Foodjob Nordic is searching for an experienced innovation lead for AAKs chocolate and confectionery center of excellence.
AAKs work is very much built around their
customer’s businesses due to a belief in long-term partnerships and strong
relationships. Through the AAK co-development approach, AAK work together with
customers across the customers’ value chains to develop solutions fulfilling
customer-specific needs.
The
position
As Head of Customer Innovation (CI) you will be
responsible for the Customer Innovation group in Aarhus as well as managing the
confectionery customer innovation activities on pan-European level. The team
consists of more than 20 professionals in both Aarhus and across Europe,
supporting the confectionery business and global strategic accounts. You will
have the responsibility to ensure capabilities are in place to support and grow
the business according to strategic and tactical needs and to create, motivate
and develop the CI group to support engagement.
You will work closely with local business
managers across Europe and actively participate as member of the pan-European
Confectionery Go-To-Market team. You support developing and driving the
industry strategy and tactical value-propositions of AAK chocolate and
confectionery offerings. You also co-manage the opportunity pipeline together
with sales and ensure active opportunity management and pipeline leadership.
As head of CI you will support the
identification of opportunities and convert these into business by allocating
the right industry CI resource. To enhance AAK innovation in the confectionery
industry you and your CI group will also offer and support proactive activities
including support for AAKs global R&D.
As Head of CI you will be member of the CI
leadership team in Europe and report to the Customer Innovation Director,
Europe. In addition to supporting the European industry you will also play a
significant role in the global business development being a member of the
Global Confectionery Strategy team.
Qualifications
Besides holding a degree in food science,
chemistry or technology, you have a proven experience from an innovation
leadership role within the Food Industry. Knowledge of the confectionery industry
is a distinct advantage, and preferably your leadership experience comprises
leading successful teams across multiple sites.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills are
fundamental for success in the role. With a customer focus you must balance strategic
thinking and positive influencing though a hands-on operational approach. You need
to be adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of the market, and with regards
to working in a matrix organization.
AAK business language is English, and therefore
fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
As the role has a European and in some respect
global scope, the capacity to travel is required.
This job is not available anymore