Head of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS)
* Full-time
* Location: Bristol
* Department: Bids
* Employment Type: Permanent
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. 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.
About Navantia UK
Navantia UK is part of the global Navantia Group, a world leader in naval ship design, marine technology, and defence services. Based in Bristol, we specialise in delivering advanced, integrated maritime design solutions for naval and government programmes.
The Opportunity
This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping, governing, and delivering Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and through‑life support solutions across defence, commercial, and export ship design and shipbuilding programmes.
You will oversee the full lifecycle of ILS activities, from bid and concept development through delivery and in‑service support planning. The role ensures support solutions are compliant, scalable, customer‑focused, and fully integrated into ship designs and lifecycle support offerings.
This is an opportunity to directly influence how complex maritime platforms are supported and sustained throughout their operational life.
Key Responsibilities
* Strategic Leadership and Vision
o Define, own, and evolve Navantia UK’s ILS strategy across UK MoD, commercial marine, and export markets
o Drive innovation in supportability engineering, digital twins, and digital support solutions
o Develop strategic partnerships with technology providers, service partners, and international customers
o Ensure supportability, availability, human factors, and cost‑effective design are embedded from concept
* Commercial, Export, and Bid Leadership
o Lead ILS strategy, support concepts, and pricing for major bids
o Develop compelling ILS value propositions that differentiate bid submissions
o Create scalable support models, from full through‑life support to targeted services
o Act as senior approver for ILS bid content, assumptions, risks, and cost models
* ILS Delivery and Programme Governance
o Develop and deliver ILS management plans using internal and subcontracted expertise
o Oversee ILS work packages across live programmes, ensuring quality, compliance, and schedule adherence
o Provide governance across Supportability Analysis, LSA, RCM/FMECA, Technical Publications, S‑Series data, training (DSAT/JSP 822), spares, and obsolescence management
o Ensure ILS is fully integrated into systems engineering, design reviews, and lifecycle decisions
* Customer, Stakeholder, and International Engagement
o Act as Navantia UK’s senior ILS representative with UK MoD, DE&S, Navy Command, classification societies, commercial operators, and international customers
o Lead senior‑level discussions on support concepts, in‑service strategies, and training philosophies
o Support overseas delegations, customer demonstrations, and programme reviews
* People, Capability, and Resource Management
o Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing ILS team
o Forecast and manage resource demand across bids and programmes, including subcontracted delivery
o Develop internal tools, skills, and processes to improve ILS maturity and efficiency
What We’re Looking For
* Proven experience leading ILS strategy and delivery within naval, maritime defence, or complex engineering environments
* Strong knowledge of Def Stan 00‑600, S1000D, S3000L, and related defence ILS standards
* Experience leading or evaluating ILS tender responses, including strategy, pricing, and solution design
* Background in supportability engineering and systems engineering
* Experience managing ILS teams across multiple programmes
* Deep knowledge of shipbuilding ILS delivery
* Chartered status (CEng, CLog, CMILT, or equivalent)
* Experience developing export or commercial ILS and through‑life support solutions
* Familiarity with digital ILS tools and platforms including PLM and ERP systems
* Strong UK and international customer engagement experience
Personal Attributes
* Strategic and commercially astute
* Strong communicator with senior‑level influence
* Effective in complex and international environments
* Willing to travel in the UK and internationally
How to Apply
If you are a senior ILS professional ready to influence programmes from concept through to in‑service, we would like to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability.
Closing date: [Insert date]
Qualifications and Clearance
* Degree in Engineering, Logistics, Systems Engineering, Project Management, or equivalent experience
* BPSS clearance and eligibility for SC clearance
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and benefits package
* Hybrid working, typically three days per week in the office
* Career development opportunities within a global organisation
* The chance to lead ILS activities on strategically important naval and government programmes
* A collaborative and inclusive workplace where expertise makes a direct impact
* Company pension
* 33 days holiday
* Life assurance
Navantia UK is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone.
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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