Welding Supervisor

Navantia UK; Stornoway; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Navantia UK is seeking a Permanent/Full Time Welding Supervisor to oversee welding operations and develop the welding team. You will ensure safety, quality and timely delivery, while maintaining WPS/ITP standards and welding records.

The role requires an apprenticeship or advanced welding qualification and prior supervisory experience, with hands-on expertise in MIG, TIG and SMAW techniques. BPSS security clearance is required at onboarding."

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship or advanced qualification in welding or fabrication engineering.
• Previous supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee welding operations and ensure on-time delivery to specification.
• Lead and develop the welding team with safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Ensure WPS/ITP compliance and maintain welding documentation.
• Provide expertise in MIG, TIG and SMAW welding techniques.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of welders.
• Track project hours and escalate risks when necessary.
• Lead root cause analysis for weld defects and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Welding qualifications

Welding techniques

Education

Apprenticeship in welding/fabrication

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.

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

PERMANENT/FULL TIME ROLE

Oversee welding operations and ensure projects are delivered on time and to specification. Lead and develop the welding team, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Health & Safety

• Implement hot work protocols, confined space entry procedures, and manual handling safety.
• Conduct pre-job briefs, risk assessments, and toolbox talks tailored to welding tasks.
• Monitor welding environments for compliance and intervene when safety is at risk.

Quality

• Ensure strict adherence to Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Inspection Test Plans (ITP), and Project Quality Plans.
• Perform in-process checks: alignment, fit-up, bevel angles, root gaps.
• Oversee preheat, interpass, and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) requirements.
• Liaise with QA/QC for inspections and maintain welding documentation (e.g., welding logs, NDT reports).
• Lead root cause analysis for weld defects and implement corrective actions.

Technical/Operations

• Provide expertise in welding techniques (e.g., MIG, TIG, SMAW).
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of welding equipment and consumables.
• Track project hours and ensure timely delivery.
• Identify operational risks and escalates when necessary.

People Management

• Manage team performance, absence, and development.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of welders.
• Deliver toolbox talks and performance reviews.
• Handle disciplinary and grievance procedures where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship or advanced qualification in welding or fabrication engineering.
• Previous supervisory experience

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.