HR Manager

Career at Damen

About Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen

Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen (DSV) is part of the Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DS&C) group. At our yard in Vlissingen, we focus on repair, maintenance, refit and conversion projects for a wide range of vessels.

With around 120 employees and additional flexible workforce during peak periods, DSV operates in a dynamic, project-driven environment where collaboration and adaptability are key. As part of the wider Damen network, we work closely with other shipyards to continuously improve and align processes and standards.

Your role

As HR Manager, you are responsible for HR at all levels: operational, tactical and strategic. You are a true business partner for the Managing Director and the Management Team, helping to shape and deliver the organization’s goals through effective people management.

You are the driving force behind HR within DSV. You translate organizational strategy into clear HR policies and ensure effective execution across the business. You work closely with the Managing Director and the MT and lead a small HR team consisting of an HR Advisor and a Front Desk Officer.

You balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution: from advising on organizational development to ensuring daily HR processes run smoothly. Your impact is visible in the development of people, the effectiveness of the organization and the overall performance of the yard.

Key Accountabilities

Develop and drive HR strategy

• Define and implement HR policies aligned with business objectives
• Advise the Managing Director and Management Team on HR strategy and organizational development
• Translate market developments and internal needs into future-proof HR initiatives

Lead and develop the HR function

• Lead, coach and develop the HR team (HR Advisor and Front Desk Officer)
• Ensure a professional, accessible and service-oriented HR organization
• Stimulate collaboration with other Damen shipyards to align HR practices

Ensure strong HR processes and systems

• Safeguard effective execution of HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, performance management and exit
• Monitor correct application of job grading, compensation and labor conditions
• Actively use and further develop HR systems such as Workday

Manage workforce and organization

• Ensure optimal staffing levels through recruitment, development and workforce planning
• Define and manage HR budgets and forecasts
• Manage relationships and contracts with external partners such as agencies and occupational health services

Provide insights and governance

• Deliver HR management information (e.g. absence, turnover, performance data)
• Develop policies, guidelines and employee handbook
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, internal regulations and HSEQ standards

Support business and continuous improvement

• Advise on organizational structure, leadership development and employability
• Drive continuous improvement of HR processes and ways of working
• Act as a key link between DSV and central Damen HR and IT

What you bring

Experience

• HBO/HBO+ level, preferably in HR, Personnel & Labour or similar
• 7,5–10+ years of relevant HR experience, including experience in an MT-level leadership role
• Experience in a dynamic, project-based or technical environment
• Experience with HR systems (e.g. Workday) and job grading methodologies (e.g. ISF/HAY)

Skills & mindset

• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Analytical and structured, with the ability to translate strategy into execution
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic and sometimes high-pressure environment
• Approachable, coaching leadership style
• Strong organizational sensitivity and ability to navigate stakeholders
• You drive results while maintaining a strong focus on people and quality
• You build collaboration across teams and disciplines
• You actively promote safety, compliance and a positive working environment
• You coach and develop others to perform at their best

What we offer

• A key HR leadership role within a dynamic shiprepair environment
• Direct impact on both people and business performance
• Membership of the local Management Team
• An informal, pragmatic and hands-on culture
• Strong collaboration within the Damen Shiprepair & Conversion division and Damen Group of companies
• Continuous focus on personal and professional development