Senior SMART Factory Manager

Viby J

At Arla, we are dedicated to achieving world-class standards in operational excellence anchored and accelerated by digital transformation, and we are now seeking a Senior Smart Factory Manager to join our central operational excellence and digital transformation team.

As the Senior Smart Factory Manager, you will lead the development and implementation of the Smart Factory programme, collaborating with Operational Excellence Teams, IT, Central Engineering, Factory Automation Colleagues, and lighthouse sites. This role will lead and drive the Smart Factory Programme defining the strategy, standards, and roadmap to enable a successful digital transformation programme for our Arla Production Sites and will play a key role in moving our production capabilities towards our vision of ZERO losses, ONE team and 100% engagement.

David Dons, Digital and Optimized Production Director.

How you will make an impact

Your focus will be on developing a connected and efficient factory environment that empowers data-driven decision-making. You will lead a dedicated Digitalisation development Team and directly manage relationships with external service providers to support this development and achieve the organisations strategic goals.

The role will initially focus on 5 key lighthouse factories to unlock focussed business value and Return on Investment (ROI) to enable future fast global scaling across many sites enabled by the right site IT architecture and infrastructure pre-requisite programmes.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Programme Development & Integration: Design and implement frameworks for digital initiatives using lighthouse pilot sites, ensuring seamless integration with IT and production teams for scalable solutions.
  • Leadership in Digitalisation & Automation: Lead a team in executing the Smart Factory strategy, focusing on team engagement and self-development, while representing automation strategies and building external partnerships.
  • Data Utilisation & Industry 4.0 Integration: Champion real-time data tools for decision-making and support the adoption of SMART Factory Industry 4.0 principles, collaborating on IT initiatives like MES and SCADA systems.
  • Collaborative Engagement & Community Building: Foster a network of experts to share best practices, drive competency development, and ensure integration of global digital use cases.
  • Skills Development: Develop training programs to address skills gaps and foster innovation through practical approaches.

What Will Make You Successful

To excel in this role, you should possess a degree in engineering, dairy science, economics, or supply chain management, along with 7-10 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, leadership, and operational excellence.

You have a robust understanding of digital transformation within manufacturing settings, particularly in the food and beverage industry, and are well-versed in automation, robotics, and emerging technologies.

Your expertise includes:

  • Strong knowledge of IT/OT networking, IT architecture, and operational technology (OT) solutions.
  • Experience with AVEVA SCADA, PLCs, HMI, and industrial networks.
  • Familiarity with Industry 4.0 and IIOT technologies.
  • Preferred expertise in process control systems engineering and automation, with a solid grasp of machinery safety.

Fluency in English is required, and you should be able to work from Viby J, Denmark, with an expectation of up to 25% travel.

What we offer

At Arla, you will be part of a forward-thinking organization that is committed to pushing the boundaries of operational excellence. In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact by leading critical improvement initiatives across multiple sites and shaping our long-term operational strategy.

We’re committed to professional development and have a positive and collaborative culture.

You will work alongside passionate and skilled colleagues who are dedicated to delivering high-quality products and driving continuous improvement across all aspects of our operations.

Would you like to join us?

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and drive operational excellence at Arla, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your application, including your CV and cover letter as soon as possible as we evaluate applications on an ongoing basis.

Ansættelsestype: Permanent

Hjemmearbejde: Not offered

Ugentlig arbejdstid: Full-time

two colleagues smiling
two colleagues smiling
5 of 5 stars

1,013 of Arla Foods’ employees have evaluated Arla Foods on Jobindex

person in front of computer

Grow with Arla

Arla is committed to creating products that delight customers and contribute to healthier, more balanced lifestyles. We also want to develop new products that cater to local tastes and preferences, respond to emerging trends and opportunities. Which is why we have a dedicated team of colleagues – and a purpose designed building – to focus on research, technology and innovation.

Here, we push the boundaries of science and technology to create an exciting future for both dairy and food in general. Part of creating the future of dairy is imagining what could happen next.

a group of people talking and smiling outside
a group of people talking and smiling outside

Arla is committed to creating products that delight customers and contribute to healthier, more balanced lifestyles. We also want to develop new products that cater to local tastes and preferences, respond to emerging trends and opportunities. Which is why we have a dedicated team of colleagues – and a purpose designed building – to focus on research, technology and innovation.

Here, we push the boundaries of science and technology to create an exciting future for both dairy and food in general. Part of creating the future of dairy is imagining what could happen next.

NINA BJERRING


“There are so many great colleagues in Arla and everyone has something to contribute with.”

Careers in Arla grow, whereas videos are a glimpse of a moment. Nina is today SVP Procurement.

DIVE INTO OUR BUSINESS

Curious to see what happens in Arla? How people around the world experience their everyday work life? Or wondering which business area might be right for you?

SUPPLY CHAIN

A living link between farm and fridge

ARLA IT

Technology meets flexibility

FINANCE

Co-driving value creation

INNOVATION

The department of possibilities

SALES AND MARKETING

The heart and drive of our brands

THE BARN

The world's most external internal agency
Profile image of Ola Arvidsson
Profile image of Ola Arvidsson

OUR GROWTH IS YOUR GROWTH


CHRO Ola Arvidsson

“At Arla Foods we know that there is a direct and unbreakable connection between the growth of our people and the growth of our company which is why we have such a strong and enduring commitment to creating opportunities for all of our people to develop their skills and unlock their full potential.”

Students and Graduates

two student assistants talking two student assistants talking

Student Assistants

Are you eager to kickstart your career in a global organization?
three interns talking at a table a group of people talking

Internship Positions

Join us in shaping the future of dairy!
a group of people talking a group of people talking

ARLA FUTURES

Choose your path. Shape our future
We want to nurture an inclusive culture where we can all thrive and grow and where everyone’s contribution is valued. We do this by providing a workplace where collaboration and inclusion are prerequisites for high performance and where ambition co-exists with safety and support.

Do you want to join us?

We’ve got a high performing culture and we have great ambitions. We’ve got a strong strategy for growing our business and one for growing our colleagues too. So, if a dynamic environment where change is an everyday occurrence appeals to you, discover more about our business, immerse yourself in Arla life and see what opportunities we have available.