Senior Innovation and People Manager, Yoghurt & Flavour - Utrecht/Nijkerk/Aarhus

LocationAarhus N, DKAre you ready to drive innovation and shape the future of Arla’s yoghurt category?Join us as we set a new direction for flavour, growth, and people development in our global innovation team.“This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of innovation, connecting colleagues across markets and functions. If you’re passionate about yoghurt, flavour, and leading transformative change, you’ll thrive in this role” – says Priscila Espinal Amante, Innovation Director.How You Will Make An ImpactAs our Senior Innovation Manager, Yoghurt & Flavour, you will lead a talented, multinational team of product developers and a flavour specialist, and together with the team you will set direction for the broader Fermented team when it comes to fermentation and flavour technical expertise. You will spearhead our yoghurt category pipeline, delivering both renovations and innovations across our six core markets and 10+ local brands. This is a pivotal role where you will collaborate widely across marketing, production, product management, research, and more – truly connecting the dots to unlock impactful innovation at Arla.You will lead a diverse team of 7 product developers representing 5 nationalities and locations, as part of a larger department of 27. This role is a key member of the Fermented Leadership Team, with indirect leadership over the broader department as well. Further you willSet up and drive the new Flavour agenda within innovation, including continuing establishing a new role to Arla, a Flavour Specialist that started in March 2025Deliver local innovation pipelines for our EU markets and act as the key contact for innovation sparring, prioritization and resource allocationUpskill yoghurt colleagues and act as a sparring partner innovation, product and processing competenciesCollaborate with Supply Chain, Commercial, and Science, Technology & Innovation stakeholders to deliver growth through innovationAdditionally, you will play an active role in cross-category, transformative innovation activities and forums, supporting Arla’s journey as a thought leader in yoghurt and flavour.What Will Make You SuccessfulWe are looking for a candidate with expertise in yoghurt and/or flavour development, with at least 6 years in FMCG and/or ingredient supplier companies. We hope that you further haveProven people leadership experience, with at least 3 years in an international settingExperience in innovation management, including consumer understanding, concept, pipeline creation and innovation portfolio managementHigh ambition, strong stakeholder management, and a passion for continuous improvement and team developmentThought leadership and drive for impactful innovationStrong collaborative and cross-functional skills and commitment to people development and team growthLocation Preferred location is Utrecht/Nijkerk or at the Innovation Centre in Aarhus, Denmark.What do we offer?At Arla, we are committed to professional development and promoting from within. You’ll join a positive and collaborative culture that brings out your best. As part of a market leader, you will help produce nutritious, household-favourite brands in ways that make a difference for our customers, our farmer owners, and the planet. Our Global Innovation team is known for its diversity, ambition, and drive to deliver transformative impact.Would you like to join us?If you are ready to facilitate innovation and help shape the industry, seize this exciting opportunity. Please apply as soon as possible, as we will process applications on a continuous basis and may close the recruitment once the right candidate is found.For questions, please contact Priscila Espinal Amante pramn@arlafoods.com / +4591316621.Shape the Future of DairyArla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We're passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future.We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.Ref. 101624