Managing Director for Form/Design Center in Malmö

Would you like to lead and further develop one of Sweden’s leading centres for architecture, design and crafts into its next phase? Form/Design Center is seeking a visionary and strategic Managing Director who wants to renew the organisation, strengthen our position and help set a clear direction for the future.

Form/Design Center is an established and evolving platform where the professional field, academia, the public sector and the wider public come together around issues that shape our lives, built environment and everyday surroundings. We have been appointed by the Swedish Government to serve as a national node for the policy area of designed living environments, and we are an official partner of the EU initiative New European Bauhaus. At a time of global transition and societal challenges, we see design and architecture as vital tools for renewal and development, and we are now looking for a leader who shares that conviction.

With roots dating back to 1964 and a mandate from the Swedish Government, the City of Malmö, Region Skåne and the Swedish Arts Council, we have a unique opportunity to further strengthen and develop our role. We want to build new partnerships, reach new contexts and set a new standard for how culture and design can contribute to sustainable societal development at local, regional, national and international levels.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Managing Director of Form/Design Center, you will have a clear mandate to lead the organisation’s continued development. This means that you will:

Renew the strategic vision and define a clear long-term direction to broaden our reach and increase our impact.
Develop our role and platform in line with the issues we work with and reinforce Form/Design Center’s position as a natural meeting place for both the wider public and the professional field.
Serve as the organisation’s representative and speak for the organisation in relevant contexts.
Strengthen our position as a clear voice that not only follows public debate, but helps shape it — locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
Strengthen and develop collaboration between businesses, sector stakeholders, academia and the public sector, with a focus on architecture, design and crafts.
Build bridges between established actors and new, perhaps unexpected, partners, to create long-term development and greater impact.
Secure our long-term development through a sustainable and relevant funding strategy.
Lead an organisation in change, where courage, creativity and strategic thinking are combined with stability, financial sustainability and the ability to build trust among a wide range of stakeholders.

TO SUCCEED IN THIS ROLE, WE BELIEVE YOU HAVE

Essential

Proven ability and experience in leading strategic change in organisations with complex stakeholder relationships, and the ability to balance pace with legitimacy, anchoring and long-term perspectives.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to understand and balance strategic, creative and financial needs. You are comfortable at the intersection of creativity and long-term sustainability, and you see financial challenges as part of the solution rather than as an obstacle.
Knowledge of design, architecture and designed lived environments, and an understanding of how these fields can contribute to societal development.
A good understanding of the Swedish cultural policy landscape and the ability to navigate its conditions at both local and national level.
Experience of working in collaboration with the public sector, such as municipalities, regions or government agencies.
The ability to communicate with clarity, presence and impact, whether in public debates, strategic meetings or everyday dialogues. You know how to adapt your message to different contexts and audiences.

Desirable

Experience of working with complementary funding models such as EU funding, philanthropy and partnerships with the business sector.
Experience from cultural institutions, mission-driven or knowledge-intensive organisations.
Strong international networks and collaborations.
Experience of public advocacy.

Leadership qualities

You are a confident and clear leader who inspires and builds trust, both internally and externally. You can engage people, bring together different perspectives and build a shared direction.
You build relationships with ease, both with established actors and with new, perhaps unexpected, partners. You understand the value of diverse networks and know how to create meaningful collaborations.
You have a strong desire to shape the future, not only for Form/Design Center, but also for how design and architecture can contribute to a sustainable and inclusive society.

WE OFFER

A unique leadership role at the intersection of culture, societal development and business.
The opportunity to develop and steward an organisation with significant influence and visibility.
A platform and meeting place with ambitions beyond Malmö, where regional knowledge meets national significance and international perspectives.
Knowledgeable and passionate colleagues who combine strategic sharpness with a deep commitment to the field.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO

We are looking for someone who wants to develop rather than simply maintain. You see the potential in strengthening and renewing an established institution as a driver of curiosity, debate and societal impact. You are a leader with courage, judgement and the ability to drive change, and you believe in design and architecture as tools for long-term societal development. Are you ready to write the next chapter in the history of Form/Design Center? If so, we would be very pleased to hear from you.

EMPLOYMENT / APPLICATION

Permanent full-time position (100%). Start date by agreement.

Please submit your application no later than 30 April 2026 to:
jobb@formdesigncenter.com

All applications will be treated confidentially.

CONTACT

Jenny Grettve, Board Member
jenny@jennygrettve.com

We look forward to receiving your application.