Company Description

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 Construction Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and successful execution of fabrication, assembly, construction, and module integration activities within the fabrication yard. The role ensures that all work is completed to the required standards of safety, quality, schedule, and cost while leading multidisciplinary construction teams and subcontractors.

The Construction Manager provides leadership across all yard construction activities, coordinating resources, managing interfaces between disciplines, and driving operational excellence to support project delivery objectives.

Construction & Fabrication Management

Lead and manage all construction, fabrication, assembly, and installation activities within the fabrication yard.
Develop and implement construction execution plans, methodologies, and work sequences.
Ensure fabrication and construction activities are performed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
Monitor progress against project schedules and implement corrective actions to mitigate delays.
Coordinate multidisciplinary activities including:

Structural fabrication
Piping fabrication
Mechanical assembly
Electrical and instrumentation installation
Modular construction and integration
Load-out and transportation preparation

Safety Leadership

Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company HSE policies and procedures.
Ensure all personnel work in accordance with applicable legislation, standards, and site safety requirements.
Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions where required.
Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, toolbox talks, and site engagement activities.
Champion behavioural safety initiatives and continuous improvement programs.

Workforce & Resource Management

Manage supervisors and subcontractors.
Ensure adequate labour, equipment, materials, and facilities are available to meet project milestones.
Monitor workforce productivity and implement improvement initiatives.
Support recruitment, training, mentoring, and performance management of personnel.

Project Delivery

Ensure project objectives relating to safety, quality, schedule, and budget are achieved.
Participate in project planning and constructability reviews.
Identify risks and opportunities and develop mitigation plans.
Coordinate interfaces between engineering, procurement, quality, commissioning, and operations teams.
Provide regular reports on progress, resource loading, productivity, risks, and forecast completion.

Quality Assurance

Ensure work is executed in accordance with approved quality management systems.
Support inspection and test plans (ITPs) and quality control activities.
Address non-conformances and ensure timely resolution of quality issues.
Promote a "right first time" culture throughout the fabrication yard.

Stakeholder Management

Maintain effective working relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
Participate in client meetings, project reviews, and construction progress discussions.
Represent the construction function during audits, inspections, and management reviews.

Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve construction processes, productivity, and operational efficiency.
Develop lessons learned and best practices from project execution activities.
Support digitalisation and innovation initiatives within yard operations.

Key Accountabilities

Safe execution of all fabrication yard construction activities.
Delivery of projects in accordance with approved schedules and budgets.
Effective management of construction personnel and subcontractors.
Compliance with quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
Achievement of productivity and operational performance targets.
Successful interface management across multiple disciplines and project teams.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong understanding of fabrication and construction methodologies.
Knowledge of structural steelwork, piping, mechanical, and electrical installation activities.
Excellent leadership and people management skills.
Strong commercial and project management awareness.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
Risk management and problem-solving capability.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project planning software.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent qualification in:

Construction Management
Mechanical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering
Related discipline

Desirable

Project Management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP, APM).
SMSTS or equivalent construction management certification.
NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent HSE qualification

Additional Information

***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 and one of the team will be in contact to help you.

Location: ArnishDepartment: Trades / OperationsEmployment Type: Permanent

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