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

How you will make an impact

As 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 will :

• Set up and drive the new Flavour agenda within innovation, including continuing establishing a new role to Arla, a Flavour Specialist that started in March 2025
• Deliver local innovation pipelines for our EU markets and act as the key contact for innovation sparring, prioritization and resource allocation
• Upskill yoghurt colleagues and act as a sparring partner innovation, product and processing competencies
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Commercial, and Science, Technology & Innovation stakeholders to deliver growth through innovation

Additionally, 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 successful

We 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 have :

Location : 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.