Managing Director Aquaculture & Ocean Health NEW

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial and experienced manager to take on an executive leadership role in DNV with ambitions to grow a world-leading aquaculture and ocean health assurance provider.

Aquaculture & Ocean Health is a strategically important Service Line within DNV’s Business Area Life Sciences, supporting customers with knowledge-based advice and verification through interdisciplinary expertise in aquatic biodiversity, fish health and technical services for sustainable practices and operations. Within Aquaculture, our priority customers are leading global and regional aquaculture operators. Within Ocean Health, we, in addition to the aquaculture segment, prioritise customers within the energy sector. With the acquisitions of Åkerblå Group in Norway in 2023 and Ocean Ecology in the UK in 2024, DNV have set a substantial footprint in the market.

As Managing Director of Aquaculture & Ocean Health, you will set direction for the Service Line and hold overall accountability for strategy, international growth, operations and commercial performance of a ~700 MNOK business. You will be responsible for leading and developing 350 employees across Norway, the UK and Iceland.

This is a highly visible leadership role in DNV for an experienced business leader who combines commercial acumen, strong people leadership and the ability to navigate complexity and change. You will report directly to the CEO of Life Sciences and join the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic direction, priorities and performance of the Life Sciences business while leading Aquaculture and Ocean Health.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the Aquaculture & Ocean Health strategy and commercial priorities in line with DNV’s purpose, strategy, management system and governance requirements.
• Deliver sustainable and profitable growth, with clear accountability for sales, revenue, EBIT, cash flow, operational performance and other relevant key performance indicators.
• Lead, inspire and develop the Aquaculture & Ocean Health management team; set clear expectations and create alignment around shared goals, priorities and accountability.
• Drive integration and transformation activities with clarity and pace, while safeguarding business continuity and engagement.
• Drive operational excellence by reviewing performance, risks, processes and ways of working, and by implementing improvements that strengthen quality, scalability and results.
• Use market trends, customer insights, and business intelligence to identify opportunities, shape strategic choices, and strengthen the market position.
• Build and sustain senior relationships with key customers and external stakeholders, ensuring high-quality relationship management and customer value.
• Ensure appropriate governance, risk management, compliance, safety, health and environmental awareness across the Service Line.