Today, Form/Design Center is an established – but not static – platform where industry, academia, the public sector and the general public meet around issues that shape our living environments. We have been appointed by the Swedish government to act as a national hub for the policy for Designed Living Environment, and we are an official partner in the EU initiative New European Bauhaus. But we want more. In a time of global transition and societal challenges, we see design and architecture as keys to radical renewal, 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 develop our role further. We are ready to break new ground, create unexpected collaborations and set a new standard for how culture and design can drive sustainable societal development at an international level.
THE ROLE
As CEO of Form/Design Center, you will have the mandate to reshape the organization – not just lead it. This means:
- Radically rethinking our strategic vision and setting a new course for how we remain relevant in the future.
- Challenging our traditional role, creating a platform that is as dynamic as the issues we work with, and building a meeting place for both the public and the professional sector.
- Acting as the organization’s primary representative and representing the organization in relevant contexts.
- Positioning us as a voice that not only follows but shapes the debate – locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
- Strengthening and developing collaborations between industry, professional actors, academia and the public sector with a focus on architecture, design and crafts.
- Building bridges between established actors and new, unexpected partners to create change at scale.
- Securing our future by developing a funding strategy that is as innovative as our content.
- Leading an organization in transformation – where courage, creativity and strategic thinking are just as important as financial sustainability.
TO SUCCEED IN THIS ROLE, WE BELIEVE YOU
- Are a natural leader who inspires and builds trust, both internally and externally. You have the ability to capture people’s engagement and make them believe in a shared vision.
- Have experience leading strategic change in an organization with complex stakeholder relationships.
- Possess strong analytical skills and the ability to balance economic, creative and strategic needs. You thrive at the intersection of creativity and business sustainability and see financial challenges as part of the solution, not as an obstacle.
- Are accustomed to working with complementary funding models such as EU funding, philanthropy and partnerships with the private sector.
- Have knowledge of design, architecture and designed living environments, and understand how these fields can drive societal development.
- Are familiar with the cultural policy landscape and can navigate its conditions both locally and nationally.
- Have experience collaborating with the public sector, such as municipalities, regions or government agencies.
- Communicate with clarity and passion, whether in a large public debate, a strategic meeting or an informal conversation.
- You capture attention and make messages resonate.
- Build relationships with ease – both with established actors and new, unexpected partners. You understand the value of diverse networks and know how to create meaningful collaborations.
- Have a strong desire to shape the future – not only for Form/Design Center, but 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 organization with significant impact and visibility.
- A platform and meeting place with ambitions beyond Malmö – with regional and national influence and international perspectives.
- Knowledgeable and passionate colleagues who combine strategic sharpness with a deep commitment to the field.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for someone who is not satisfied with simply maintaining the status quo, but who is driven to create change. You see the potential in transforming an established institution into a catalyst for curiosity, debate and societal impact. You are a leader who dares to take risks, who sees obstacles as opportunities and who believes in design and architecture as tools for systemic change.
Are you ready to write the next chapter in the history of Form/Design Center? Then we want to hear from you.
EMPLOYMENT
Permanent position, full-time (100%). Start date by agreement.
APPLICATION
Send your application no later than 30 April 2026 to:
jobb@formdesigncenter.com
All applications will be treated confidentially.
CONTACT PERSON
Jenny Grettve, Board Member
jenny@jennygrettve.com
Welcome with your application!