Program Director New Cheesery - Götene

Om jobbet

Ready to lead a once-in-a-generation investment and shape the future of dairy? We're building a new, state-of-the-art cheesery and whey treatment capability in Götene-the largest production investment in Arla's history-expanding capacity, strengthening resilience and accelerating innovation across our network.

Link to investment press-release

Arla announces largest-ever investment in new Swedish cheese dairy | Arla

"You'll lead a flagship, EUR 300m program from design to handover-setting new benchmarks for safety, quality and performance across Arla's supply chain," says Hiring Manager, Jean-Michel Lequin.

As Program Director, you will own the end-to-end implementation of the new cheesery, whey processing and associated infrastructure (incl. water treatment) at Götene. You will orchestrate cross-functional teams across Engineering & Technology, Operations/Supply Chain, Innovation/NPD and enabling functions to deliver on time, on budget and to world-class QSE standards. The role is placed in Götene but can also be based elsewhere in Sweden with frequent travel to Götene.

How you will make an impact

In this role, you will lead the full implementation of a new cheese dairy, whey treatment capabilities and associated infrastructure, including water treatment, at our Götene-site in Sweden. You will have the end-to-end project responsibility for all project workstreams including Engineering, Supply Chain, NPD, and the full delivery of the business case. You are responsible for leading cross-functional teams across workstreams and ensuring delivery is on schedule, within budget, and aligned with agreed performance criteria. As safety and work environment is key priority in Arla, ensuring high safety standards and zero loss mindset throughout the project is also of highest importance.

Main responsibilities include

• Resourcing Oversee end-to-end program resourcing, including PMO, sounding boards and cross-functional project workstreams (Local Site, Engineering, Innovation/NPD, Operations, Finance, HR, Commercial, Procurement, Logistics).
• Governance and stakeholder management Lead Local and EXEC bespoke Steerco processes and provide updates in existing forums (leadership teams, management committees, union representative forums).
• Leadership Direct leadership of the Project Management Office; indirect leadership of sounding boards, Workstream Leads and teams.
• Project delivery Deliver timelines, milestones and budget (CAPEX and OPEX). Meet safety, quality and environmental requirements. Drive cross-functional collaboration and decision making. Secure successful factory start-up and supply to local and export markets. Achieve business case targets (efficiency, productivity, COGS, QSE KPI's). Integrate the project at Götene and hand over to site operations.
• Project management Ensure efficient, well-structured project management. Plan and execute change management. Manage network aspects and impacts in the wider Arla.

What will make you successful

You bring a degree in Business, Operations, Engineering or a related field with a successful track record of delivering large, cross functional projects within the Food or FMCG industry. Experience in strategy and transformation is an advantage as well as experience and knowledge within the dairy industry. Other key areas include

• 10+ years in operations and program/project leadership delivering large cross-functional initiatives and proven transformation and change management experience
• Skilled at building cross-functional partnerships across supply chain/operations, commercial, and innovation/NPD in matrix environments.
• Advanced communication and executive-ready presentations; builds trust and robust relationships
• Skilled negotiator; leads and influences through ambiguity and change
• Extensive knowledge of PM frameworks and tools; PMP certification is a significant advantage.
• Results-driven, self-motivated, creative, and resilient
• Financial (business cases, supply chain finance)
• CI mindset; exposure to commercial, NPD, and early equipment management a plus
• Fluent in English and Swedish

What do we offer?

Join a values-led cooperative at a pivotal moment-shaping a flagship site that sets new benchmarks for dairy manufacturing. You'll work at the intersection of technology, network strategy and sustainable operations, with strong development and internal mobility opportunities.

We're committed to professional development and promoting from within. Our positive and collaborative culture will bring out the best in you. And you'll join a market leader who produces nutritious household-favourite brands in a way that makes things better for our customers, the farmers who own us, and the whole world.

Arla Foods has collective agreements and offers competitive working conditions. Safety and working environment are top priorities, and we conduct random drug and alcohol tests.

Would you like to join us?

Please apply as soon as possible-we review applications on an ongoing basis and will close once the right candidate is found. For more information contact Talent Acquisition Manager, Carl Monsen at carl.monsen@arlafoods.com. Please note that applications or CVs via email or direct messages will not be accepted.

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 natural, sustainable 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.

#LI-CAMON

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