Data Transformation & Change Manager

Location: DMESS, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Department: Data & AI

Employment Type: Full-Time

At Damen Shipyards Group, we are on an ambitious journey to become a truly data-powered organization. To support this vision, we are strengthening our Data & AI capabilities and investing in the people, platforms, governance, and operating models that enable trusted data, scalable services, and sustainable business transformation. The role is intended to help accelerate the adoption and expansion of Damen's Data Shared Service Centre while driving organizational change across business functions.

We are not looking for someone who simply manages projects.

We are looking for a transformation-oriented professional who understands how people, processes, data, and technology come together to create lasting business value. You may come 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 to success.

This is an opportunity to influence how data services are adopted across a global maritime leader and contribute directly to Damen's Data & AI transformation journey.

As a Data Transformation & Change Manager, you will lead the onboarding of new data services, capabilities, and operating models into the Data Shared Service Centre. You will be responsible for turning opportunities into structured, adopted, and operational services that create measurable value for the business.

You will work closely with Data Owners, Data Stewards, business stakeholders, the Data SSC team, IT, Data Governance, Master Data Management, and operational teams to drive alignment, adoption, and long-term sustainability.

The role requires a balance between transformation leadership, stakeholder management, change management, operational thinking, and practical delivery.

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

Change Management

Business Transformation

Project & Program Management

Stakeholder Management

Process Improvement

Service Onboarding

Data Governance

Master Data Management

Shared Services Operations

SAP, Workday, Salesforce, IFS, ServiceNow, or similar enterprise platforms

Reporting and Project Tracking Tools

Structured and highly organized

Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills

Excellent communication and facilitation abilities

Pragmatic, hands-on, and results-oriented

Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity

Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities

Able to build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups

Passionate about transformation, adoption, and continuous improvement

At Damen, you will have 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. This is a unique opportunity to combine transformation leadership, stakeholder engagement, change management, and business impact in an environment that encourages ownership, innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

The ideal candidate is currently working as a Data Transformation Manager, Change Manager, Business Transformation Manager, Data Program Manager, Shared Services Transformation Manager, Enterprise Change Manager, Digital Transformation Manager, or similar role within a complex international organization and has experience driving adoption, onboarding services, and leading cross-functional transformation initiatives.

This individual combines business acumen, change leadership, stakeholder engagement, and operational delivery skills to create sustainable outcomes and accelerate organizational transformation.