Director Wind Turbine Test Centers (Østerild & Høvsøre) DTU Wind

Shape the future of next-generation wind energy technologies

DTU Wind and Energy Systems department is seeking an experienced and visionary Director to lead and further develop Denmarks world-class wind turbine prototype test centres at Østerild and Høvsøre.

This is a unique strategic leadership role at the intersection of research industry and public policycentral to maintaining Denmarks and Europes leadership in wind energy innovation. The role offers a rare opportunity to shape critical infrastructure that supports the global green transition and enables the next generation of wind turbine technologies.

About DTU Wind and Energy Systems
DTU Wind and Energy Systems is an internationally leading research department dedicated to enabling a sustainable large-scale deployment of wind energy and the development of resilient energy systems. We collaborate closely with industry and institutions worldwide combining scientific excellence with real-world impact. The national test centres in Østerild and Høvsøre play a central role in advancing next-generation wind turbine technology and are undergoing continuous development to meet future industry needs.

The Role
As Director you will lead the continued development and operation of the national wind turbine test centres. You will be responsible for ensuring high-quality safe and future-oriented operations while guiding the strategic expansion of Test Centre Østerild. You will work closely with various stakeholders at DTU industry partners authorities and local stakeholders to ensure that the test centres continue to evolve in line with technical societal and environmental expectations. You will also serve as Head of Section for the Test Centre section within the Wind Turbine Design Division leading a multidisciplinary team located across Risø Østerild and Høvsøre.

Key Responsibilities
The role centers on ensuring operational excellence across the test centres by maintaining safe reliable and efficient operations with a strong focus on high availability and predictability for test users. This includes overseeing maintenance technical readiness and day-to-day operations in close collaboration with the team while also guiding contract and supplier management through clear governance and shared accountability.

A central responsibility is leading the strategic expansion of Test Centre Østerild. This involves managing the overall programme developing robust business cases and decision frameworks and working constructively within regulatory processes including environmental assessments and legislative alignment. The role requires strong coordination to ensure alignment across DTU industry stakeholders and public authorities.

Stakeholder and societal engagement are critical with a focus on building trust and maintaining strong relationships with authorities municipalities industry partners and local communities. Transparent and proactive communication on operations expansion activities and environmental impact is essential to sustain long-term societal acceptance and legitimacy of the test centres.

The position also carries full responsibility for financial performance including operating budgets and investment planning. This includes developing sustainable and transparent business models leading risk and sensitivity analyses and working closely with DTU leadership to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Finally the role involves leading and developing a multidisciplinary team across multiple locations. This includes fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment promoting knowledge sharing and continuous learning and maintaining a strong focus on safety wellbeing and sustainable performance. The role also contributes to strategic workforce planning and broader organizational development.

Your Profile
We are looking for a leader who is motivated by working at the intersection of technology infrastructure and societal impact.

We recognize that candidates bring different strengths and experiences. You may not meet every single requirement listed belowbut we encourage you to apply if you see yourself in the role and are motivated to grow into it.

Experience and Expertise

• Leadership experience in large-scale technical infrastructure energy systems or similar environments
• Experience working across regulatory or public-sector interfaces
• Understanding of the wind energy sector or related industries is an advantage
• Ability to translate complex technical and regulatory topics into clear strategic decisions
• A confident and inclusive leadership style with the ability to make clear decisions while engaging and empowering others
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• High level of integrity sound judgment and strategic overview
• Ability to balance operational excellence with long-term development and innovation
• A key leadership role in one of the worlds most advanced wind energy environments
• A collaborative international and interdisciplinary workplace
• Close interaction with leading researchers industry partners and public stakeholders
• Opportunities to shape both infrastructure and organizational development
• Flexible working conditions supporting a sustainable work-life balance

Why This Role Matters
The continued development and expansion of Test Centre Østerild is a critical national and European priority. As Director you will play a key role in shaping infrastructure that enables future wind turbine technologies and contributes directly to the green transition.

You will have the opportunity to influence not only technical development but also how industry research and society collaborate to build sustainable energy systems.

What We Offer
At DTU we value diverse perspectives and believe that strong teams are built from different backgrounds experiences and ways of thinking.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations or other relevant collective agreement.

The position is a full-time position. Starting date is 1 September 2026 (or according to mutual agreement).

The workplace is DTU Risø Campus and regular travel to Østerild and Høvsøre should be expected.

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than Sunday 2 August 2026.Open the Apply now link fill out the form and attach your motivated application CV and exam certificates.

For further information you are welcome to contact Kenneth Thomsen Head of Division Email:Phone:or Morten Jeppesen Head of DepartmentEmail:Phone:

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age gender disability race religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology which is subject to special rules for security and export control open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Wind and Energy Systems is about taking the technology to the next level. About creating an impact for people and society through research and innovation. About collaborating with the entire energy sector to develop the most effective technology on the planet. We have more than 451 staff members of which 60% are researchers 20 professors 107 PhDs 26 % women spanning 48 nationalities. We work every day on our mission to lead by scientific excellence and impact driven research that enables a sustainable large-scale deployment of wind energy and the development of an integrated and resilient energy system.

DTU For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europes leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europes global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive stimulating and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.