Technical Programme Manager – Naval Ship Design

Full‑time, Permanent position based in Bristol, United Kingdom.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of ship design projects working closely with the assigned design manager and technical leads, ensuring quality, timeliness, and budgetary control.
• Manage sourcing demand across design and product development teams, identifying recruitment needs and subcontractor support.
• Define, document, and manage scopes of work across internal teams and subcontractors, ensuring alignment with client and contractual requirements.
• Manage subcontractor selection, onboarding, performance, and deliverables, ensuring integration with the overall project plan.
• Develop cost estimates for design development and innovation projects.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules, risk registers, and cost tracking tools.
• Monitor and report on progress, identifying issues early and driving resolution to maintain project objectives.
• Coordinate cross‑functional internal and external teams including naval architecture, marine engineering, and transversal engineering.
• Engage with clients, classification societies, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and internal quality processes and procedures.
• Support commercial capture team by contributing to proposals, bids, and overall programme planning.
• Manage assigned technical project managers, if required.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent qualifications in project/programme management or engineering with significant project management experience.
• Proven experience managing engineering design projects, ideally ship design/building within a defence or MOD environment.
• Experience of defining and controlling scopes of work, developing robust schedules, and managing subcontracted work packages.
• Demonstrated ability to manage external suppliers and subcontractors effectively, from tendering to delivery.
• Bid management experience, ability to develop management plans and proposals for winning tenders.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams and delivering technical programmes to high standards.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead discussions with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Competency in project management tools and methodologies.
• The candidate will be subject to BPSS security checks. The ability to gain higher level SC clearance may be required depending on specific project requirements.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office depending on project needs.
• Opportunities for career growth and development within a global organization.
• The chance to lead strategic naval and government maritime design programmes for UK and international clients.
• An collaborative and inclusive workplace where your contributions will make a direct impact.

How to Apply

If you’re a technically minded project professional ready to lead complex naval design programmes and manage multidisciplinary teams and subcontractors, we want to hear from you! Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.

Closing Date: [Insert Date]

Navantia UK is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees. If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role online please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.