Heesen is a remarkably versatile shipyard where world-class yachts are crafted with passion, ambition, and pride. Our innovative strength, welcoming work culture, and opportunities for personal development make working at Heesen truly unique.
For nearly half a century, Heesen has been a leader at the pinnacle of yacht building. What makes Heesen such a versatile employer is that all our yachts are developed and built entirely in-house. Career opportunities across our two production locations are incredibly diverse: from engineering to project management, and from rough hull construction to refined interior craftsmanship.
At our shipyard in Oss, we have nine production halls, including five dry docks. Here, you can observe yachts evolving from blueprint to reality. This involvement in the entire construction process is truly exceptional. In Winterswijk, we handcraft luxury yacht interiors using the finest materials, with utmost attention to quality.
Discover the career opportunities awaiting you at both Heesen locations.
Heesen was founded over 40 years ago by Frans Heesen. Since then, more than 200 yachts have been launched in Oss, and the shipyard has grown from a local player into a Champions League-level industry leader. Despite this growth, the welcoming character of a family business and the down-to-earth Brabant mentality have remained.
Heesen is a straightforward organisation with a pleasant, informal atmosphere. You’ll often hear the phrase, “Just building a boat.” Milestones at the shipyard, such as a launch, are celebrated together. Traditions are important to us, too. For instance, every yacht sold is celebrated with Bossche bollen—a tradition started by Frans Heesen himself.
At Heesen, we operate according to our values pyramid, which highlights the qualities we consider essential. Expertise, teamwork, and ownership form the foundation of this pyramid. These qualities enable us to deliver the desired quality in a structured manner, always prioritising the needs of both internal and external clients.
At the top of the pyramid is reliability—making clear commitments and consistently following through on them.
Additionally, we believe in the power of diversity within teams, as different qualities and competencies complement and strengthen one another.
Building superyachts requires expertise from a wide range of disciplines. That’s why Heesen invests significantly in the craftsmanship and quality of its employees. The Heesen Academy nurtures talent and provides opportunities for career advancement. Students, starters, and vocational trainees (BBL’ers) can discover exciting opportunities at Heesen to graduate or learn a trade while contributing to the creation of world-class yachts.
At Heesen, we feel a strong connection to and responsibility for our environment. Through our BlueNautech sustainability programme, we work diligently to reduce the ecological footprint of our shipyard and yachts. From the outset, Heesen has designed, developed, and built yachts inspired by the oceans, featuring lightweight, ultra-efficient hull shapes and innovative propulsion technologies. We focus on reducing the energy consumption of our yachts, minimising local impact, and utilising innovative materials, recycling, and more sustainable production methods. As a partner of the Water Revolution Foundation, we actively contribute to a sustainable future for our oceans.
Heesen is also deeply rooted in our region, where many of our employees and suppliers are based. That’s why we support local community initiatives, such as sponsoring football club Top Oss and the annual City Run. Heesen is also one of the companies behind the creation of the Bos van Oss, a new 20-hectare forest aimed at increasing greenery, biodiversity, and CO2 reduction in the region. Additionally, we regularly organise guest lectures and guided tours of our shipyard for students.
Long-term employment with memorable jubilees is not uncommon at Heesen. Team spirit and camaraderie are often cited as key reasons for this. These bonds are forged through close teamwork and celebrating successes together. For instance, the launch of a yacht is always a festive occasion.
This sense of connection extends beyond working hours. Our active employee association organises enjoyable outings, social gatherings, and events throughout the year. From holiday celebrations to the ever-popular summer and Christmas parties, there’s always something to anticipate at Heesen.
