Do you want to lead a dynamic and internationally recognized innovation environment that works purposefully to strengthen Denmark’s position within water technology, where companies, research institutions, public authorities and investors work together to develop and implement groundbreaking water technologies?
As CEO of Water Valley Denmark, you will be responsible for leading a non-profit organization that serves as a focal point for the entire water sector – from entrepreneurs and growth companies to global industrial groups, water companies and knowledge environments. The organization runs projects, networks and partnerships that both create new solutions to the world’s pressing water challenges and strengthen the international position of Danish business.
You will lead a highly specialized and passionate team , working together with stakeholders in an agile and project-oriented manner at the intersection of technology innovation, sustainability and business development. The environment is characterized by great complexity , high pace and a strong innovation culture, where collaboration and results go hand in hand.
About Water Valley Denmark
Water Valley Denmark (WVDK) was founded by leading companies such as Grundfos, Danfoss, AVK, Aarsleff, Systematic, Kamstrup together with the Confederation of Danish Industry, water companies and public actors. Our vision is to create an epicenter that attracts talent, investment, companies and projects, and that positions Denmark globally within water technology.
Our current CEO, who has been involved in the development and establishment of the association, is now passing the baton to a director who can bring us to the next stage of development.
We are an informal but focused organization with high standards, big ambitions and a strong network. We work to promote innovation, create green growth and contribute to solutions to the world’s most pressing water and climate challenges.
WVDK was founded in August 2021 and has already achieved significant results in positioning water technology as a Danish position of strength and innovation collaborations that have resulted in new test and demonstration facilities together with the association’s partners and members. We are a non-profit membership association with 68 members from technology companies, consultants, utilities, knowledge institutions, etc. The association’s statutes can be accessed here .
The association is accelerating its activities and is facing new opportunities that the new CEO will help realize. These include the new major European initiative EIT Water, Marine & Maritime KIC, the next phase of the Business Lighthouse for Water Technology, for which an application has just been submitted, and the ambitious project “Water Village Development” to establish an international innovation hub and innovation district for water technology in Aarhus.
You can read more about WVDK in the annual report for 2024 .
Job Description
As CEO, you will have overall responsibility for developing, leading and driving the association towards our strategic goals. Your main tasks will include:
- In collaboration with the board of directors, set the strategic direction and ensure the realization of WVDK’s vision.
- To bring together the ecosystem and strengthen collaboration with members, partners and key players nationally and internationally.
- To develop and launch initiatives that increase innovation power and create business opportunities for both established companies and growth entrepreneurs.
- Conceptualization and realization plans of innovation district for Water Technology together with partners.
- Responsibility for creating results in agreed areas of focus.
- Contribute to the development of talent for the water sector of the future in collaboration with other players in the water sector.
- To ensure visibility and positioning of WVDK in Denmark and globally.
- To be the external face of the organization – a strong communicator who can engage suppliers, politicians, companies, foundations and research environments.
- To lead and motivate the secretariat, ensure financial sustainability and conduct fundraising.
Your qualifications
We are looking for a leader who can balance strategic vision with the ability to make things happen.
We expect you to:
- Have documented management experience at a strategic level, preferably from innovation-, business- or research-driven organizations.
- Has strong business understanding combined with insight into innovation and development processes.
- Experienced in working with many stakeholders, both political, commercial and research.
- Possesses execution power so that strategy can be translated into results
- Has international experience and is comfortable with collaboration across cultures.
- Has experience with fundraising, partnership building and externally funded projects.
- Thrives in an environment with high complexity, large contact surface and many parallel efforts.
- Contributes with good energy, positive approach and the ability to create a following.
We offer
- A central role in developing Denmark’s strong position as a global leader in water technology.
- A strong network of companies, professionals, researchers and decision-makers.
- An organization with great freedom of action, where you can make a significant impact.
- Attractive employment terms – negotiated individually.
Main place of work : Aarhus, with expected travel activity nationally and internationally approximately 20-30 days per year.
About the recruitment process
Apply for the position at www.muusmann.com/stillinger
Application deadline: Sunday, September 14, 2025
The following recruitment process has been planned, which applicants are asked to note, as no deviations from this can be expected:
1st interview: Thursday 25 September 2025
Test course: Thursday 2 October 2025
2nd interview: Wednesday 8 October 2025
Accession: By appointment
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact Flemming Besenbacher, tel. +45 23 38 22 04, or partner Carsten Søgaard, MUUSMANN, tel. +45 30 30 28 81.
