Global business Development Manager CCF

AAK - Aarhuskarlshamn; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International exposure across 25+ countries

Training and mentorship programs

Sustainability-focused initiatives

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Job summary

AAK - Aarhuskarlshamn is seeking a Global Business Development Manager for its Chocolate & Confectionery Fats segment. This role involves driving growth by identifying and converting business opportunities globally, while collaborating with regional teams to ensure strategic alignment.

The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in business development and a strong understanding of the CCF market dynamics. A collaborative mindset and proficiency in English are essential.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of experience in business development or commercial leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of the global CCF market and customer needs.
• Proven experience in leading international business development initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the global business development strategy for the CCF segment.
• Identify and convert new business opportunities across customer segments.
• Collaborate with R&D, Product Management, and Marketing for product commercialization.

Skills

Business Development

Commercial Strategy

Key Account Management

Market Dynamics

Stakeholder Management

Education

University degree in Business Administration, Food Science, Engineering or related discipline

MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification

Job description

The Global Business Development Manager – CCF is responsible for driving the global business development agenda for AAK's Chocolate & Confectionery Fats (CCF) segment by identifying, developing, and converting new growth opportunities across strategic markets. Working closely with regional commercial teams and global functions, the role combines a long-term strategic perspective with hands‑on commercial execution to expand AAK's CCF footprint through new customer acquisition, market entry initiatives, adjacent applications, and strategic partnerships. By building and managing a structured pipeline of business opportunities and translating market intelligence into actionable commercial strategies, the role plays a key part in delivering the segment's long‑term growth ambitions. While the position does not hold direct P&L responsibility, it has a significant impact on revenue growth, margin improvement, and AAK's long‑term competitive position through strategic business development, market expansion, and customer engagement. Operating within a specialized and regulatory‑sensitive market, the role requires strong commercial judgment, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of customer needs, market dynamics, and industry trends. Success depends on the ability to influence across a global matrix organization, build strong cross‑functional partnerships, and align regional execution with global business priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the global business development strategy for the CCF segment, ensuring alignment with industry priorities, regional commercial plans, and long‑term growth ambitions.
• Identify, evaluate, and convert new business opportunities across customer segments, geographic markets, adjacent applications, and strategic partnerships.
• Build, manage, and continuously develop a structured global opportunity pipeline, using disciplined evaluation and stage‑gate methodologies to prioritize and accelerate growth initiatives.
• Partner with regional commercial teams to translate global strategies into actionable business development plans and successful local execution.
• Drive the commercialization of new products and innovations by collaborating closely with R&D, Product Management, Marketing, and regional commercial teams.
• Strengthen AAK's market position by building strategic customer relationships, leading customer co‑development initiatives, and representing AAK at key industry events, conferences, and trade associations.
• Lead or support strategic M&A scouting, partnership evaluations, and market assessments within the CCF segment and adjacent specialty fats markets.
• Monitor market trends, customer needs, regulatory developments, and competitive activity to identify emerging opportunities and potential business risks.
• Collaborate with Sourcing & Trading, Finance, and Product Management to support pricing strategies, optimize profitability, and strengthen the commercial value proposition.
• Foster strong cross‑functional collaboration across global and regional teams to ensure alignment, accelerate business growth, and deliver the CCF strategic agenda.

Qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration, Food Science, Engineering, or a related discipline; an MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification is considered an advantage.
• More than 10 years of experience in business development, commercial strategy, key account management, or a similar commercial leadership role, preferably within specialty fats, confectionery ingredients, food ingredients, or the broader B2B food industry.
• Strong understanding of the global CCF market, including customer needs, market dynamics, competitive landscape, and regulatory frameworks; experience within the CCF industry is a significant advantage.
• Proven experience leading international business development initiatives and working effectively across regions within a complex matrix organization.
• Demonstrated success identifying, developing, and converting new business opportunities into sustainable and profitable growth.
• Strong commercial and analytical mindset, with the ability to assess market opportunities, develop robust business cases, and understand financial drivers, pricing strategies, and margin optimization.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly collaborative and self‑driven, with the ability to work independently while aligning multiple functions and regions behind a common strategic objective.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken; additional languages are considered an advantage.
• Demonstrates AAK behaviors: Accountable, Agile, Passionate and Cooperative.

Benefits

• Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability.
• In AAK you can work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team.
• AAK invests in your development with training, mentorship, and clear career paths.
• You will contribute to a greener world with AAK's sustainability‑focused approach.
• Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's perspective and talents.

Location

Karlshamn

AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or employment and application for employment.