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.
SAP Lead – Operations
Navantia UK | Shipyards | Operations Excellence & Digital Transformation
Ready to shape the future of digital operations in one of the UK’s most exciting shipbuilding environments?
Navantia UK is looking for an SAP Lead – Operations to drive the development, optimisation and continuous improvement of SAP solutions across our Operations domain — including Production, Maintenance, Projects and Quality.
This is a pivotal role at the heart of our digital transformation journey, ensuring our operational systems run seamlessly, securely, and in alignment with business goals. You’ll work closely with UK and Spanish teams, influence key improvement initiatives, and help modernise how our shipyards operate.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading and supporting SAP implementation, migration, upgrade, and enhancement projects within the Operations area.
- Analysing operational needs and converting business requirements into clear, effective SAP functional specifications.
- Planning and executing functional, integration, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
- Creating and maintaining essential documentation — including functional designs, process guides, and handover materials.
- Providing Level 1 SAP support and ensuring stable, reliable system performance across UK shipyards.
- Monitoring and improving data quality, consistency, and traceability within SAP processes.
- Identifying opportunities for process optimisation and contributing to Navantia’s wider digital transformation strategy.
- Partnering with teams in Production, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Projects to understand challenges and deliver smart digital solutions.
- Coordinating activities with IT teams in Spain and external SAP partners to ensure alignment and successful delivery.
- 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
Why Join Navantia UK?
- Play a central role in the digital evolution of cutting‑edge shipbuilding operations.
- Work in a collaborative environment with both UK and international technology teams.
- Influence long-term operational strategy and drive meaningful improvements.
- Be part of a company committed to innovation, quality, and continuous advancement.
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.