Global Digital Pilot Lead, Supply Chain

At Arla, we are embarking on a journey to design a world-class production data platform that will transform how our global network of sites capture, contextualize, and use data to unlock efficiency, sustainability, and quality improvements. From ensuring the freshness of milk to optimizing energy usage at our dairies, data will increasingly drive every decision in Arla’s supply chain. Does that sound exciting? Then join our team to take a pivotal role in building the digital backbone that will empower Arla’s production sites for years to come!

How you will make an impact

You will join a growing and ambitious team of program managers in the Global Operational Excellence and Digital Transformation TMO (Transformation Management Office) in Supply Chain. The team drives the planning and execution of strategic initiatives across our value chain - from farm to fridge - with a strong focus on our production operations. These include the portfolio management and scaling of digital solutions developed as part of Arla's Future26 strategy, the development and continuous improvement of the Arla Performance System, the establishment of functional communities, and the engagement of stakeholders from the shopfloor to the executive level.

In this new role, you will act as the Global Digital Pilot Lead for Arla’s future Production Data Platform - a cornerstone in our ambition to harmonize and standardize our IT/OT architecture, data governance, and data quality across production sites. This platform will serve as the foundation for next-level use case development, enabling improvements in OEE, labor management, condition monitoring, energy optimization, traceability, and more.

You will work at the intersection of business and technology, representing the Supply Chain organization in the program and working closely with IT, site teams, and vendors. Your focus will be on driving the overall platform program, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, and securing adoption at. With your new team, you will support a network of more than 50 dairy production sites and empower over 16,000 supply chain colleagues with digital tools and data capabilities that help them perform their day-to-day work more effectively.

What are we looking for?

As a Global Digital Pilot Lead, you will be at the forefront of one of the most important digital transformations in Arla’s manufacturing network. You will lead the selection, pilot, and global scaling of our new production data platform, steward its roadmap, and ensure it delivers tangible value to our supply chain operations.

Responsibilities:

• Own and maintain the vision, scope, and roadmap for the Production Data Platform, ensuring alignment with Arla’s Supply Chain strategy and Future26 goals
• Lead the platform selection process in collaboration with IT and business stakeholders, including vendor evaluation, business case preparation, and structured pilot execution
• Act as the primary business representative for the platform, bridging Supply Chain, IT, site teams, and external partners
• Define and uphold data and integration standards across MES, SCADA, historians, ERP, and other relevant systems
• Drive governance processes for platform decision-making, including funding approvals, stage gates, and performance reviews
• Track and communicate value delivery, defining KPIs such as data availability, use-case adoption, and operational efficiency gains
• Coordinate scaling activities across sites, including deployment planning, adoption support, and lifecycle management
• Foster a strong change management approach, including training, super-user networks, and community building to ensure sustained platform usage
• Serve as the key escalation and coordination point for issues affecting platform scope, delivery, or adoption
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in platform functionality, processes, and usage
  
  

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering, IT/Computer Science, Data/Systems Engineering, or a related discipline
• 3-7 years of experience in digital manufacturing, data platform or product ownership roles, or IIoT/analytics projects, ideally with exposure to factory/shopfloor operations
• Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems, SCADA, historians, ERP, and related OT/IT integration landscapes
• Understanding of modern data platform concepts and architectures (cloud services, streaming protocols, contextualization frameworks)
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional programs, align stakeholders, and manage vendor relationships
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to translate platform capabilities into measurable operational value
• Experience with governance processes and structured project/program management in a global manufacturing context
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, from shopfloor teams to senior executives
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken; additional languages are a plus

What will make you successful?

You are a connector who thrives on enabling people, processes, and technology to work seamlessly together. You can see the big picture and make clear decisions that keep complex initiatives moving forward. You have a structured mindset and a proactive, collaborative approach, combined with enough curiosity to challenge the status quo. You enjoy translating technical platform concepts into business impact stories that inspire stakeholders to get on board. A great sense of humor and a team-player spirit will also help you succeed in the role.

What do we offer?

At Arla, you will be part of a purpose-driven organization where people and planet come first. You will join a high-performing, international team at the forefront of Arla’s transformation, where your ideas and leadership can have a tangible impact on how we operate globally. We offer:

• A dynamic and supportive environment where innovation thrives.
• Opportunities to shape Arla’s digital future and influence key decisions.
• Professional and personal development in a global FMCG organization.
• Flexible working arrangements and the possibility to work remotely.
• Competitive salary and benefits, with a focus on work-life balance.

At Arla, we are committed to unlocking the highest potential in each other while building a sustainable future of dairy. Together, we call it Stronger People, Stronger Planet.

Would you like to join us?

Please apply as soon as possible by uploading your CV highlighting relevant work experiences, as well as a cover letter showcasing what interests you about the role and what would make you a great fit for it. We will review applications and conduct interviews on an ongoing basis and close the position as soon as the right candidate is found. For further information please contact the hiring manager, Norbert Baricz, Head of the Global Operational Excellence and Digital Transformation TMO at norba@arlafoods.com.  

Shape the Future of Dairy 

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We're passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future. 

We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry. 

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