Development Manager, Ship Design

• Lead and coordinate the Design Development Team of about 10 experts and manage the design development portfolio to drive continuous improvement of design processes, methods and tools.
• Facilitate and appoint internal project managers in a matrix organization, influence stakeholders without direct line management, and optionally lead selected development projects.
• Require a background in ship design, naval architecture or marine engineering with proven experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing multiple projects or portfolios.
• The role is hybrid at Helsinki Shipyard (Hietalahti), requires a medical check including a drug test and security clearance, and applications are open until 9 August 2026.

We are Helsinki Shipyard - a company designing, building and commissioning tailor-made, high-class passenger vessels and icebreakers for extreme conditions. Our roots date back to 1865, and we proudly continue the story of Helsinki's own Shipyard, in the heart of Helsinki. 

With us, you get to design and build the ships under one roof from start to finish, in close collaboration with our customers. Our focus segments today are Icebreakers, Cruise Ships, Superyachts and Naval Vessels. To provide you with some perspective, we've built over 50 % of the world's icebreakers operating today and several remarkable cruise ships over the years.

Since November 2023, Helsinki Shipyard has been part of the Canadian Davie Group. Together with SATA Shipbuilding in Mäntyluoto, Pori, we form Davie Finland Operations.

We are looking for a Development Manager to lead and coordinate design development initiatives within a world-class shipbuilding environment.

In this role, you will be responsible for managing the design development portfolio and facilitating continuous improvement across design disciplines, processes, and tools. You will lead and coordinate a cross-functional Design Development Team consisting of approximately 10 experts, including designers, technical managers, and lead designers representing various engineering disciplines. You will influence and guide team members without direct line management responsibility. 

As Development Manager, you will act in a steering and portfolio management role. You will take part in identifying suitable project managers from within the organization, support them in driving development initiatives alongside their daily responsibilities, and ensure the overall portfolio delivers value to the business.

Depending on the size and maturity of the portfolio, you may also lead selected development projects yourself.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate the Design Development Team, bringing together experts from different design disciplines.

• Drive continuous improvement of design processes, methods, and tools.

• Take part in identifying and engage project managers from within the organization to lead individual development initiatives.

• Ensure alignment between development activities and business objectives.

• Support collaboration and process development across departments and organizational interfaces.

• Evaluate new technologies, tools, and software solutions for design and engineering teams.

• Contribute to the long-term strategic direction of design development and identify future improvement opportunities.

"This is a fascinating role because it offers a unique viewpoint across the entire organization and its operations. You get to work closely with experts from all areas of design, continuously learn new things, and help shape how we work in the future."

- Arttu Stenberg, former Development Manager, current Design Director

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• A background in ship design, naval architecture, marine engineering, or a related shipyard environment.

• Strong understanding of ship design processes and engineering workflows.

• Experience leading projects and coordinating cross-functional teams.

• Proven ability to lead and influence people in a matrix organization without direct line-management responsibility.

• The capability of managing multiple projects or a broader project portfolio.

• A collaborative and encouraging leadership style.

• Curiosity, initiative, and the ability to leverage the expertise of subject matter experts around you.

• Strategic thinking and the ability to identify where development efforts will create the greatest value.

What We Offer

• A highly visible role with broad organizational impact.

• The opportunity to shape the future of design and engineering development.

• Collaboration with leading experts across multiple engineering disciplines.

• A dynamic and international shipbuilding environment.

• The chance to drive innovation, process improvements, and new ways of working.

• A close-knit Design team of 150 professionals, where everyone knows one another and is empowered to make a meaningful impact on projects.

📍Our office is centrally located at the Shipyard in Hietalahti, Helsinki. Our team members work in a hybrid model, combining remote work with time spent at the office depending on the nature of the work and project phase. Typically, we work on-site two to three days per week.

We are also open to candidates who would like to relocate for the role. While we are unfortunately unable to provide relocation support at this time, we are happy to consider applicants who are planning to move to Finland independently and already hold a valid permit that allows them to work in Finland.

Continue our historical story with us! Tell us about yourself by 9.8.2026.

Please note that we review and interview promising candidates throughout the application period. However, as the recruitment takes place during the summer holiday season, there may occasionally be longer response times than usual. We appreciate your patience and will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Arttu Stenberg, Design Director,  via e-mail: [email protected]

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As part of the recruitment process, selected candidates will undergo a routine medical check, including a drug test. A security clearance will also be required.

Apply between 22 June 2026 and 9 August 2026 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki)Helsinki Shipyard

160 vuotta laivanrakennuksen huippuosaamista Helsingissä - tule mukaan !

Helsinki Shipyard on erikoistunut vaativissa olosuhteissa toimivien alusten rakentamiseen - olemme yksi maailman kokeneimmista jäänmurtajien ja erikoisalusten valmistajista. Toimimme Helsingin Hietalahdessa, meren äärellä, keskellä pääkaupunkia.

Aloitamme uuden jäänmurtajan rakentamisen Kanadan hallitukselle. Alus rakennetaan Helsingissä ja viimeistellään Davien telakalla Quebecissä vuoteen 2030 mennessä. Lue lisää projektista täältä!