Data Transformation & Change Manager

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Data Transformation & Change Manager

Location: DMESS, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Department: Data & AI

Employment Type: Full-Time

Shape the Future of Data Transformation at Damen

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.

The Role

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.

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, MDM, and service management practices
• Define and improve onboarding frameworks, operating procedures, and service models
• Contribute to the development of SLAs, XLAs, KPIs, 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 SSC capabilities
• Capture lessons learned and promote best practices
• Help scale Data SSC services across domains, regions, and business functions

What We're Looking For

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

Technical Expertise

• 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

Personal Attributes

• 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

Why Join Damen?

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.

Ideal Candidate Profile

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.

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