Head of Research & Innovation - Vard Group

Vard Group; Ålesund; On-site; NOK 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Vard Group, Ålesund, Norway, seeks a Head of Research & Innovation to drive the company’s R&I agenda and long‑term technological competitiveness. The role links sales, design, technology and shipyards, coordinating complex cross‑disciplinary projects across the group.

The candidate will lead a broad portfolio, develop R&I strategy, manage budgets, and act as a bridge to external partnerships and funding, including close collaboration with Fincantieri’s organization.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field and leadership experience in R&I.
• Experience leading research and innovation programs, preferably in a large, international company.
• Maritime or shipbuilding sector knowledge is highly valued and collaboration with academia or industry partners is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead Vard Group's overall R&I effort and facilitate the development of new ship concepts, products, technologies and services.
• Coordinate and oversee all R&I activities across the group, linking sales, design, technology and shipyards.
• Lead efforts to secure funding from national and international schemes and establish external partnerships for supported projects.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Cross-disciplinary

Strategic thinking

Communication (Norwegian & English)

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Head of Research & Innovation - Vard Group

Vard Group

• Ansettelsesform Fast

Do you want to be part of a forward-thinking maritime company? We are looking for a Head of Research & Innovation.

Vard Group is one of the world's leading designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels, headquartered in Ålesund with global reach through the Fincantieri Group. At a time when the maritime industry is undergoing a profound technological shift, VARD is now seeking a Head of Research & Innovation to lead the way – someone who can turn bold ideas into competitive products and real value creation. This is a rare opportunity to sit at the intersection of technology, strategy and global partnerships in one of Norway's most iconic industrial environments.

The position is based at VARD's head office at Skansekaia in Ålesund and will report to the Chief Sales Officer.

Your workday
As Head of Research & Innovation, you will lead VARD's R&I agenda and play a central role in shaping the company's long-term technological competitiveness. Your working day will be varied and broad, ranging from setting direction and developing R&I strategy to coordinating complex, cross-disciplinary projects across the group. You will be a key facilitator of R&I activities across all business areas, and the link that brings sales, design, technology and the shipyards together to work towards common goals.

Some of your key responsibilities:

Develop and lead Vard Group's overall R&I effort and facilitate the development of new ship concepts, products, technologies and services with a focus on technological competitiveness

Facilitate and lead the work of organizing and coordinating all R&I activities within VARD, and act as the link between sales, design, technology and the shipyards to develop future competitive products and solutions

Lead, organize, coordinate and support the business areas' work in securing funding from national and international support schemes, as well as establishing external partnerships for supported projects

Responsible for the group's overall R&I budget, and oversight of the business areas' R&I-funded projects with regard to planning, progress and goal achievement

Serve as the point of contact with Fincantieri's organization and activities within the field

Develop and maintain a broad network of research and innovation partners among universities, research organizations, customers and suppliers

Who we are looking for
We are looking for someone who combines professional depth with strong collaboration skills, relationship-building, and the ability to bring different professional communities together to work towards common goals in a role involving multiple stakeholders. You hold a master's degree in a relevant field, preferably within ship design, energy systems, electronics, manufacturing technology or related areas, and you have solid, relevant experience from leadership roles. Experience with research and innovation work in a larger company, ideally international, is a clear advantage, as is industry knowledge from the maritime or shipbuilding sector. We also value experience with developing and managing R&I programs, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and risk management of large projects. Relevant experience can compensate for parts of the formal qualifications.

On a personal level, you are someone who sees the bigger picture, yet is not afraid to dive into the details when the situation calls for it. You are structured and analytical, enjoy organizing complex work, and are able to draw well-founded conclusions under uncertainty. You communicate confidently and clearly in both Norwegian and English, whether you are speaking with engineers, executives or policymakers. You enjoy working closely with different professional communities and building bridges between them, while also being comfortable operating independently in an ambitious, international setting and turning direction into concrete action. You are motivated by working closely with senior management in a company that is a global leader in its field. Here, you will find professional freedom, strong opportunities for development, and an inclusive working environment where collaboration and community are central. You identify with VARD's values - Craftsmanship, Salesmanship and Fellowship.

This employment may require a background check, or security clearance by the Norwegian National Security Authority.

About VARD

Vard Group is a global leader in the design and construction of specialized vessels, with shipyards in Norway, Romania, Brazil, Vietnam and Canada. With deep roots in Ålesund and a strong international platform through the Fincantieri Group, VARD combines Norwegian maritime craftsmanship traditions with global reach and ambition. The company is known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability and talent development – values reflected in its core principles of Craftsmanship, Salesmanship and Fellowship.