Managing Director Aquaculture & Ocean Health

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.

What we offer

• A senior leadership role with broad responsibility for an international, knowledge-based business with a strong sustainability purpose.
• The opportunity to shape the future direction and growth of Aquaculture & Ocean Health in DNV.
• Close collaboration with experienced leaders, technical experts and colleagues across DNV’s global organization.
• A strong platform for continued leadership development and career progression within DNV.

DNV 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.

#Li-Hybrid

About you

We are looking for a Managing Director with:

• A Bachelor’s degree or commensurate professional experience; a Master’s degree or other relevant higher-level education is preferred.
• Substantial senior management experience with broad accountability for business performance, people and operations in an international environment.
• A demonstrated record of commercial orientation and of delivering sustainable, profitable growth.
• Proven leadership and people-management capability, including experience in building effective organizations and developing senior leaders and teams.
• Experience leading change, transformation and integration across complex, matrixed and multicultural environments.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the credibility to engage effectively with customers, external stakeholders and colleagues at all levels.
• Knowledge of the aquaculture industry and/or ocean health assurance or another relevant knowledge-based industry would be an advantage.
• Strong written and verbal Norwegian and English communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Application:

Please submit your CV and cover letter, outlining your motivation for applying and the experience you would bring to the role.

Security and compliance with statutory requirements in the countries in which we operate is essential for DNV. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates as part of the offer process, in accordance with applicable country-specific laws and practices.

About Life Sciences

We help our customers in medical devices, healthcare, and aquaculture/ocean industries build trust and transparency across their products, assets, and supply chains. By working with customers to certify medical technologies, support safe and sustainable healthcare practices, and advance responsible aquaculture and ocean stewardship, we help manage risks, meet regulatory demands, and achieve long-term goals. Drawing on deep technical expertise, we partner with customers worldwide to bridge trust gaps between patients, providers, producers, and consumers—driving sustainable results and improved ESG performance.