Director for Discover, AFI Research & Development - Videbæk

Location: Videbæk, DK

Do you possess the desire to discover and deliver research output to drive the next generation innovation of powerful nutrition in AFI? Are you passionate about science and bringing results through fruitful cross functional collaboration with internal and external stakeholders? Then you could be the future Director for Discover in AFI R&D in Nr Vium.

Arla Foods ingredients is an independent company within the Arla Foods Group with a clear purpose.: “Together we discover and deliver powerful nutrition for a stronger tomorrow”. AFI produces and markets child nutrition products as well as specialized ingredients for global child nutrition, medical nutrition, sports nutrition and functional food industry.

You will have the opportunity to lead the Discover department, which consists of 32 scientists and technicians organized into three teams: Nutrition & Health, Technology & Functionality, and Chemistry & Documentation. Additionally, you can look forward to becoming a valuable member of a great leadership team in AFI R&D.

About the job
As our new Director, you will have the opportunity to drive our research project portfolio and set the direction for our future innovation through your openness, ability, courage, and perseverance. Collaborating with your leadership team and leveraging external partners and universities, you will be responsible for challenging existing processes to improve overall performance through continuous improvements. Furthermore, you will play a crucial role in ensuring high professional standards and delivering defined business targets through effective project and task management.

More specifically your main focus areas will be to;

• Set the strategic direction for research across AFI
• Manage a high performing team and ensuring an inclusive culture of collaboration, quality and scientific excellence
• Execute our research project portfolio
• Secure strategic prioritization of resources and investments
• Translate research output to the rest of the organization
• Drive new product discovery
• Collaborate with universities and contract research organizations globally
• Deliver support to our new product development pipeline, commercial portfolio and regulatory documentation

Experienced leader with natural authority and innovative mindset
We expect you hold a Ph.D. in food science, engineering, or a related field. It is important that you have prior experience in people management within an innovative environment, such as the food or pharma industry or universities.

As a leader, you possess the ability to motivate and inspire your employees, actively contributing to creating a sense of team spirit. Your efforts are instrumental in maintaining a workplace that is attractive and engaging for all employees. It comes naturally to you to empower your team while ensuring alignment across the organization through cross-functional collaboration. This includes building strong relationships within R&D departments and collaborating effectively with your peers throughout the AFI organization.

You have a commendable skill of setting and pursuing goals for yourself while remaining grounded and adaptable. Your ability to balance personal ambition with a strong sense of teamwork makes you an ideal candidate for this role.

What do we offer?
You will be heading a department that is characterized by high quality delivery and with high strategic importance for AFI future innovation. In AFI R&D you will have the perfect conditions to realize your high ambitions and showcase your capabilities to the rest of the organisation. In 2021 we moved our into our new innovation centre with world leading facilities.

Apply and contact
We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so please apply as soon as you can. If you would like further information about the role please reach out to Niels Østergaard, Vice President, R&D, on +4591311712.

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?

BEWARE! RECRUITMENT FRAUD
It has come to our attention that there are a number of fraudulent emails and fake recruitment campaigns on the internet from people purporting to work for Arla Foods. Learn more via this link.

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