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 SAP Lead – Operations will support the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of SAP solutions within the Operations domain (Production, Maintenance, Projects and Quality) for Navantia UK shipyards.

This role ensures that Operations systems run smoothly, securely, and in alignment with business needs, while contributing to digitalisation initiatives and identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and operational performance.

Participate in implementation, migration, upgrades and enhancement projects for SAP solutions in the Operations area.
Analyse business requirements and convert them into SAP functional specifications.
Conduct and execute functional, integration, and user acceptance testing (UAT).
Develop and maintain documentation, including functional designs, procedures, and handover materials.
Provide Level 1 support and ensure stable, high‑quality system operation in UK shipyards.
Ensure data quality and traceability in SAP operational processes.
Identify and propose continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Navantia’s digital transformation strategy.
Collaborate with business users in Production, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Projects.
Coordinate cross-team activities with IT Spain and external SAP partners.

Qualifications

Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration or similar.
SAP certifications are a plus.

Experience

Experience in SAP consulting in Operations-related modules (PP, PM, PS, QM).
Experience in industrial, manufacturing, engineering-to-order, defence or naval environments will be highly valued.
Proven involvement in SAP implementation or continuous improvement projects.

Technical Skills

SAP configuration skills in PP/PM/PS/QM
Understanding of cross‑module integration
Knowledge of master data processes in manufacturing environments

Additional Information

On offer

Can be any of our sites Appledore, Arnish, Belfast, Bristol, Methil
Competitive salary
Company pension
Life Assurance
L&D opportunities

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. To ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, we commit to a fair and unbiased recruitment process at every stage. This includes ensuring hiring managers are aware of legislation, providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, and actively seeking to eliminate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a recruitment environment where every candidate feels valued and has an equal chance to succeed.

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.

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.

SAP Operations Lead (UK)