Job 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.

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.

Qualifications

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.

Desirable

• 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.

Key Competencies

• 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

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 people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.