Project Manager ILS software platform implementation (Interim)

Career at Damen

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

Damen Naval is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the implementation of a new Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) software tool for the F-126 frigate programme. This role is open for interim/freelance candidates and expected to run for 12–18 months. The solution will not only support the F-126 project but is also anticipated to become the standard for future high-end naval projects.

In this position you will manage a complex software implementation project involving numerous stakeholders across engineering, IT, suppliers, and subcontractors. The key focus is on configuration and implementation of the software platform, not on developing new IT systems. The project must be approached from an engineering and business perspective, ensuring that the tool effectively supports ILS processes and delivers high-quality and consistent data.

Key accountabilities

• Leading the ILS software tool implementation for the F-126 project, with potential extension to other naval programmes.
• Coordinating a project team of participants across engineering, IT, and supply chain functions.
• Defining scope, requirements, processes, and data flows before execution, ensuring alignment with stakeholders.
• Managing planning, budget, quality, and reporting towards the steering committee.
• Ensuring the tool is configured and implemented as intended, without unnecessary customisation.
• Driving adoption of the tool within Damen Naval and with subcontractors.
• Working closely with engineering leads, IT specialists, and external partners to ensure project success.

Skills & experience

• Bachelor or Master degree in Engineering, IT, or a related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience as Project Manager in software/IT implementation within complex technical environments (e.g. shipbuilding, offshore, infrastructure, defence).
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale implementation projects (20+ stakeholders) on time and within budget.
• Knowledge of ILS processes and understanding of engineering project environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, able to bridge business needs and IT capabilities.
• Availability to work on site in Vlissingen several days per week during the project duration.
• Good command of the Dutch and English language both written and verbal.
• Excellent references antecedents as a pre-assignment security screening is part of the recruitment procedure.
• Permanent EU citizenship and passport are both required. Candidates with EU (work) visa or with (also) a non-EU nationality and/or passport are not eligible given the requirements imposed by the military nature of our projects.

What we offer

• An attractive rate, ensuring at least equal pay to permanent staff.
• Travel allowance of 23 cents per kilometre.
• Flexibility to work partially from home.
• Challenging and innovative projects.

Other

If you are interested in this interim assignment as Project Manager Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), please submit your application with your CV and cover letter. Please indicate your preferred agreement -secondment or freelance- along with an indication of:

• Secondment: monthly gross salary based on fulltime work.
• Freelance: hourly rate excluding VAT.
• Availability: fulltime/ part-time and number of hours per week/
• Notice period and/ or preferred start date.

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-assignment and security screening and investigation form part of the recruitment process.

Why Damen?

Damen has 35 shipyards on five different continents and operates in more than 100 countries. We are still growing and that gives you options. You contribute to this growth while benefitting from the diverse development and career opportunities that our company offers. We will continue to challenge you. With our extensive portfolio of products and solutions you will never get bored and never stop learning. We offer you a world of possibilities.
Working at Damen means contributing to the highest quality in shipbuilding, with an eye to the future and future generations. We want to make the world a better place by becoming the most sustainable maritime solution provider. For that, we need you. Become part of our family.

About Us

We are Damen. We’re a family company that has been building ships for almost 100 years. However, our focus is not on the past, however – we’re looking forward. Our ambition is to become the most sustainable and connected maritime solutions provider there is. To achieve this, we combine digital technology with our philosophy of standardised shipbuilding to offer a portfolio of services that takes care of vessels throughout the entire lifecycle. Working at Damen offers the best of several worlds. Active in more than 100 countries, with over 30 shipyards, we are internationally renowned for quality. And we are still growing, still innovating. Which means we will continue to challenge you. You will never stop learning, and you will never get bored – we promise you that. We offer you an ocean of possibilities. Join our family.