Process Improvement & Automation Officer

As a Process Improvement & Automation Officer at Royal IHC, you will play a key role in shaping the operational backbone of our organization. This position offers a unique opportunity to embed a culture of process excellence and redesign workflows with automation and AI at the core—rather than as an afterthought. You will collaborate across departments to identify, document, and optimize end-to-end processes, ensuring our operations are efficient, scalable, and aligned with industry best practices. In addition, you will propose process redesigns and leverage technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and AI to drive further efficiency gains. This is a hands-on role that combines analytical thinking, stakeholder engagement, and a passion for continuous improvement. You will work closely with Business Process Owners, Super Users, Product Owners, and AI specialists. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact by improving processes and driving automation. You will start by tackling core processes and later have the chance to grow into a management position. You will report directly to our IT Director.

Key Responsibilities

1. Process Discovery & Documentation

   • Partner with line management to conduct interviews, workshops, and on-site observations to understand current workflows.
   • Translate informal or ad-hoc practices into clear, standardized documentation, including SOPs, flowcharts, RACI matrices, and process maps.
   • Maintain a centralized, accessible repository for all process documentation, ensuring regular updates and reviews.

2. Process Excellence & Standardization

   • Lead initiatives to harmonize and standardize processes across teams and locations, reducing variation and improving consistency.
   • Identify and mitigate operational risks through robust process design and control measures.
   • Support the development of KPIs to measure process effectiveness and drive accountability.
   • Communicate process changes clearly and effectively, tailoring messages to different audiences.

3. Digital Enablement

   • Identify system inefficiencies through process and task mining and propose practical, scalable solutions.
   • Collaborate with IT to identify opportunities for RPA implementation.
   • Support the integration of AI to help establish our Agentic Workforce.

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Business Economics, Technical Business Studies, Business & IT (or similar).
• Experience in process improvement, operations, or business analysis roles.
• Proficiency in process mapping and documentation tools (e.g., Visio or similar).
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen is highly desirable.
• Affinity with technology and AI.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

What Royal IHC Offers You

• A salary between €3957 and €5772 gross per month, plus 8% holiday allowance.
• Plenty of time off: 40 vacation days for a full-time position, with the option to buy or sell additional leave.
• A profit-sharing scheme that lets you share in Royal IHC’s success.
• Flexible working: A home office allowance of €2.45 per day plus a one-time payment of €750 to set up your workspace.
• Travel allowance of €0.21 per kilometer for the days you commute to the office.
• A solid pension plan through PME.
• Room to grow: Numerous internal career opportunities and a training budget plus access to our IHC Academy to support your development.
• Health and energy: Unlimited access to our in-house gym (in exchange for the sustainable employability day).
• Royal IHC takes care of things you’d rather not worry about, but that are still important—such as disability insurance, partner pension, and the option to have additional healthcare costs reimbursed through our Social Fund.

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.

For questions about Royal IHC careers, please contact: Recruitment@Royalihc.com