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Head of Customer Innovation for AAK in Aarhus

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. 

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