VP, Head of Architects

COWI

VP, Head of Architects

About the job VP, Head of Architects
Step into a pivotal leadership role, guiding the architects department through a transformative period, where collaboration, engagement, and professionalism will shape the future.
People leadership, change management, and employee development
As VP, Head of Architects, you will report directly to SVP, Buildings & Industry West, and lead the architects department in West, comprising approx. 140 specialists divided into seven teams, each led by a Head of Discipline. The role includes the critical task of guiding Arkitema through its ongoing transformation as part of the integration with COWI. As a crucial driver of this transformation, you will establish a clear and aligned direction, fostering collaboration to realize synergies and unlock growth potential. One of your key priorities will be to manage workforce planning and ensure accountability for staffing in close collaboration with various internal stakeholders. Additionally, you will be responsible for ensuring a high professional standard and resolving technical challenges on projects effectively. Finally, you will define overall technical competency needs and ensure the right professional competencies within the allocated disciplines by setting the professional development agenda.

People-centric leader with experience in project-based companies
You have a relevant educational background in architecture, design, engineering or similar, but most importantly, you bring solid experience from leadership positions in project-based companies.

This has equipped you with a strong portfolio demonstrating a range of successful projects and excellent people management skills, with a proven track record of developing and leading high-performing teams. This role involves managing numerous key interfaces with a broad range of stakeholders, so you must thrive in position, where building relationships across the organization is essential. Finally, your interpersonal skills are outstanding, and you are fluent in Danish and English, both spoken and written.

On a more personal note, you are a visionary, empathetic, resilient, and inspiring mentor who motivates and develops others. You are a strategic thinker with the ability to balance creative vision with practical execution and articulate complex ideas to diverse audiences.

Lead the charge with Arkitema & COWI
This is your chance to become the driving force in shaping the future of Arkitema by leading a talented team of architects with vision, engagement, and strong leadership. The recruitment process is carried out by Venaris Executive Search (www.venaris.dk). For more information regarding the position, please reach out to Head of Research, Sofie Rudbech Mathisen, at +45 2512 1162. All requests will be handled confidentially. If this position is for you, do not hesitate to apply by uploading your CV it is not necessary to include a cover letter.

Arkitema Architects
Founded in 1969 in Aarhus, Arkitema Architects stems from collectivism, and their DNA contains an inherent focus on quality of life and humanity. Comprising more than 600 dedicated colleagues in design studios in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, they work across national borders to create buildable, usable, sustainable, and aesthetic projects. Their approach to architecture is always based on the context and the cultural and historical understanding of a given place, ensuring that they have a clear starting point to develop the architecture of the future.

360-degree solutions with COWI
In January 2019, Arkitema was acquired by COWI, leading to further growth and a broader range of disciplines. In co-creation with customers and citizens, COWI and Arkitema create sustainable communities. Their ambition is to develop buildable, functional, and beautiful solutions that are people-focused and enhance livability and quality of life. Their process begins before the design phase and extends long after project completion, maintaining an ongoing dialogue with clients, users, and partners.