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About us

Hop aboard Damen Naval; the naval division of the family-owned Damen Shipyards Group, where 12,000 professionals work worldwide. Damen Naval delivers advanced naval vessels to clients all over the globe. By implementing the most innovative technological developments in practice, we continue to push the boundaries of the shipbuilding industry. You can be part of our team! Are you ready for duty?

The role
As Senior Project Manager Engineering you will take full responsibility for the engineering activities of the platform (construction) part of the F-126 frigate project – everything except the combat and weapon systems. You will lead a multidisciplinary engineering organization of more than 200 engineers and project managers, ensuring that scope, budget, quality, and planning are met within Damen Naval’s largest and most complex project.

You will be based mainly in Vlissingen, where the construction activities take place, and work closely with our German customer, suppliers and shipyard. As the current Senior Project Manager transitions to a reduced role, you will be gradually introduced and supported before taking full ownership of this long-term, multi-billion-euro program.

Key accountabilities
In this role, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing the engineering project organization of the F-126 platform, including 5 Project Managers and multiple specialized engineering teams.
• Taking ownership of the full engineering scope, from basic and detailed design to production support, testing, trials, and delivery.
• Executing the engineering project plan, monitoring progress against agreed milestones, and proactively addressing risks and deviations.
• Ensuring strict compliance with all contractual, technical, and quality requirements.
• Managing stakeholder communication with the German customer, shipyard, suppliers, and internal Damen entities.
• Representing Damen Naval towards tactical stakeholders and professional organizations.
• Acting as a visible leader on site in Vlissingen for at least three days per week.

Skills & experience
We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor or Master degree with 12+ years of relevant experience in a relevant field.
• Proven track record in managing large and complex engineering projects (offshore, infrastructure, energy, or similar); experience in naval shipbuilding is an advantage but not necessary.
• IPMA B certification (or equivalent).
• Extensive knowledge of engineering concepts, project management methods, and leadership techniques.
• Strong experience in collaborating with international customers and suppliers in complex, contractual environments.
• Excellent communication skills in German and English both written and spoken are necessary.
• Being able to speak the Dutch language is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel internationally and to be present on site in Vlissingen multiple days per week.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills, with the ability to navigate a long-term, highly procedural project environment.
• Excellent references, as a security screening is part of the hiring process.
• Permanent EU citizenship and passport are both required. Candidates with EU (work) visa or with both an EU and non-EU nationality and/or passport are not eligible in accordance with the requirements imposed by the military nature of our projects.

What we offer
We want to make sure you are happy in your role. As part of Damen Naval we will support you to:

• Enjoy excellent employment conditions, including competitive salary, 8% holiday allowance, 27 holidays and 13 ADV days.
• Together with the project teams, you form the core of our projects and are involved from A to Z.
• Experience the best of both worlds: work in Vlissingen at the largest naval shipyard in The Netherlands, and collaborate internationally with colleagues, partners, and customers around the world.
• Work alongside a diverse group of people with international backgrounds, in a professional and challenging environment where safety comes first.
• Be part of a dynamic, international team that shares knowledge and experience.

Application & information
Are you interested in this position, please submit your application including your CV and cover letter, along with an indication of:

• Your (preferred) monthly gross salary based on fulltime work.
• Availability (fulltime / part-time / number of hours).
• Notice period / possible starting date.

For more information about this vacancy or Damen Naval, please visit the Damen Naval website, the Damen Naval Career website or contact the Corporate Recruitment department via +31 118 485 000.

Please note that due to the military nature of our projects, only candidates who have permanent EU nationality can be considered for vacancies at Damen Naval. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to process candidates who (also) have a non-EU passport or nationality.

A pre-employment and security screening and investigation form part of the recruitment process.

Acquisition and introduction of candidates without a formal request is not appreciated and they will not be considered.

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