Associate Business Developer Manager - Innovation Strategy & Portfolio, Arla - Aarhus

Are you ready to drive Arla’s innovation agenda, shape our global innovation portfolio, and orchestrate standout visits and events at the Arla Innovation Center? If so, this could be your next step. The role will physically be located in Skejby at Arla Innovation Center.

“You will be part of an ambitious and cross-functional team at the heart of Research, Discovery & Innovation. You’ll own and evolve our resource allocation tool and help translate complex priorities into clear direction for leadership and teams,” says Head of Innovation Strategy & Portfolio Management, Louise Kirk Refsgaard.

Read more about our part of the business here: Inside Arla | Arla

How you will make an impact

In this role, you will be central across Innovation, balancing strategic and operational responsibilities — from portfolio management and resource allocation to leadership presentations and orchestrating strategic visits at the Arla Innovation Center.

• Partner with Finance and Innovation Directors to oversee our innovation project portfolio—ensuring strategic anchoring, visibility, and efficient resource allocation across the organization
• Own and further develop our resource and portfolio tool—establish governance, data quality, reporting, and facilitation in leadership forums
• Support the VP for Innovation with business development projects, leadership team meetings, board presentations and storyline development
• Plan, coordinate, and host key events, tastings, and customer visits at the Arla Innovation Center—creating cohesive experiences that showcase our research, discovery, and product development capabilities
• Contribute to the further development and implementation of our Health strategy across markets globally

What will make you successful

You are proactive and action-oriented with a strong sense of urgency. You thrive in collaborative environments and excel at facilitation across teams and leadership levels. You’re structured and quality-focused, and you translate complexity into clear decision material.

You bring experience in business development, strategy, or portfolio management—ideally within FMCG, R&D, or innovation environments. You thrive in a fast-paced setting with many stakeholders and can translate complex messages into clear decision material.

• 3–5 years’ experience in BD/strategy/portfolio management, with a strong toolbox in problem solving, structure, and analysis
• Strong stakeholder management skills and confidence engaging senior stakeholders
• Comfortable working at both strategic and operational levels—with attention to detail in execution
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex messages clearly and visually (PowerPoint)
• Enjoy preparing and hosting in-person events and creating memorable experiences for guests
• Fluent in English, spoken and written

What do we offer?

You’ll join a small, ambitious team with high collaboration and strong shared ownership. We work close to decision-making, offering a steep learning curve, significant responsibility, and solid support from experienced colleagues. At Arla, you can make a clear impact on an agenda that combines innovation, health, and sustainability—at a global market leader owned by our farmers.

Would you like to join us?

Please apply as soon as possible, as we will review applications on an ongoing basis and close the recruitment once the right candidate is found.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla 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.

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