Drive Naval growth as Director Strategic Accounts – Norwegian Army

Kongsberg Maritime is experiencing significant growth within the maritime defence segment. To strengthen our position as a strategic partner and provider of integrated maritime solutions to the Royal Norwegian Navy, we are now establishing a clearer and more holistic approach to customer engagement within Naval Systems.

We are looking for a Director Strategic Accounts, Sjøforsvaret, who will hold overall commercial and strategic responsibility for the relationship between Kongsberg Maritime and the Royal Norwegian Navy and Coast Guard, ensuring a coordinated, long-term and customer-oriented approach across the organisation.

For many years, Kongsberg Maritime has delivered advanced products, systems and services to navies and coastguards worldwide. In Norway, we play a particularly important role in supporting the Royal Norwegian Navy’s operational capability through technology, deliveries and long-term collaboration.

Looking ahead, increased activity is expected within new vessel programmes, modernisation of existing capabilities, digital solutions, unmanned and autonomous systems, as well as integrated bridge, automation, energy and control systems. This places high demands on strategic customer understanding, clear prioritisation and coordinated follow-up across sales, technology, projects and aftermarket services.

In this role, you will be Kongsberg Maritime’s key point of contact towards the Royal Norwegian Navy, responsible for developing the relationship, identifying new opportunities and ensuring that KM acts in a unified, relevant and proactive manner in its engagement with one of our most important defence customers.

Periods of extensive travel must be expected

Responsibilities:

• Hold overall commercial and strategic responsibility for the relationship between Kongsberg Maritime and the Royal Norwegian Navy, including the Navy and Coast Guard, acting as KM’s single point of contact towards the Royal Norwegian Navy
• Lead and coordinate activities across sales, projects, technology and aftermarket services to ensure holistic and consistent customer engagement
• Develop and execute long-term customer strategies in line with KM’s growth ambitions within Naval Systems
• Drive active business development, including identifying new opportunities, positioning offers and securing order intake
• Establish and further develop strong relationships with key decision-makers at both strategic and operational levels within the Royal Norwegian Navy
• Ensure high customer satisfaction through proactive follow-up, effective case handling and continuous improvement of customer satisfaction

Desired qualifications:

• Technical or commercial education at master’s level and/or military officer education
• Extensive relevant experience from the Royal Norwegian Navy, preferably from senior positions on board vessels or in operational staffs, the maritime sector or the defence industry, with a strong understanding of operational needs and/or delivery of advanced maritime systems is an advantage
• Experience from operational positions, programme/project work or customer-facing roles, preferably at the intersection of technology, operations and commercial deliveries
• Good insight into the operation of naval vessels and maritime systems, as well as an understanding of how technology supports operational capability
• Good understanding of military operations and frameworks, nationally and in a NATO/allied context, or equivalent experience from the defence industry
• Excellent Norwegian and English language skills, both written and spoken

This employment will require a pre-employment check procedure in accordance with company security standards, role or site requirements. In addition, a security clearance by the Norwegian National Security Authority will be required. The successful candidate may start to work with limited access whilst the clearance is being processed. Please note that this might affect the offer process or employment

As a person you have/are:

• Ability to build relationships and trust with demanding internal and external stakeholders, as well as a relevant network within the Royal Norwegian Navy, the Norwegian Armed Forces and the defence industry, with the ability to open doors and build relationships across all levels
• Ability to translate user needs and operational experience into strategic priorities, business opportunities and holistic customer solutions
• Good business understanding with an analytical and commercial approach, solid technology understanding and knowledge of the defence industry and its framework conditions
• Independent, proactive and structured, with the ability to work effectively both independently and in cross-functional teams
• Strong execution skills, a good relationship builder and confident in dialogue with both industry and authorities

We offer:

• An important role in a growing company
• An exciting and varied area of responsibility where you can influence your own working day
• A positive working environment with extensive experience and expertise
• Good career and development opportunities in an international company
• Competitive terms with good pension and insurance schemes, benefit programs, access to company cabins, fitness centre and much more

Work location:
One of Kongsberg Maritime’s offices in Norway.

Would you like to know more? Please contact:
 Lars Klemmetsby, Director Business Development and System Sales, Naval Systems.

Kongsberg Maritime is a global leader in maritime technology. We deliver advanced solutions to the merchant fleet, offshore, fishing, and naval vessels, setting new standards for safe, efficient, and sustainable operations - both for new builds and existing fleets. In close collaboration with customers and research environments, we develop technology that solves real challenges at sea. Today, more than 30,000 vessels operate with our systems on board. Kongsberg Maritime has more than 8,300 employees in 35 countries.