Traineeship Dredging & Infra Commerce

As a DRI Commerce Trainee, you follow a structured 18-month program divided into three phases, designed to develop your commercial acumen, operational knowledge, and strategic thinking. You’ll work closely with experienced commercial managers, travel internationally, and gain practical insights into the dredging and infra business, proposal preparation, and tender management. You will gain general knowledge of the technical, commercial, and contractual aspects of projects and request for proposals and business development.

Your journey includes rotations across various focus areas, such as contract management, operational processes, and regional strategy execution. By the end of the program, you’ll be well-equipped to take on a full-fledged commercial role.

YOUR IMPACT

As a DRI Commerce Trainee, you play a key role in supporting our commercial operations while gaining valuable insights and skills. You contribute to shaping our business strategies and enhancing our customer relationships. Key areas where you’ll make an impact include:

• Assisting commercial managers with client meetings, site visits, and project activities.
• Supporting tender managers in preparing technical and commercial proposals and managing administrative tasks.
• Gaining hands-on experience through international travel and involvement in operational processes.

This role also provides the chance to work in dynamic, contrasting markets, gaining exposure to both structured and unstructured procurement environments.

YOUR WORKPLACE

Our team is dynamic, diverse, and driven, with a strong focus on delivering innovative solutions in regions such as Africa and Europe. At Van Oord, we foster an open and inclusive culture where collaboration, innovation, and development are at the forefront. With a mix of experienced professionals and fresh talent, our team values growth, learning, and teamwork.

ABOUT YOU

You are an ambitious and driven individual with a natural curiosity for learning and exploring new challenges. Your ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and think critically makes you a valuable addition to our team. You thrive in dynamic, high-energy environments and are eager to contribute to meaningful projects while developing your skills.

Soft Skills:

• Effective communicator and listener: you connect with others, balancing assertiveness with the ability to actively listen and understand different perspectives.
• Proactive and eager to learn: you take initiative, are naturally curious, and continuously seek opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Confident and charismatic leader: you inspire others with your confidence and have the ability to lead and influence effectively.
• Positive and results-oriented: you maintain an optimistic outlook, see opportunities in every challenge, and are focused on delivering tangible outcomes.
• Adaptable and adventurous: you thrive in diverse environments, enjoy exploring new challenges, and aren’t afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
• Critical thinker with a fresh perspective: you challenge ideas constructively and contribute innovative, well-reasoned and creative solutions.

Hard Skills:

In addition to your soft skills, you bring the following qualifications and experiences to the table:

• Educational background: HBO/WO degree in Economics, Marketing, Technical Business Administration, or a related technical field.
• Entrepreneurial experience or sales background: experience in side jobs, sales, or entrepreneurial activities.
• Technical knowledge (if applicable): A technical background, even if not strictly required, can be an asset.

WE OFFER

We offer you an 18-month Traineeship designed to accelerate your personal and professional development. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build meaningful relationships with fellow trainees, and form a network that will support you throughout your career. Besides this, we also offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package;
• Attractive travel reimbursement (€0.31 per km) and home-office reimbursement (€2.15 per day);
• 32 vacation days (with a maximum of 7 collective days) to be taken outside the office periods;
• A variable bonus, depending on the company’s results;
• An attractive pension plan;
• Option for a collective health insurance plan (Van Oord covers your additional package);
• Flexible home-office arrangement: in agreement with your manager;
• Unique development opportunities consisting of various workshops, presentations and training courses;
• Communities to join, such as: Young Van Oord, Van Oord Women, Queer Community;

Various events and sports activities, including winter sports, sailing weekend, cycling, and motorcycling.