Sustainability & Compliance Lead - Heavy Industry

Department: Health, Safety, Quality & Environment

Employment Type: Permanent

Company Description

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.

Job Description

As an Environmental & Sustainability Advisor, you will lead and support environmental and sustainability initiatives across the organisation. You will ensure compliance with environmental legislation, drive continuous improvement in sustainability performance, and help integrate environmentally responsible practices into business operations. This position ensures that all activities across the shipyard are aligned with environmental legislation and corporate sustainability goals.

• Environmental Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure all shipbuilding and repair operations comply with local, national, and international environmental regulations.
• Conduct environmental site audits, inspections, and risk assessments across shipyard facilities.
• Monitor and manage compliance related to hazardous materials, paint/coatings, emissions, and waste handling.
• Maintain up‑to‑date records of environmental permits, licenses, and legal documentation.
• Implement and support corporate sustainability goals such as reducing energy use, emissions, water consumption, and waste generation.
• Collaborate with procurement to promote the use of sustainable materials and eco‑friendly products.
• Ongoing review of environmental legislative and other requirements and prepare update briefings where changes are identified.
• Participate in ISO 14001 audits and assist with addressing any resulting environmental actions.
• Pollution Prevention & Environmental Protection
• Monitor air emissions, water discharges, noise levels, and waste generation within the yard.
• Lead or support initiatives related to spillage prevention, chemical storage, and stormwater management.
• Health and Safety
• Participate in site H&S tours.
• Carry out spot checks on compliance with risk assessments, safe systems of work, and company procedures/processes.
• Assist with site inductions.
• Deliver toolbox talks, environmental training, and awareness campaigns to shipyard staff, contractors, and suppliers.
• Foster a culture of environmental responsibility through regular communication and engagement.
• Reporting & Documentation
• Maintain waste records for the Appledore site.
• Maintain and amend as necessary the Aspects and Impacts Register.
• Prepare reports and dashboards for internal stakeholders, clients, and regulators.
• Track and report on environmental KPIs and support ESG reporting as required.
• Support audits and inspections from regulatory agencies, clients, or third parties.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH Environmental Certificate or ISEP Certificate (PISEP).
• Experience in an environmental role within heavy industry.
• Knowledge of applicable environmental legislation and standards relating to heavy engineering.
• Experience conducting site inspections and environmental audits.
• Experience liaising with environmental regulators.
• Knowledge and experience of Sustainability.
• IOSH Managing Safety or similar level of Health and Safety qualification.
• Strong understanding of environmental risks in heavy industrial setting and preferably shipbuilding.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation applicable to manufacturing and environmentally sensitive receptors including SSSI.
• Knowledge and experience of ISO 14001.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety in relation to heavy engineering.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with production, engineering, procurement, and compliance teams.
• Strong report writing and data analysis skills.

Equal Opportunity

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, we commit to a fair and unbiased recruitment process at every stage, provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, and actively seek to eliminate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.

Additional Information

• Competitive base pay
• Company pension
• 31 days holiday
• Life assurance
• Health Care Cash Plan