At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate high-risk activities and ensure safety in a busy ship repair environment.
- Company: Join Navantia UK, a leader in defence and energy transition.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for growth and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with a focus on safety culture and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and operations in a historic shipyard.
- Qualifications: Health & Safety qualification and experience in high-risk environments required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
- Permit to Work (PTW) Coordinator / HSE Advisor
- Full-time
- Location: Belfast (New Build)
- Department: Health, Safety, Quality & Environment
- Employment Type: Permanent
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.
We are seeking an experienced Permit to Work (PTW) Coordinator / HSE Advisor to join our team at Belfast Dry Dock.
This role is critical in ensuring the safe planning, coordination and execution of high-risk activities within a busy ship repair environment.
Acting as the focal point for the site's Permit to Work system, you will ensure work is properly authorised, controlled and monitored while providing practical Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) support across ship repair, marine and industrial operations.
The successful candidate will be a proactive safety professional with strong permit-to-work experience, excellent communication skills and the confidence to challenge unsafe behaviours where necessary.
Key Responsibilities
- Permit to Work Coordination
- Act as the site focal point for the Permit to Work (PTW) system.
- Review, coordinate and issue permits for high-risk activities including:
- Hot Work
- Confined Space Entry
- Working at Height
- Electrical Isolation and Energisation
- Lifting Operations and Crane Activities
- Fuel, Gas and Pressure Systems
- Verify that Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), isolations and control measures are suitable and sufficient before permits are authorised.
- Ensure permits are correctly briefed, displayed, monitored, closed out and archived.
- Coordinate and manage simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) to prevent conflicting work activities.
- Suspend or withdraw permits where unsafe conditions or non-compliance are identified.
- Support Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO) processes and verification activities.
- HSE Advisory Support
- Provide day-to-day HSE guidance and support to operational teams, contractors and project personnel.
- Ensure compliance with UK and Northern Ireland health and safety legislation, maritime regulations and company procedures.
- Conduct routine workplace inspections, audits and safety tours.
- Support the development and implementation of HSE plans, procedures and safe systems of work.
- Promote a positive safety culture through engagement, coaching and visible leadership.
- Contractor & Marine Operations Support
- Support contractor onboarding, inductions and ongoing performance monitoring.
- Ensure contractor compliance with PTW requirements, RAMS and site safety rules.
- Liaise with vessel representatives, supervisors and operational teams regarding work controls and safety arrangements.
- Support safe ship repair, maintenance and marine operations across the site.
- Training & Communication
- Deliver PTW briefings, toolbox talks and safety communications.
- Coach permit holders, supervisors and contractors on PTW standards and expectations.
- Encourage reporting of hazards, near misses and unsafe conditions.
- Support workforce engagement initiatives that drive continuous improvement in safety performance.
- Reporting & Administration
- Maintain accurate permit registers and HSE records.
- Produce permit-related reports, safety statistics and trend analysis.
- Provide administrative support to the wider HSE function.
- Assist with incident investigations and follow-up actions where required.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Recognised Health & Safety qualification.
- Proven experience managing Permit to Work systems within a high-risk environment.
- Experience gained within ship repair, shipbuilding, marine, offshore, heavy engineering or industrial sectors.
- Strong understanding of RAMS, isolations and control of work processes.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to challenge unsafe behaviours and maintain safety standards in operational environments.
- NEBOSH General Certificate.
- Experience as an Authorised Person.
- Confined Space and/or Hot Work permitting experience.
- Previous experience within dry docks, shipyards, quayside operations or onboard vessels.
- IOSH Membership.
- Knowledge of Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO) systems.
- Strong safety leadership skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to remain firm on safety standards under operational pressure
- Strong planning and coordination abilities
- Practical and solution-focused approach
- Confidence working within live operational and marine environments
- Effective relationship-building and influencing skills
***Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance***
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 [emailprotected] and one of the team will be in contact to help you.
- Job Location
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Permit to Work (PTW) Coordinator / HSE Advisor employer: Navantia
Navantia UK is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in project cost control. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, team members enjoy unique advantages such as access to cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to contribute to significant projects within the maritime industry. Located in a vibrant area, Navantia UK offers a supportive environment that values each employee's contributions and promotes career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Permit to Work (PTW) Coordinator / HSE Advisor
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Navantia.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Navantia.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Navantia, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Permit to Work (PTW) Coordinator / HSE Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Navantia.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Navantia.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Navantia. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Navantia. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Navantia
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Navantia’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
