Pre-Claims Manager Shipbuilding

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

As the Pre-Claims Manager at Damen Naval, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding our interests across all shipbuilding projects. Your primary objective will be to proactively gather and meticulously organize all necessary documentation and evidence from both internal and external stakeholders. This crucial groundwork will be instrumental in either substantiating our claims for added value or providing a robust defense against claims brought against us, directly impacting the financial integrity and successful delivery of our complex maritime projects. This role requires flexibility to work from both our Schiedam office and our shipyard in Vlissingen.

Key accountabilities

• Lead the proactive collection of all relevant documentation (e.g., variation orders, progress reports, communication logs, inspection records) from internal departments (Engineering, Production, Procurement, Project Management) and external partners (suppliers, subcontractors, clients).
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate information flow.
• Analyze project documentation to identify potential claims or areas of risk, and proactively gather supporting evidence.
• Develop and implement efficient processes and systems for the organization and storage of pre-claim documentation.
• Collaborate with Legal, Commercial, and Project Management teams to assess the strength of potential claims or defenses.
• Provide guidance and training to project teams on the importance of thorough documentation and pre-claim management processes.
• Contribute to the development of best practices and lessons learned regarding claim prevention and management.

Skills & experience

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Maritime Technology, Naval Architecture, Law, or Engineering.
• Proven experience (minimum of 5 years) within the maritime shipbuilding or Defense sector is essential.
• Strong understanding of shipbuilding contracts, commercial terms, and project management principles.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with a strong focus on accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to analyze complex information and draw sound conclusions.
• Proficiency in Dutch and English, both written and spoken.
• Excellent references, as a security screening is part of the hiring process.
• Flexibility to work from both our Schiedam office and our shipyard in Vlissingen.
• 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

At Damen Naval, we highly value our employees, and we will support your professional and personal development. We also provide our employees with:

• A competitive salary and 8% holiday pay.
• 27 holidays and 13 ADV days.
• Travel allowance of 23 cents per kilometre.
• PME-pension arrangement with an employer contribution of 60%.
• Profit sharing based on company results.
• Flexibility to work from home up to two days a week.
• Additional benefits including a bicycle plan and company fitness.

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.

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.