Director Aquaculture Operations Norway

In June 2023, DNV acquired Åkerblå Group complementing DNV services and adding significant new life sciences expertise to DNV’s knowledge base. Åkerblå Group provides clients with knowledge-based advice and verification through interdisciplinary expertise in fish health, biodiversity and technical services, to use for sustainable practices and operations in the ocean. The Group has over 350 employees based in offices and laboratories in Norway, the UK, Iceland, and Lithuania. Together, DNV and Åkerblå Group want to deliver superior service levels and enhanced value for aquaculture and offshore renewable customers across Europe and beyond. The companies plan full integration to DNV within the next 2 years. 

Are you passionate about contributing to sustainable growth in the aquaculture industry? 

This is an exciting opportunity, for a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial, and experienced manager, to take on a senior role, within a growing, dynamic business. You will have the opportunity to engage in the growth to a world leading aquaculture assurance provider and contribute to build the DNV Aquaculture Powerhouse we are set for.

Join our Global Aquaculture management team as a Director Aquaculture Operations Norway at Åkerblå - a DNV company - and make a real difference!

As Director Aquaculture Operations Norway you will have the responsibility for and deliver upon the commercial plan and targets of a 345 MNOK business together with 250 employees organised in 3 areas as well as in various labs. You will utilize your leadership experience and your accomplished business development acumen, to manage and inspire the team and contribute to the DNV aquaculture strategy. 

You will report to the CEO of Åkerblå and be part of his management team. The role is full-time and located either in Frøya, Trondheim, Ålesund, Kristiansund, Bergen or Tromsø. Åkerblå’s head office is located in Frøya.

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Inspire, influence, lead and motivate a collaborative Management team while maintaining relationships with teams across the business at all levels
  
• Develop and implement commercial strategies according to company goals, aquaculture strategy and objectives aiming to accelerate growth
• Ownership and definition of the Annual Operating Plan, including P&L budget and plan, working in an overall framework set by the CEO
• Full accountability for ongoing activities and projects within the regional organization
• Lead the planning, development and delivery of effective, efficient and sustainable services 
• Measure effectiveness and efficiency of operational processes both internally and externally and find ways to improve processes
• Support the integration to DNV and drive change management processes
• Develop and implement innovative growth strategies, creating an environment where innovation and commercial excellence will flourish
• Create and communicate the business and sales team’s vision, ensuring sales and KPIs are consistent 
• Solve complex problems, take a higher/new perspective to identify solutions
• Build, hire, retain and develop a team of exceptional people to underpin growth objectives and commercial and strategic success

What we offer

• A meaningful job with one of Norway's most attractive employers
  
• Strong corporate culture with an emphasis on competence development
• Good colleagues who value teamwork and support each other
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• DNV training and qualification program
• Be part of a world-leading company that has a global reach with more than 15,000 employees around the world

DNV as an owner of Åkerblå is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity.

About you

Your qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate professional experience required; higher-level education (Master’s) preferred
  
• Relevant business experience: Minimum of 10 years’ experience in management required with in-depth knowledge
• Advantage if you have knowledge of the aquaculture industry but it is not a must
• Demonstrable history of commercial-orientation and competitiveness in the business context
• Keen interest in achieving results and proactively driving change and completing change processes
• Strong leadership, people and change management skills having a proven track record in implementing an effective organization supporting growth ambitions in different markets and various services
• Self-driven, service-minded approach to delivering value to DNV and our customers
• Strong relationship builder internally and externally with ability to interact and collaborate across our global organization
• Willingness and ability to travel, mainly domestic
• Native or close to native Norwegian skills plus strong written and verbal English communication skills

Kindly submit a CV and cover letter, outlining your motivation for applying to this position.

Read more about us: ÅKERBLÅ and DNV

We are the independent expert in assurance and risk management. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence.

As a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful organizations, we use our knowledge to advance safety and performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions to tackle global transformations.