Work Preparation Coordinator

Career at Damen

About Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam

Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam is part of the Damen Shiprepair & Conversion group. We focus on repair, maintenance, refit and conversion of a wide range of vessels, from offshore to cruise, naval and renewable energy.

At our yard in Rotterdam, no project is the same. From large structural conversions to complex dockings, we operate at the heart of technically demanding, time-critical projects. You work close to execution and see your work come to life in the drydock.

Make complex work executable

You know that solid preparation makes or breaks a project.

As Coordinator Work Preparation, you lead a team of 13 specialists and ensure that complex repair projects are not only planned, but actually ready for execution. You bring structure, clarity and control in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.

Your role

In this role as a Coordinator, you are in control of how work preparation is done. You translate complex client scopes into clear, executable plans that production can rely on. At the same time, you ensure alignment between planning, engineering and production, keeping projects on track, even when priorities shift.

Maintaining the good atmosphere, you lead an experienced team of Work Preparators and Planners who look to you for direction, structure and continuous improvement. Your impact is visible every day: in the drydocks, in the workshops and in the success of each project.

Key Accountabilities

Lead and develop your team

• Lead, coach and develop the team of Work Preparators and Planners (13 FTE)
• Create structure, ownership and clarity within the team
• Ensure balanced workload, continuity and performance

Ensure strong and realistic work preparation

• Translate client scope into clear, executable work packages, drawings and instructions
• Ensure projects are fully prepared before execution
• Support complex and multidisciplinary activities with technical knowledge

Control planning and performance

• Monitor capacity, progress and productivity
• Ensure alignment between Work Preparation and Project Management, production and Quality Control
• Maintain overview and adjust as needed in our dynamic environment

Safeguard quality and standards

• Ensure consistent, high-quality technical deliverables
• Review work packages, drawings and technical scopes
• Improve ways of working, standards and execution strategies

Drive continuous improvement

• Own and improve Work Preparation processes, templates and tools
• Challenge existing methods and introduce smarter ways of working

Act as the technical backbone

• Advise Project Management, Production and (client-) Engineering
• Support tenders with estimates, feasibility checks and technical quiries
• Coordinate outsourced engineering or work preparation activities

What you bring

Experience

• Experience in Work Preparation, Engineering or Project Support
• Experience in leading or coordinating technical teams
• Background in a project-driven technical environment (shipping, offshore, technical management)
• Affinity with docking operations and shiprepair projects

Technical skills

• Able to read and assess technical drawings and documentation
• Experience with tools such as AutoCAD, Rhino, Plant-3D, Microsoft Project and ERP systems
• Strong understanding of production processes

Leadership & mindset

• You are solution-oriented, take ownership and create structure in complexity
• You enjoy a dynamic environment and perform well under pressure
• You value a strong team spirit and enhance collaboration and a positive atmosphere
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Strong communication skills in Dutch and English

What we offer

• A hands-on, technical environment with real impact
• Informal, no-nonsense culture with short communication lines
• 27 vacation days + 13 ADV days
• Travel allowance and profit sharing
• Continuous focus on your development