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
The HR Business Partner (HRBP) acts as a strategic advisor to business leaders, aligning HR initiatives with organisational objectives to drive performance, engagement, and growth. The role provides expert guidance on workforce planning, talent management, employee relations, and organisational development, ensuring HR policies and practices support business priorities while fostering a positive, inclusive culture.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Partnership
Partner with senior leaders to understand business priorities and develop HR strategies that support organisational success.
Use data‑driven insights and workforce analytics to influence decision‑making and drive continuous improvement.
Talent Management & Workforce Planning
Lead local succession planning, talent reviews, and workforce development initiatives.
Support recruitment strategies with a focus on critical roles and improving representation across underrepresented groups.
Employee Relations & Engagement
Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations matters, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.
Lead initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, wellbeing, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Performance & Change Management
Partner with leaders to embed effective performance management and build capability across teams.
Support organisational change projects, including restructures, cultural transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Work with leaders to reduce absenteeism and proactively address in‑work sickness concerns.
Policy & Compliance
Ensure compliance with HR policies, employment legislation, and recognised best practice.
Proactively identify and mitigate people‑related risks.
Data & Insights
Use HR metrics and analytics to inform strategic decisions and measure impact.
Prepare clear, insightful reports and recommendations for the local leadership team.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong business acumen with the ability to align HR strategy to organisational goals.
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
In‑depth knowledge of employment law and HR best practice.
Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.
Skilled in conflict resolution, negotiation, and change management.
Education & Experience
Proven experience as an HR Business Partner or HR Project Manager within a complex organisation.
CIPD Level 5/7 (or equivalent) is desirable.
Additional Information
* Company pension
* Life assurance
* Opportunity to work on exciting projects
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.
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