Senior Director, RD&E IRF

Danfoss; Kolding; On-site; DKK 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring & training

Flexible work

Inclusive culture

Pension & insurance

Job summary

Danfoss seeks a Senior Director to lead the global RD&E organization within Industrial Refrigeration (IRF), accounting for 5 direct reports and a team of 50+. You will own technology direction, product development, and engineering excellence across a broad portfolio.

The role is based in Denmark, at our Kolding or Nordborg offices, and emphasizes collaboration, prioritization, and delivering profitable growth through technological leadership and customer value.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Engineering or related technical field.
• Proven experience leading global RD&E organizations in industrial/project-based settings.
• Strong track record in shaping technology strategies and improving engineering performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global RD&E organization (+55 FTEs) and define technology direction to support growth and competitiveness.
• Drive innovation and development of next-generation solutions for decarbonization, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
• Build cross-functional partnerships with Product, Supply Chain, Quality, and Sales.
• Ensure prioritization and resource allocation with clear interfaces and collaboration to maximize ROI on innovation.

Skills

RD&E leadership

Global leadership

Cross-functional

Technology strategy

People development

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Engineering

Job description

The Impact You'll Make

We are looking for a Senior Director to lead and further strengthen research, development, and engineering within Industrial Refrigeration (IRF). As our new Senior Director, you will head a global RD&E organization with 5 direct reports and a full team of 50 + skilled employees and take full accountability for technology, product development, and engineering excellence across a broad and complex portfolio.

Following our recent integration of Mechanical R&D, Electronic R&D, and Engineering into one organization, a key priority will be to bring the department together - enhancing collaboration, strengthening interfaces, and driving clear prioritization while fostering a strong one-team mindset.

In this role, you play a key part in securing profitable growth, safeguarding IRF's leading market position, and translating technology into differentiated customer value aligned with business and market needs.

As our new Senior Director, you will be a key member of the IRF Leadership Team and work closely with stakeholders across the organization. This role will be based in Denmark in our office in Kolding or our office in Nordborg.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the global RD&E organization (+ 55 FTEs) and define the technology direction to support growth, innovation, and long-term competitiveness
• Drive innovation and development of next-generation solutions supporting decarbonization, energy efficiency, and sustainability in industrial refrigeration
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships with Product Management & Technical Support, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, Business Development and our sales teams.
• Ensure effective prioritization and resource allocation, supported by clear interfaces and strong cross-functional collaboration, to maximize return on innovation and business impact

What We're Looking For

• Master's degree or PhD in Engineering (or related technical field) combined with extensive RD&E leadership experience in an industrial and/or project-based business environment
• Proven experience leading global RD&E organizations and delivering complex product development programs from concept to launch
• Extensive track record in Industrial Applications, experience with industrial refrigeration technologies is a plus
• Solid track record in shaping technology strategies and improving engineering performance and execution
• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to develop people, build high-performing teams, and drive cross-functional collaboration

What You'll Get From Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
• You'll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
• You'll receive benefits like 13th salary, annual bonus, paid vacation, pension plans, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they're worth asking about—we think they're pretty great.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.