Head of International Production

Shape the Future of Global Shipbuilding

We are looking for a visionary and hands-on Head of International Production to lead and develop our global manufacturing strategy. This is a unique opportunity to shape how and where we build the next generation of maritime solutions.

As Head of International Production, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing Royal IHC’s international production strategy. With a strong focus on Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, you will also be active in other key regions such as India and (North) America. This is a senior leadership role where you coordinate international shipbuilding projects, establish and manage local site teams, and ensure seamless collaboration between our headquarters in Kinderdijk and our global partner yards.

You act as the strategic bridge between continents, aligning global teams and driving performance across borders. You’ll serve as facilitator, coach, and contract owner for our international production sites, ensuring high-quality execution, strong local relationships, and alignment with Royal IHC’s standards and values. In this role you will report directly to our COO.

Your responsibilities include conducting detailed site assessments, managing contractual frameworks, and safeguarding project progress, timelines, and budgets.

This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of shipbuilding.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will set the strategic direction for all international production activities. You will drive continuous improvement across key business areas such as safety culture, craftsmanship development, future build opportunities, and global production footprint optimization.

You will also be responsible for introducing and embedding new ways of working across all international production sites, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and alignment with Royal IHC’s high standards.

• Act as Business Process Owner (BPO) for all international shipbuilding activities.
• Identify, assess, and audit partner yards for shipbuilding and/or design & equipment activities.
• Set up and lead local site teams, ensuring alignment with Royal IHC’s standards and processes.
• Manage subcontracting from a commercial and contractual perspective, working closely with legal, tax, and compliance departments.

Your Profile

• Experience with (setting up) shipbuilding in an international production environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to define and drive new ways of working.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical or business-related field.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and intercultural communication skills.
• You are willing to travel twice a month (each trip is approximately of one week).
• Fluent in English (Dutch is a plus).

What We Offer

• A strategic leadership role in a globally operating high-tech company.
• The opportunity to shape Royal IHC’s international production landscape.
• A dynamic and entrepreneurial environment where your vision and execution make a real impact.
• A gross annual salary between €118.000,- and €157.000,- (based on a fulltime working week).
• A company car.
• Good work/life balance with 40 vacation days for full-time employment with the option to buy or sell (additional) leave.
• A profit-sharing scheme. No rights reserved.

About Us

Royal IHC is a leading supplier of maritime technology and expert craftsmanship. Driven by innovation, our dedicated experts provide a competitive edge to our worldwide customers in the dredging, offshore, mining and defence industries. However, Royal IHC is much more than vessels, equipment and services.

We deliver reliable, integrated solutions that improve operational efficiency and create a platform for a more sustainable performance. As we navigate new waters, our aim remains unchanged: to discover the smartest and safest way forward for both our customers and our people. Together, we create the maritime future.

In 2042 (when we exist 400 years) Royal IHC will be a fully sustainable company with a net-zero portfolio