Global Category Manager, Foodservice - Aarhus ( Maternity Cover )

We are looking for a Category Manager (Maternity Cover) for Global Foodservice for our Bakery Categories that includes BSM, Whipping cream & Cream cheese. You will play a pivotal role in securing the right assortment to win in the markets. You will identify, lead, and accelerate category opportunities in close collaboration with our markets. You will work very closely with our markets to enable scale on our projects.

As a Category Manager you will be responsible for driving the portfolio on the Bakery categories working very closely with various stakeholders in the organization from supply chain, NPD and the markets to secure relevant offerings to our markets.

How you will make an impact

As Category Manager, you will independently lead and develop category growth opportunities while shaping the long-term direction through strategic planning. You will play a pivotal role in scoping selected innovation opportunities and support the Innovation Managers, on category insights, customer dialogues, competitor understanding, launch activation and market strategies. Furthermore, you will also own the overall dialogue and collaboration with our channel and brand team.

Your main tasks will be to

• Act as the category expert, covering market dynamics, competitive landscape, trends, etc.
• Develop short- and long-term corrective actions, including securing a strong innovation pipeline
• Drive execution of the category strategy and strategic bets
• Facilitate close dialogue with the Markets to ensure customer alignment and commercial buy-in
• Secure profitability through portfolio recommendations
• Drive scale through product portfolio optimization and innovation across core portfolio/categories.

The role is based at Arla´s Innovation Centre in Skejby (Aarhus), some travel may be expected.

What will make you successful

We imagine the ideal candidate brings category and product experience from a food company and have solid experience from FMCG or a related industry. You are ambitious, structured, and driven - and you thrive in a role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution. You bring a strong commercial mindset and excel at driving complex projects forward with structure, momentum, and quality.

• 6+ years of experience from FMCG or a similar industry, ideally within Sales or Marketing (Foodservice experience is an advantage)
• A curious, structured, and proactive mindset
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Ability to balance operational execution with high-standard strategic direction-setting
• A natural ability to take the lead and work independently
• A can-do attitude and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with continuous change

Application & Contact

Please apply as soon as possible, as we will invite candidates for interviews on a continuous basis. For additional information, please contact Senior Category & Innovation Manager, Bakery & Coffee occasions, Malene Sejr, on +45 2920 3032

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with natural, sustainable nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.

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