee Relations Advisor position.
✨Understand Union Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the union landscape, especially in manufacturing environments. Knowing how to build constructive relationships with union representatives will be a big plus, so be ready to discuss any relevant experiences you have.
✨Demonstrate a People-First Mindset
Be prepared to talk about how you’ve contributed to creating positive workplace cultures in the past. Emphasising your passion for supporting colleagues and fostering engagement will resonate well with the values of Navantia UK.
