Project Manager - MENA

Arla foods; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company is seeking a Project Manager in Dubai to lead regional projects. The ideal candidate must have a strong background in the FMCG industry and proven project management skills, particularly in managing cross-functional initiatives. The position offers a collaborative culture focused on professional development and impactful change across the MENA region.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative culture

Contribution to sustainable practices

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of project management experience in the FMCG industry.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of regional projects ensuring all objectives are met.
• Proactively manage project constraints and implement mitigation strategies.
• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Change management

Communication

Agility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Master's degree or project management certification

Job description

Overview

At Arla, we do so much more than make some of the world’s favourite dairy products. We make healthy taste delicious, mornings worth getting up for and family dinners unforgettable. Puck, Dano, Lurpak and Castello – names like these make us a vital, natural part of modern life in over 100 countries around the world. There are 1,200 employees in the Middle East and Africa and 19,000 global employees at the heart of our business. Every single one of us plays an important role and together we build on our 10bn Euros turnover and establish our position as one of the largest dairy companies in the world.

Do your competencies cover broad project management skills across product management and solid international experience handling brands in the dairy or FMCG industry? If yes, an opportunity has arisen for a Project Manager to join our MENA regional team. In this challenging job you will work out of our regional office in Dubai, and you will report to Senior Product Manager MENA.

Drive delivery of MENA Regional projects

As a Project Manager within the Product Management team in the MENA region, you will lead strategic initiatives across the Retail channel from inception to successful delivery. You will be responsible for driving cross-functional projects that align with business goals, ensuring timely execution, budget adherence, and high-quality outcomes.

How will you make an impact

• End-to-End Project Leadership — Own and manage the full lifecycle of regional projects—from initiation and planning through execution, monitoring, and closure—ensuring all objectives are met within scope, time, and budget.
• Scope, Budget & Timeline Management — Proactively manage project constraints including cost, schedule, scope, and quality. Identify risks early and implement mitigation strategies to ensure smooth delivery.
• Governance & Compliance — Ensure strict adherence to Arla Foods’ project management framework, internal governance protocols, and sign-off processes. Utilize standardized tools and methodologies to maintain consistency and transparency.
• Planning & Progress Tracking — Develop and maintain detailed project plans, track milestones, monitor progress, and adjust priorities as needed. Provide clear visibility into project status for all stakeholders.
• Reporting & Communication — Lead project reporting across relevant forums and organizational levels. Deliver concise, insightful updates to the Commercial Leadership Team and Local Leadership Team, highlighting achievements, risks, and corrective actions.
• Change Management — Drive the change management process in alignment with established frameworks, ensuring stakeholder buy-in and smooth adoption of new initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement — Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Facilitate collaboration and ensure alignment across functions and geographies.
• Continuous Improvement — Champion best practices in project management. Identify opportunities for process optimization and contribute to the evolution of tools, templates, and ways of working.
• Product Expertise & Innovation — Develop deep knowledge of product functionality, packaging, and market dynamics. Actively contribute to pipeline ideation and strategic planning to support innovation and growth.

Candidate profile requirements

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Project Manager with a strong foundation in commercial and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and bring a passion for driving impactful change across the MENA region.

Qualifications & Experience

• Educational Background — Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Commercial Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree or formal project management certification (e.g., PMP, Prince2) is a plus.
• Industry Experience — Minimum of 3 years of hands-on project management experience within the FMCG industry, with a proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and deliver results in complex environments.
• Project Leadership — Demonstrated success in managing high-impact projects with multiple dependencies, stakeholders, and deliverables. Skilled in navigating ambiguity and driving clarity.
• Stakeholder Management — Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, influence decisions, and align diverse stakeholders across functions and geographies.
• Organizational Excellence — Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail and a structured approach to planning, execution, and follow-through.
• Agility & Adaptability — Comfortable working in a high-paced, matrixed organization. Able to prioritize effectively, manage competing demands, and maintain momentum under pressure.
• Regional Insight & Passion — Enthusiastic about shaping Arla’s future in a vibrant and complex region. Familiarity with the dairy industry and a passion for continuous improvement are highly desirable.

What do we offer?

At Arla, we’re committed to professional development and promoting from within. Our positive and collaborative culture will bring out the best in you. You will join a market leader producing nutritious household-favourite brands while contributing to sustainable practices that benefit our customers, farmers, and the planet.