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Supply Chain Sustainability Manager, Business Development

Arla Foods • Denmark • Added on Sep 9, 2026
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As the Supply Chain Sustainability Manager, you will be the primary architect of Arla Foods’ environmental performance across its European operations. You will translate high-level climate strategies into operational realities by managing the CAPEX portfolio and developing business-oriented programs for energy, carbon, water, and waste reduction. Your work ensures that sustainability is not just a policy but a core driver of business development and digital transformation at the site level.

This role matters because dairy production is at the heart of the global transition to sustainable food systems. By optimizing the supply chain for one of the world’s largest cooperatives, you will have a direct hand in reducing massive industrial carbon footprints and pioneering nature-positive production methods. It is a chance to move the needle on 2030 sustainability targets at a scale few other organizations can offer.

This suits someone who possesses a strategic mindset and a background in supply chain or engineering, paired with the ability to influence senior leaders. You should thrive in complex environments where data-driven insights are converted into concrete, site-level improvements.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

You will be responsible for leading sustainability business development by identifying cross-cutting initiatives that link environmental goals with commercial opportunities. This involves translating high-level priorities into actionable plans across the focus areas of energy, carbon, food waste, and water. A significant portion of your role centers on CAPEX portfolio management. You will coordinate the governance, tracking, and approval processes for sustainability-related investments, ensuring that capital is deployed effectively to meet the company's 2030 climate targets.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this position, you will gain deep exposure to large-scale industrial sustainability within a global cooperative model. You will learn how to navigate complex digital roadmaps for environmental data, working closely with IT to build the infrastructure needed for real-time performance tracking. You will also develop specialized expertise in sustainable finance and governance. By managing the global CAPEX pipeline, you will learn how to balance financial performance with rigorous environmental impact assessments in a high-stakes manufacturing environment.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings a background in supply chain, business development, or engineering. While sustainability experience is an advantage, the hiring team prioritizes individuals who can navigate a complex matrix organization and drive operational impact through structured program management. You should possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field and demonstrate strong project leadership skills. The ability to communicate fluently in English and align perspectives between site directors and senior executives is essential for success in this global team.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your experience in bridging the gap between strategy and execution. Provide specific examples of where you have managed multi-million Euro budgets or site-level improvements that resulted in measurable efficiency gains or cost savings. Align your application with Arla’s cooperative values. Demonstrating an understanding of how farmer-owned business structures influence supply chain decisions will show you have researched the unique cultural and operational landscape of the company.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on decarbonization and resource circularity within the manufacturing and logistics segments. You will be at the forefront of the company’s efforts to optimize energy use and reduce water consumption across dozens of European sites. Beyond carbon, you will likely engage with nature-related reporting and biodiversity as the strategy evolves. Your work ensures that Arla’s transition towards a more sustainable dairy sector is backed by robust data and consistent site-level implementation.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be balancing operational speed with strategic governance. Managing a global CAPEX portfolio requires meticulous tracking, which can be difficult in an environment where site-level needs and global sustainability targets may sometimes compete for resources. You may also face challenges related to data fragmentation across different markets. Aligning diverse sites under a single digital roadmap for sustainability reporting requires significant resilience and the ability to influence stakeholders who may have varying levels of sustainability maturity.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a governance meeting to review the progress of ongoing carbon reduction projects across European dairies. You could spend the afternoon collaborating with the IT department to refine the digital dashboard used for tracking water and energy KPIs. You will frequently act as a sparring partner for the Head of Supply Chain Sustainability, preparing strategic presentations for senior leadership or developing business cases for new sustainability programs. Coordination with site directors to ensure the roll-out of new initiatives is also a key daily activity.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Growth in this role is driven by its high visibility and strategic scope. You will be working at the 'strategic core' of the supply chain, providing a natural pathway toward senior leadership roles in operations, business development, or corporate sustainability. The global nature of Arla Foods offers international career paths and the opportunity to lead massive, cross-functional projects. Exposure to the highest levels of the organization ensures that your professional development is supported by senior mentorship and high-impact assignments.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with the Global Supply Chain Sustainability team, a group of experts based across Denmark, the UK, and Sweden. You will also serve as a key advisor to the Associate Director and Head of Supply Chain Sustainability. External and cross-functional interactions are critical, including partnerships with Site Directors, Finance teams, and IT specialists. You will also engage with external technology providers and potentially NGOs to ensure Arla’s supply chain remains at the cutting edge of industry best practices.

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