Project Manager - MENA

Arla Foods Deutschland GmbH; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global dairy company in Dubai seeks a Project Manager to oversee regional projects. Candidates should have at least 3 years of FMCG project management experience and strong stakeholder management skills. This role offers opportunities for professional development within a collaborative culture focused on sustainable practices.

Benefits

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Sustainable practices

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of project management experience in FMCG.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of regional projects.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans.
• Lead project reporting across relevant forums.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Agility & Adaptability

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Master’s degree or project management certification

Job description

Overview

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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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Would you like to join us?

If you want to be part of a dynamic team and help shape the future of dairy, seize this exciting opportunity! Please apply as soon as possible, as we will process applications continuously and close recruitment once the right candidate is found.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We\'re passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future.

We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.