Senior Project Manager Innovation

Marel A/S; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 900,000 - 1,150,000; Full time

Job summary

JBT Marel in Aarhus is seeking a Senior Project Manager Innovation to lead end-to-end innovation projects in the Secondary Fresh unit. You will drive cross-functional product development from concept to delivery, balancing technical, commercial, and operational requirements.

The ideal candidate holds an MSc in Engineering/Business, has proven project management experience, and can lead international teams. English proficiency and willingness to travel up to 30 days per year are expected.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in Engineering, Business, Innovation or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Solid experience in project management within product development, innovation, engineering, or technology environments.
• Project management certification (IPMA, PRINCE2, or similar) is an advantage.
• Strong people leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cross-functional innovation projects.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment on objectives and expectations.
• Define and manage project scope, timelines, budgets, risks, and resources.
• Monitor progress, provide status updates, and facilitate stage-gate reviews.
• Ensure compliance with project governance, processes, and documentation standards.
• Drive day-to-day project execution, including issue resolution, cost control, and risk management.
• Visit customers and external partners as needed to support project success.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

English proficiency

Education

MSc degree in Engineering/Business/Innovation

IPMA/PRINCE2 certification (advantage)

Job description

Senior Project Manager Innovation - Location: Aarhus - onsite - Employment Type: Full-Time - Department: Secondary Fresh (2F) - Innovation

JBT Marel is a leading global provider of advanced processing systems, software, and services to the food and beverage industries. We develop and manufacture high-tech solutions for customers worldwide and continuously innovate to stay at the forefront of technology. We continuously transform the future of food through collaboration and innovation, bringing new innovations to the market, becoming our customers preferred partner in solutions for a sustainable food industry.

Does this journey appeal to you? We are looking for an experienced Innovation Project Manager to strengthen our Innovation team in Aarhus, to lead and secure delivery of our end-to-end innovation projects.

As our new Project Manager Innovation, you will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and product development across JBT Marel's Secondary Fresh business. You will lead end-to-end innovation projects from concept through delivery, ensuring new products and solutions are successfully developed, launched, and sustained in the market, and also sustainment projects on existing products and solutions. This role goes beyond traditional project management. You will lead cross-functional innovation and product development initiatives across multiple business areas. You will partner closely with Engineering, Product Management, Sales, Operations, and customers to deliver innovative solutions that address market needs. You will ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget while balancing technical, commercial, and operational requirements. You will contribute directly to JBT Marel's mission of transforming the future of food through innovation and sustainable solutions. The ideal candidate combines strong project management expertise with technical understanding, stakeholder management capabilities, and a passion for bringing innovative products and solutions to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cross-functional innovation projects.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment on objectives and expectations.
• Define and manage project scope, timelines, budgets, risks, and resources.
• Monitor progress, provide status updates, and facilitate stage-gate reviews.
• Ensure compliance with project governance, processes, and documentation standards.
• Drive day-to-day project execution, including issue resolution, cost control, and risk management.
• Visit customers and external partners as needed to support project success.

What kind of person are you?

• MSc degree in Engineering, Business, Innovation or a related field — or equivalent experience.
• Solid experience in project management within product development, innovation, engineering, or technology environments.
• Project management certification (IPMA, PRINCE2, or similar) is an advantage.
• Strong people leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Structured, analytical, and results-driven project approach.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to drive collaboration across cross-functional and international teams.
• Professional proficiency in English.
• Willing to travel up to 30 days per year.

Who We Are

At JBT Marel, what we do matters. Our people make the difference, and their contribution drives our success. Our purpose is to transform the future of food, guiding our vision to be the leading partner in sustainable food industry solutions. Partnership is at the heart of everything we do, enabling us to deliver exceptional, end-to-end solutions that build long-term customer trust. Our values reflect who we are at our best: Serve with integrity, Create with collaboration, Grow with excellence, Advance with innovation. We are committed to your development and offer opportunities that help you grow professionally and personally. You will work in an inclusive, international team culture where collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement are key.

Use of Technology in Our Hiring Process

JBT Marel uses technology-assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support the review of applications. These tools help our recruiting teams identify skills and experience relevant to the role based on job-related criteria. All applications are reviewed by people, and AI is not used to make hiring decisions independently. We are committed to fair, consistent and inclusive hiring practices globally.

Equal Opportunity

Marel is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Join us and help shape the future of food innovation.

Welcome to our temporary careers site

While we finalize our new website, you can explore open roles and start your career journey with JBT Marel here. At JBT Marel, we're transforming the future of food through technology, innovation, and collaboration. Our work helps make the global food system more sustainable - and it's powered by thousands of talented people around the world. We value collaboration, integrity, innovation, and continuous growth - and we believe the best ideas come from diverse perspectives working together. If you're looking for meaningful work and the chance to make a real impact, explore opportunities at JBT Marel and get ready to transform the future of food.