At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead shipbuilding programmes and optimise production strategies at our Methil yard.
- Company: Join Navantia UK, a pioneering force in British defence and maritime industry.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous holiday, pension scheme, and health care cash plan.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities and career development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of shipbuilding and drive innovation in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and significant experience in shipbuilding or heavy manufacturing.
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.
Navantia UK is seeking an experienced Production Engineering Manager to play a critical role in planning and delivering efficient, build‑ready shipbuilding programmes at our Methil yard. This is a senior operational leadership role where you’ll sit at the heart of design, procurement, construction and testing, ensuring that programmes are delivered efficiently, safely and to the highest quality standards. You’ll define how vessels are built — translating design intent into practical, optimised production strategies.
What you’ll be doing:
- Coordinate the effort of all the different shipyard functions to maximise the efficiency of the joint design, procurement, construction, and testing processes of the ongoing programmes.
- Ensure the suitability of the design to be manufactured in the facilities available in the Methil yard.
- Design the production process and define its interrelation with the engineering and procurement processes, through the development of the building strategy, top down, in several definition levels.
- Working together with the Program Management Office, make sure the joint process is properly recorded in the integrated schedule, which establishes the baseline for program execution and effectively serves as a coordination tool between functions to meet the objectives set.
- Define the material strategy, launch the acquisition processes, and monitor inventory levels, with the triple objective of minimizing material shortages in the programs, storage time, and surplus materials.
- Confirm the implementation of the defined building strategy within the construction design, and process the result to generate the necessary work packages for construction and testing execution.
- Monitor the installation and testing processes to support and help resolve any incidences that may occur, and get feedback to follow a continuous improvement process on the building strategy across all the programmes.
What we’re looking for:
- Degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Significant hands‑on experience in shipbuilding or a similar heavy engineering / manufacturing environment
- Proven experience leading and managing teams
- Strong knowledge of production engineering, quality standards and project management
- Experience applying LEAN and continuous improvement methodologies
- Ability to coordinate across multiple functions and influence senior stakeholders
- Strong understanding of manufacturing constraints, material flow and build sequencing
Why join Navantia UK?
- A senior leadership role with real influence over how ships are built
- The opportunity to work on complex new‑build programmes
- A collaborative environment that values Service, Trust, Excellence, Agility, Dedication and You
- The chance to shape production strategy and drive continuous improvement at site level
- Career development within the wider Navantia Group
Interested? Apply with your CV and help define the production strategy behind Navantia UK’s future shipbuilding programmes.
Navantia UK is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
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.
Production Engineering Manager employer: Navantia UK
Navantia UK is an exceptional employer, offering a senior leadership role that allows you to shape the future of shipbuilding in a collaborative environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension and health care plan, and a focus on inclusivity and continuous improvement, working at our Methil yard means being part of a team that values service, trust, and excellence while contributing to the UK's defence and maritime ambitions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Engineering Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Navantia UK, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Engineering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Navantia UK specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia UK
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Navantia UK, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Navantia UK value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
