From partner to manager: Louise Jensen sets the direction for Health HR
On 15 March, Louise Jensen took up the position of HR manager at Health following a period as acting head of the department. With in-depth knowledge of both the faculty and the HR field, she steps into the role with a focus on coherence, quality and solutions that work in practice.
About Louise Jensen:
- HR Manager, Health HR
- Appointed on 15 March 2026
- 46 years old
- MSc in Business Administration and Commercial Law (CBS) and Graduate Diploma (HD) in Organisation and Management
- Previously worked at, among others, the Danish National Audit Office, Aarhus Tramways and Nat Tech HR
- Lives in Aarhus N (Skejby), is married to Morten and has three children
After more than seven years in HR at Aarhus University, Louise Jensen already had a thorough understanding of the department, the faculty and the university when she stepped into the role of acting HR manager last year.
Even so, something changed.
“Suddenly, I was part of entirely different forums, new decision-making arenas and had a broader strategic responsibility,” she says.
Taking on the role of acting HR manager involved a steep learning curve, but it was also exciting and meaningful.
“I’ve been positively surprised by how quickly you can create direction and shared momentum in a leadership role when relationships are strong and the framework is clear,” says Louise Jensen.
A role that makes sense
The decision to continue in the role did not come automatically, but it came quickly.
“I felt that the role of HR manager naturally draws on both my professional expertise, my experience and my leadership style,” Louise Jensen explains.
When asked what good HR leadership entails, the new HR manager emphasises the importance of creating direction, delivering results and building relationships simultaneously. She points out that HR often operates at the intersection of people, operations and strategy, and that the role therefore requires business understanding, human insight and courage.
At the same time, it is the people around her who make the difference.
“Health HR consists of highly skilled and dedicated colleagues, and I’m motivated to lead a department where we work together to make things function and succeed in practice.”
Five quick questions for Louise:
What do you do when you’re not working?
I spend most of my free time with my family and friends. That’s where I recharge and find calm - in the simple, everyday moments like being together, following my children’s activities and having time to unwind after a working day.
Do you have a hobby that might surprise others?
I’m quite a professional enthusiast. I can spend a lot of time diving into developments in HR, leadership, organisations and psychology - even in my spare time. It might sound like a rather dry hobby, but for me it’s a mix of curiosity and genuine enjoyment. It also gives me a good excuse to immerse myself in articles, books and podcasts.
Where do you best find calm?
A walk, a cup of coffee or simply a quiet moment at home with my family. It’s often the simple things that make the difference.
What makes you laugh?
Sitcoms with canned laughter - especially The Big Bang Theory. It’s light, undemanding and fits my sense of humour perfectly after a long day.
What are you listening to or watching at the moment?
I listen to a wide range of podcasts such as Vildt Naturligt, Only in America and Rumsnak. I also use the MasterClass platform to gather inspiration and explore new perspectives.
From the here and now to the long term
As acting manager, Louise Jensen held the position temporarily, and the focus was primarily on ensuring things ran smoothly over a defined period. Now, the perspective is different.
“Now that I’ve been appointed on a permanent basis, I have the opportunity to work more long term and see new initiatives and strategic efforts through to completion. That makes a significant difference to priorities, collaboration and the way I can set direction,” she says.
After several years as an HR partner and team leader with a particular focus on one department, she now has a broader perspective on the faculty.
“I’ve truly come to appreciate just how diverse our faculty is, and I look forward to getting to know it even better and continuing to develop strong HR solutions across the organisation,” she says.
HR must move the faculty forward
For Louise Jensen, HR is an area in constant motion. For the new manager, it will be important to balance the various needs across the faculty with a clear, shared direction for Health HR.
She emphasises that HR should be experienced as a stable and reliable partner, helping the organisation move forward both in day-to-day operations and through ongoing changes.
“Health HR must help the organisation succeed - by supporting, by adding value and, at times, by challenging and advancing the organisation,” she says.
At the same time, the ambition is for Health HR to be seen as a department that delivers strong HR solutions that work in everyday practice.
Focus on structure and smarter ways of working
One of the first major tasks is to fully embed the new organisational structure within Health HR. At the same time, the focus is on consolidating what has been built over the past eighteen months and creating a solid foundation for the continued development of Health HR.
“It always takes some adjustment to move from one way of working to another. We need to find our footing. Then we need to begin automating some of our manual processes. I’m very curious about how automation can help modernise our operations and strengthen our service to the faculty in the years ahead,” says Louise Jensen.
Contact
Louise Jensen, HR Manager
Aarhus University, Health Administration Centre
Telephone: +45 22 39 78 35
Email: loje@au.dk