Head of Operational Excellence - Aarhus

Help shape operational excellence across our global logistics network

Do you want to help create smarter, more connected and future-ready logistics operations across Arla?

In this senior leadership role, you will play a key part in shaping operational excellence across our global logistics network. Working closely with colleagues across sites, markets and central functions, you will help translate strategy into practical standards, processes and solutions while strengthening the capabilities needed to support consistent and sustainable operational performance.

You will lead our Operational Excellence team and collaborate closely with logistics sites, market teams and central functions. Together, you will develop, test and embed solutions across both insourced- and outsourced operations.

Jakob Hartvig, Head of Center of Excellence – Logistics.

How you will make an impact

As Head of Operational Excellence in Logistics CoE, you will help connect global ambition with local execution. You will inspire and provide functional leadership across the logistics network, create clarity on priorities and responsibilities, and work with stakeholders to ensure that improvements create meaningful and measurable operational value.

In this role you will

  • Shape and drive the global strategy and long-term roadmap for logistics operational excellence, aligning priorities and resources across sites, markets and functions.
  • Define, implement and continuously improve common logistics standards, SOPs, playbooks and process taxonomy, while strengthening continuous improvement capabilities through approaches such as Lean, A3 and PDCA.
  • Develop and embed the Arla Performance System for logistics, including performance meeting standards, operational KPIs, dashboards, benchmarking and links to financial performance and the SQCDMP balanced scorecard.
  • Further advance on the digital transformation of logistics by identifying, assessing and scaling high-value use cases across AI, machine learning, IoT, automation and other smart logistics technologies.

Foster a strong operational excellence network across Arla, by supporting capability building, change adoption while drawing on external insights and proof-of-concept activities.

What will help you succeed

You bring experience within operational excellence, continuous improvement, logistics transformation or a related field, and you are motivated by creating sustainable improvements in complex environments . You are comfortable working across organizational and geographical boundaries and understand the importance of balancing global consistency with local needs.

You combine strategic thinking with a practical mindset and enjoy engaging with diverse stakeholders to create solutions that work in practice.

We imagine that you bring

  • Relevant experience within operational excellence, supply chain, logistics
  • A degree in Economics, Supply Chain or related field or equivalent experience
  • Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and data-driven performance management frameworks.
  • Experience with digital transformation, automation or smart logistics solutions. Leadership experience, either through people leadership or matrix environments
  • Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills

As a leader, you create direction by translating complexity into clear priorities and actionable plans. You build trust by listening and being curious, involving local market stakeholders and adapting solutions where appropriate. At the same time, you maintain focus on delivering sustainable outcomes and continuous improvements.

What do we offer?

This is an opportunity to shape the future of logistics across Arla and create impact at network scale. You will work with experienced colleagues across markets, sites and central functions, combining global perspectives with practical operational expertise. The role offers broad exposure, meaningful transformation opportunities and the chance to contribute to the development of people, processes and digital solutions that strengthen safety, quality, service, cost and sustainability performance.

We are committed to professional development and a collaborative culture where knowledge is shared and improvements are built together. You will join a farmer-owned, international business with a clear purpose and the ambition to make nutritious dairy products while continuously improving how we operate.

Would you like to join us?

Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we process applications on an ongoing basis and close the recruitment once we have found the right candidate.

If you have any questions about the position, you are welcome to contact Jakob Hartvig, Head of Logistics Center of Excellence, at jakob.hartvig@arlafoods.com

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True work-life balance takes trust. And Arla has it in spades. The freedom we get makes everything more enjoyable.

Sean Rankine, Copywriter

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Graphic: Cloud.
Graphic: Cloud.
Graphic: Arla Feed Life logo.

Grow

with

Arla

We are ambitious people doing good together – that is the spirit of our cooperative, whether at the office, in the dairy or on the farm. We enable good food choices that make life better and work hard to bring health and inspiration to the world, naturally. If you are looking to shape the future with a company that truly cares about your development and success, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.

At Arla, we believe that great things happen when people work together with purpose.

We’re committed to creating a culture built on collaboration, responsibility, and trust - where you can grow, take ownership, and make a real-life impact.

Female employee at Arla Foods amba.
Portrait of Karen Olsen, Executive Assistant, HR, at Arla Foods amba.
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I love working somewhere with a clear purpose. At Arla, we support each other, and it feels like we’re building something meaningful together.

Karen Olsen, Executive Assistant, HR

Employee Benefits

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Great workplace

Enjoy great office facilities, a good canteen at most locations, a vibrant social community through our employee clubs, and discounted dairy products in our employee shops.

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Flexibility

We support flexible ways of working while valuing time together on-site to foster collaboration. As some roles require in-person work, flexibility depends on role and business needs.

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Competitive pay

We offer fair and competitive pay, with annual salary reviews designed to recognize and reward individual performance and impact.

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Parental Leave

We offer enhanced paid parental leave to support you and your family during important life moments.

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Health Service

As an employee at Arla Foods, you have free access to a healthcare programme provided by PensionDanmark, supporting both your physical and mental health.

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Pension

We offer an attractive pension scheme, contributing to your long-term financial security.

Where do you see yourself?

Across offices, dairies, and trucks on the road, at Arla we work together across the globe. We all have different roles and different backgrounds - one shared effort. Together, we Feed Life™.

Curious?

Cocio

Karolines Køkken

Lurpak

Castello

Arla Protein

Kærgården

Arla Cultura

Arla Unika

Cocio

Karolines Køkken

Lurpak

Castello

Arla Protein

Kærgården

Arla Cultura

Arla Unika