Personnel Security Associate
NAVANTIA UK · Appledore, England, United Kingdom
Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime 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.
The Personnel Security Associate at Navantia UK, will support the delivery of an effective and professional personnel security vetting service across our UK operations. Working closely with colleagues, contractors and external partners, you will help ensure security clearances are progressed efficiently, records are maintained accurately and sensitive information is handled with the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity.
Core Responsibilities
- Manage and process security clearance applications, renewals and reviews in line with Navantia UK procedures and applicable government security requirements.
- Provide clear, timely advice to Navantia UK business areas, employees, contractors and external organisations on personnel security and vetting matters.
- Maintain accurate vetting records, databases, trackers and shared mailboxes, ensuring information is current and auditable.
- Support joiner, mover and leaver processes and other personnel security activities across the wider Security function.
- Deliver a responsive and professional service to internal and external stakeholders across Navantia UK’s sites and programmes.
- Contribute to team performance, service standards and continuous improvement while maintaining quality and compliance.
- Handle personal and security-sensitive information in accordance with data protection, company policy and the need-to-know principle.
A good standard of general education, including GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above. Relevant experience or vocational qualifications in administration, security or business support would be advantageous.
- Experience in an administrative, customer service, security or business support.
- Strong organisational skills, sound judgement and excellent attention to detail.
- The ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and work accurately in a regulated environment.
- Confidence using Microsoft 365 applications, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel, and the ability to learn specialist systems.
- Experience of handling confidential or sensitive information and maintaining accurate, auditable records.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and helpful approach to stakeholders.
- An understanding of personnel security, government vetting or the defence sector would be an advantage.
Behaviours
- Delivering high-quality work in a fast paced environment to agreed timescales.
- Working collaboratively across teams and locations.
- Communicating clearly and professionally.
- Acting with integrity and protecting sensitive information.
- Taking ownership and supporting continuous improvement.
Our Values
- Service - Work as one to support our customers and communities
- Trust - Be reliable, upright, honest, accountable and transparent
- Excellence - Pursue excellence through continuous improvement, innovation and high standards in a safe manner
- Agility - Adapt quickly and efficiently to change
- Dedication - Stay committed to our ethical standards and goals
- You - Value and empower one another as the foundation of our success
***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.