The position

As company working in the marine construction industry Van Oord is looking at ways to create positive impact. While the need for more sustainable marine solutions grows, the mission of Ocean Health at Van Oord is to enhance biodiversity and restore marine ecosystems at scale – utilizing Van Oord’s extensive knowledge and experience in nature restoration. The Ocean Health initiative from Van Oord has recently given a prominent place in the company to ensure the right focus and management attention. Besides two solid business units for climate adaptation (Dredging & Infra) and energy transition (Offshore Energy), we now want to accelerate and scale up our activities in marine biodiversity.

As Director you will head the Ocean Health business line. You are passionate about our planet and oceans. You demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset and strategic thinking to build a project portfolio, develop earning models, acquire projects and clients. You have a commercial way of thinking and have a sharp eye for opportunities in the market. You have a proven track record in establishing strategic partnerships and are able to set the right M&A agenda for this pioneering market. Next to that you are a proven team leader and coach and you are great in building ex- and internal relationships. You are able to define long-term strategy, translate into concrete plans and take a leading role in driving people to reach common goals. You are able to have strategic conversations with c-level executives and able to learn from young start-ups.

Your responsibilities

• Heading the Ocean Health Business line, and organising the commercial activities that lead to scalable business in the next 3–5 years (~€50M) with the potential to grow to a €200M; 
• Growth of the commercial Ocean Health team;
• Strategic (i.e., project and product development) and financial reporting responsibilities within the Business Line and directly reporting to the ExCom;
• Build a reputation in the global marine biodiversity / marine ecosystem market together with the team of Ocean Health Business Development Managers and Project Development Manager;
• Build a Nature-Based Solutions ecosystem for Van Oord by setting up exclusive partnerships (funding/investments, tech companies, execution, knowledge);

Job requirements

• Completed Master degree;
• At least 15 years of entrepreneurial work experience in a small or large scale commercial organization, preferably in an international, offshore / maritime setting;
• Experience in a consultancy and / or engineering environment; 
• Experience with working in a non-profit organization is a strong pre; 
• You have a good track record with leading a scale up business; 
• You are a strong personality with vision and leadership skills;
• You have excellent (intercultural) communication skills, able to forge alliances & align stakeholders;
• You have strong affinity with the health of the ocean and sustainability; you are eager to learn about how we can positively impact our oceans;
• Excellent command of the English language, spoken and written.

We offer

In a “scale-up” working atmosphere you have an key role to develop our Ocean Health business further within Van Oord with innovative ideas, in a challenging international work environment. The package includes among other things:

• A salary that matches your responsibilities and experience;
• Everything you need to execute your position like a company car, laptop, phone, etc;
• A variable bonus;
• 32 leave days of which a max. of 7 days can be appointed as collective leave days;
• A pension scheme;
• Extensive learning and (personal) development possibilities;
• Collective health insurance (optional);

About Van Oord

Van Oord is a leading global maritime contractor in dredging, infra and offshore projects (oil, gas and wind). We are an innovative partner for our clients and have been contributing to the infrastructure of tomorrow's world for over a hundred years. Our people are committed, enterprising professionals with a passion for water and technology.

Do you want to be a part of Van Oord?

Interested? Apply via the application button. Do you have any questions? Please Daniel Lems, teamlead talent acquisition via +31(0)611469892 or daniel.lems@vanoord.com