Stage-Gate Innovation Lead

Arla Foods; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Arla Foods Denmark is seeking an Innovation Manager to own the Denmark stage-gate process and drive complex projects from concept to launch in collaboration with Marketing, Supply Chain, NPD and Finance. The role sits at the intersection of strategy, process excellence and execution, aiming to accelerate learning with agile testing and strengthen local-global collaboration.

Fluent in Danish and English, with 5+ years in innovation or process management, you will challenge the status quo and

Qualifications

• You are an experienced innovation and/or process manager who thrives when navigating complexity and bringing people together around a common goal.
• Have 5+ years of experience within innovation, innovation process management, project management or a related field.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects in a matrix organization; food- or beverages industry is an advantage.
• Understand how to translate consumer and business opportunities into commercial results.
• Are structured, organized and comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Build trust quickly and influence stakeholders without formal authority.
• Are fluent in Danish and English.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex innovation and renovation projects from idea to launch.
• Ensure strong stakeholder alignment across Marketing, Supply Chain, NPD, Sales and Finance.
• Create momentum and secure progress throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and facilitate key decision points and governance forums.
• Lead and continuously improve the innovation stage-gate process.
• Simplify ways of working and strengthen governance and decision-making.
• Support colleagues across Marketing in navigating innovation projects.
• Accelerate learning through agile testing and experimentation.
• Drive alignment and seamless handovers between Arla Denmark and Global Innovation teams.
• Ensure clear roles, responsibilities and effective collaboration across the innovation network.
• Bring inspiration and best practices into the Danish business.

Skills

Innovation management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Agile experimentation

Fluent Danish

Fluent English

Job description

Arla Foods Denmark is seeking an Innovation Manager to own the Denmark stage-gate process and drive complex projects from concept to launch in collaboration with Marketing, Supply Chain, NPD and Finance. The role sits at the intersection of strategy, process excellence and execution, aiming to accelerate learning with agile testing and strengthen local-global collaboration.

Fluent in Danish and English, with 5+ years in innovation or process management, you will challenge the status quo and