Team Leader, Laboratory, Esbjerg

Arla Foods; Esbjerg; On-site; DKK 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Arla Foods in Esbjerg invites an experienced Laboratory Teamlead to steer a skilled lab team through a major modernization journey. You will champion digital tools, automation, and process improvements, ensuring compliant, high‑quality product release.

You will lead a diverse group of technicians and specialists, driving changes across the lab while collaborating with QEHS to safeguard product integrity and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience managing lab teams.
• Experience driving digitalization or automation projects.
• Basic proficiency in Danish and English.
• Laboratory experience, microbiology is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Daily management and development of a larger laboratory team.
• Drive the laboratory’s change journey with a focus on digitalization and automation.
• Deviation handling and release of finished goods.
• Ensure optimal operation of the laboratory, including coordination of external analyses.
• Collaborate with QEHS Manager and team to ensure quality‑assured product release.
• Handle and process customer complaints with QEHS colleagues and lab specialists.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Digitalization

Automation

Team development

Communication

Problem solving

Job description

Are you ready to lead a skilled laboratory team on an exciting change journey? Do you want to drive lager projects and digitalization to shape the laboratory of the future at one of Denmark’s largest dairies? If you are passionate about continuous improvement and want to make a real impact, keep reading to discover your next career opportunity at Esbjerg Dairy Center.

“As our new Laboratory Teamlead, you will be at the forefront of modernizing our laboratory, supporting both people and processes on our journey towards increased digitalization and automation. You’ll play a key role in taking our quality standards to the next level,” says Anne Sofie Huusmann Jepsen, Senior QEHS Manager.

How You Will Make An Impact

As Laboratory Teamlead, you will manage and develop a larger team of lab technicians, specialists, and part-time employees at our Esbjerg Dairy Center. You’ll not only ensure the daily operations and compliance but will also lead the team through a significant transformation - embracing new digital tools and automating processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

Your Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Daily management and development of a larger laboratory team
• Drive lager projects and leading the laboratory’s change journey with a strong focus on increased digitalization and automation
• Deviation handling and release of finished goods
• Ensuring optimal and rational operation of the laboratory, including coordination of external analyses
• Collaborating with the QEHS Manager and Team to ensure quality-assured product release in accordance with regulations
• Handling and processing customer complaints in cooperation with QEHS colleagues and lab specialists

What Will Make You Successful

We are looking for a forward-thinking professional with leadership experience and a passion for leading teams through change. Your ability to engage and inspire others will be crucial as you help bring digital transformation and automation to life.

Furthermore you bring

• A track record of driving change, especially within digitalization or automation projects
• Ability to motivate people and foster a growth mindset
• Basic proficiency in Danish and English
• Laboratory experience, ideally including microbiology, is an advantage.

You stand out for your strong organizational skills and your ability to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset. Your excellent interpersonal skills, combined with a proactive attitude, enable you to engage effectively with your team and drive positive change throughout the laboratory.

What do we offer?

You will join a passionate team at Esbjerg Dairy Center, where collaboration and a willingness to embrace new ways of working are key. At Arla, we are committed to professional development and promoting from within. You’ll have the opportunity to drive meaningful change and bring out the best in yourself and your colleagues, as part of a market leader producing nutritious household-favorite brands.

For additional information, please contact Senior QEHS Manager Anne Sofie Huusmann Jepsen at [phone].

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.

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