Material Controller

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Material Controller:

About the Role:

We’re looking for a detail-driven and proactive Material Controller to play a key role in keeping our operations running smoothly. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a background in materials, inventory, or logistics who enjoys working cross-functionally and making a tangible impact on production and operational performance.

As Material Controller, you’ll take ownership of material flow and inventory accuracy, ensuring the right materials are available at the right time, while maintaining high standards of compliance, safety, and efficiency.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Monitor and control all incoming and outgoing materials to ensure accuracy and availability
• Maintain precise inventory records using ERP or inventory management systems
• Carry out regular stock audits and resolve discrepancies
• Collaborate closely with procurement, production, and warehouse teams
• Implement and maintain inventory control processes to minimise waste and stock-outs
• Track material usage, prepare reports, and provide insights to support decision-making
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards
• Support forecasting and optimisation of inventory levels
• Manage documentation for material receipts, transfers, and issues

What We’re Looking For:

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in material control, inventory management, or warehouse operations
• Strong working knowledge of ERP or inventory systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail
• Analytical mindset with effective problem-solving ability
• Confident communicator who works well in a collaborative team environment

Working Environment:

• Standard office-based role with interaction across operational teams
• Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required
• Flexibility may be needed during peak operational periods

Physical Requirements:

• Low physical risk
• Combination of sitting, standing, and computer-based work with regular breaks

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a supportive, knowledgeable team
• Develop your skills in a technically varied and operationally critical role
• Opportunity to influence processes and recommend improvements
• A trusted position with autonomy and scope for growth

Please note: This role description outlines the primary responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve in line with business needs and role development.

Qualifications

• Third-level qualification in Logistics, Materials Management, or a related discipline
  or
• Technical Support College Diploma / High School Diploma with significant relevant experience
• A relevant college certificate is typically expected

This role is well suited to someone looking to develop toward a professional or management pathway.

Additional Information

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.