Data Transformation & Change Manager

Role Overview

Data Transformation & Change Manager at Damen Shipyards Group, located at DMESS, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Full-time position within the Data & AI department.

Company Overview

Damen Shipyards Group is on an ambitious journey to become a truly data-powered organization. The company is strengthening its Data & AI capabilities and investing in people, platforms, governance, and operating models that enable trusted data, scalable services, and sustainable business transformation. The role supports the acceleration of Damen's Data Shared Service Centre while driving organizational change across business functions.

Role Purpose

Lead the onboarding of new data services, capabilities, and operating models into the Data Shared Service Centre. Turn opportunities into structured, adopted, and operational services that create measurable value for the business. Balance transformation leadership, stakeholder management, change management, operational thinking, and practical delivery to influence how data services are adopted across a global maritime leader.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Data Transformation Initiatives

• Lead the end-to-end onboarding of new data services and data objects into the Data Shared Service Centre.
• Translate business needs into structured transformation and onboarding plans.
• Define scope, milestones, risks, dependencies, deliverables, and success measures.
• Coordinate activities across business, governance, operations, data, and technology teams.
• Ensure successful transition from project delivery into operational service.

Drive Change & Adoption

• Lead stakeholder engagement, communication, training, readiness assessments, and adoption activities.
• Support business teams in understanding and embracing new ways of working.
• Manage organizational change across multiple business functions and regions.
• Facilitate workshops, alignment sessions, and decision-making forums.
• Promote long-term adoption and value realization.

Build Scalable Data Services

• Support the implementation of Data Governance, Master Data Management, and service management practices.
• Define and improve onboarding frameworks, operating procedures, and service models.
• Contribute to the development of Service Level Agreements, Execution Level Agreements, Key Performance Indicators, and service documentation.
• Ensure alignment with enterprise standards, governance frameworks, and operating models.
• Drive consistency and repeatability across future onboarding initiatives.

Collaborate & Deliver Results

• Partner with Data Owners, Data Stewards, Product Owners, and business stakeholders.
• Provide transparency on progress, risks, issues, and key decisions.
• Support continuous improvement of Data Shared Service Centre capabilities.
• Capture lessons learned and promote best practices.
• Help scale Data Shared Service Centre services across domains, regions, and business functions.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Data Transformation, Change Management, Project Management, Shared Services, or related disciplines.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional transformation initiatives.
• Experience driving organizational adoption and business change.
• Experience with stakeholder management across multiple functions and levels.
• Experience implementing operating models, shared services, or service onboarding frameworks.
• Experience working in complex international organizations.
• Background from manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, marine, offshore, engineering, energy, utilities, shared services, or similar complex environments where stakeholder alignment, operational adoption, and organizational change are critical.

Skills & Competencies

• Change Management
• Business Transformation
• Project and Program Management
• Stakeholder Management and influencing
• Process Improvement
• Service Onboarding
• Data Governance
• Master Data Management
• Shared Services Operations
• Enterprise platforms: SAP, Workday, Salesforce, IFS, ServiceNow, or similar
• Reporting and Project Tracking Tools
• Structured and highly organized approach
• Excellent communication and facilitation abilities
• Pragmatic, hands-on, and results-oriented mindset
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups
• Passion for transformation, adoption, and continuous improvement

Additional Information

This role offers the opportunity to make a real impact by helping shape how data services, governance, and operating models are adopted across a global maritime leader. You will collaborate with stakeholders across multiple countries, business units, and functions while supporting strategic Data & AI initiatives that drive operational excellence and business value. As part of a growing Data & AI function, you will benefit from strong executive sponsorship, strategic investment, and the opportunity to contribute directly to Damen's long-term transformation ambitions. The role encourages ownership, innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth.