Data Governance & Quality Lead

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About us

Hop aboard Damen Naval; the naval division of the family-owned Damen Shipyards Group, where 12,000 professionals work worldwide. Damen Naval delivers advanced naval vessels to clients all over the globe. By implementing the most innovative technological developments in practice, we continue to push the boundaries of the shipbuilding industry. You can be part of our team! Are you ready for duty?

The role

As the Data Governance & Quality Lead at Damen Naval, you will hold a pivotal position in establishing and enforcing the foundational policies, standards, and processes that ensure the accuracy, consistency, security, and usability of our data across its entire lifecycle. You will be instrumental in supporting data owners to define data quality dimensions, and strategically manage data stewards. By partnering closely with diverse stakeholders, you will proactively address complex data challenges and champion continuous improvement in our data management practices. Your leadership will directly enable reliable analytics and informed decision-making, crucial for the design of next-generation ships and the efficiency of our operations.

Key accountabilities

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

• Define and maintain data ownership, formulate and uphold data quality rules, develop robust data risk profiles, ensure comprehensive data security, and manage data definitions and descriptions in accordance with established governance frameworks.
• Partner closely with engineers, project managers, supply chain, and other key stakeholders to deeply understand their data needs and provide definitions and documentation that contribute to informed decision-making.
• Continuously monitor key data metrics, help stewards to validate and cleanse data, and proactively address errors to maintain accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness across our datasets.
• Guarantee alignment with all regulatory requirements while actively identifying, assessing, and mitigating data-related risks such as breaches, misuse, and non-compliance.
• Provide ongoing support and comprehensive training to end-users on defining and resolving data quality issues and implementing best practices.
• Stay updated on the latest tools and technologies in data management, explore new methods to enhance data quality, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement through training and guidance.
• Document processes, methodologies, and findings for knowledge sharing.

Skills & experience

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s pr Master's degree in IT or a relevant field with at least 6 years of relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience in program and project management, preferably within data governance, data quality, or large-scale data transformation programs.
• A strong foundation in data management principles, governance frameworks, and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, ISO standards).
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies, ideally tailored for Industry 4.0 and system engineering, with a proven track record in process development and improvement, preferably in ship construction or a related industry.
• Experience in the maritime, defense, or a related industry is highly valued, but an essential requirement is to possess a strong engineering mindset.
• Technical Understanding: Understanding of BI reporting systems and processes, and experience working with data analysis tools.
• Good command of both written and verbal English, with Dutch proficiency being a plus. Awareness of potential business travel, work abroad, or intercontinental assignments.
• Excellent references antecedents as a pre-employment security screening is standard part of the recruitment procedure.
• Permanent EU citizenship and passport are both required and candidates with NL/EU (work) visa or with both an EU and non-EU nationality and/or passport are not eligible in accordance with the requirements imposed by the military nature of our projects

What we offer
At Damen Naval, we highly value our employees, and we will support your professional and personal development. We also provide our employees with:

• A competitive salary and 8% holiday pay.
• 27 holidays and 13 ADV days.
• Travel allowance of 23 cents per kilometre.
• PME-pension arrangement with an employer contribution of 60%.
• Profit sharing based on company results.
• Flexibility to work from home up to two days a week.
• Additional benefits including a bicycle plan and company fitness.

Application & information
Are you interested in this position, please submit your application with your CV and cover letter, along with an indication of:

• Your (preferred) monthly gross salary based on fulltime work.
• Availability (fulltime / part-time / number of hours).
• Notice period / possible starting date.

For more information about this vacancy or Damen Naval, please visit the Damen Naval website, the Damen Naval Career website or contact the Corporate Recruitment department via +31 118 485 000.

A pre-assignment and security screening and investigation form part of the recruitment process.

Acquisition and introduction of candidates without a formal request is not appreciated and they will not be considered.

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