Head of Skyr/quark Innovation

Are you a passionate leader with experience in dairy innovation? Then join us to lead the way for a team of highly skilled product developers creating the future of Skyr and Quark Innovation in Arla In this position you are part of the global innovation Fermented Stronghold & Category team and lead a team of 9 people in 3 different locations. The position can be performed from the home office but a very regular presence at our innovative production site in Upahl is required.

**About the job**

As Head of Skyr/Quark Innovation, you will translate strategy into the implementation and delivery of new Quark products. You will lead and develop your team to be truly global and specialised in the capabilities required to develop, launch and optimise products. This requires close collaboration with markets, the supply chain and in particular R&D functions such as science, consumer design, technology and nutrition.

You will divide your time between operational and strategic work within your category and perform the following tasks:

- You will manage a total of 9 employees in 3 countries and ensure they continuously develop as product experts
- You will drive the short and longer term development of our products and improve the profitability of the existing product range
- You will set expectations for R&D specialists and developers to maintain a high level of technical and product expertise
- You keep up to date with consumers, customers and competitors.
- You ensure close alignment with markets and identify synergies that can benefit different markets and brands

**Who are you?**

The key to success in this position is your ability to understand and act upon our long term strategy, ensuring that the team is delivering against it on all horizons of innovation. Equally important is your global mindset and aptitude for leadership as you will be instrumental in managing and developing an engaged team with high level skillset and making it work in a matrix organisation with many stakeholders.

In order to facilitate this, you:

- Hold a Master's degree in food technology and/or innovation
- You have knowledge within dairy technology and are able to serve as sparring partner for your team and the Fermented leadership team
- You have already gained relevant experience in a similar position in a company in the FMCG sector or an equipment supplier
- You are an experienced and strong leader for global teams working across multiple locations/countries
- You have exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills that enable you to deliver clear messages and maintain a consistent line of sight
- You are naturally curious and have a desire to learn and understand your category and its products
- You speak both German and English fluently

**What do we offer?**

You will be joining our Fermented Categgory Innovation team, a very diverse team and management group, with colleagues based in 6 different locations. Our goal has been to create a unit that is diverse in business understanding and professional expertise, and you will be adding to the mix your special skills and talents.

Moreover, you will be joining an organisation committed to professional development and promoting from within. Our positive and collaborative culture will bring out the best in you. And you’ll join a market leader who produces nutritious household-favourite brands in a way that makes things better for our customers, the farmers who own us, and the whole world.

**Application and contact**

**Equal opportunity**

**Agency disclaimer**

**We have a purpose for Good**

At Arla, we strive to unlock the highest potential in each other while working together to create a sustainable future of dairy. We call it Stronger People Stronger Planet and it is deeply anchored in our organisation and founded on our commitment to respecting human rights, increasing access to healthy dairy nutrition, inspiring good food habits, and improving the environment for future generations. In order to succeed we need to hire people with a sustainable mindset. Could this be you?

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