Senior Sustainability Manager - Leeds (Leeds, GB)

Arla Foods is seeking a dynamic Senior Sustainability Manager to spearhead its commercial sustainability agenda across the UK. This is a pivotal role for professionals passionate about driving impactful change within the dairy industry and contributing to a more sustainable future.

This opportunity offers a unique platform to elevate sustainability from a global ambition to a tangible, commercially driven strategy within Arla UK. You will act as a crucial bridge, translating global sustainability goals into actionable local plans and fostering collaboration with customers, key stakeholders, and internal teams.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: Play a leading role in shaping Arla UK's Sustainability Plan, developing strategic direction for the FarmAhead program, and commercialising sustainability opportunities with customers.
• Leadership and Influence: You will have direct reporting to the Managing Director of Arla UK, providing significant visibility and influence within the organisation. You'll also lead the Sustainability Compliance function, offering people leadership development opportunities.
• Commercial Acumen in Sustainability: This role is ideal for those who excel at integrating sustainability principles into commercial strategies. You'll be responsible for developing key commercial concepts and solutions that drive measurable impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the global sustainability team while championing sustainability initiatives across the entire UK organisation, including driving training and engagement.
• External Representation: Represent Arla UK in relevant external forums, enhancing the company's reputation as a sustainability leader and promoting its commitment to good food choices.
• Career Development: Arla Foods is committed to professional development and internal promotion. This role offers a clear path for growth within a market-leading organisation.
• Purpose-Driven Work: Contribute to a company that produces nutritious, household-favourite brands while actively working to improve its impact on customers, farmers, and the planet.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Strategic Vision and Execution: The ideal candidate will possess a strong strategic mindset coupled with the ability to drive execution and deliver results. You'll need to translate high-level objectives into concrete, measurable action plans.
• Stakeholder Management and Influence: Success in this role hinges on exceptional stakeholder management skills. You'll be adept at engaging diverse groups, navigating complexity, aligning interests, and building trust with senior leaders and external partners.
• Commercial Sustainability Expertise: While a passion for sustainability is essential, a proven track record of commercialising sustainability initiatives, particularly within the FMCG sector, is critical.
• Adaptability in a Matrix Environment: Thriving in a global matrix organisation requires strong collaboration skills and the ability to leverage diverse expertise across different markets and functions.
• Change Leadership: As a change agent, you'll be instrumental in driving commitment and fostering followership across teams and leadership levels.
• People Leadership Readiness: While prior people management experience is not mandatory, a readiness and enthusiasm to develop these skills and lead a team is a significant advantage.
• Communication Prowess: Clear, concise, and compelling communication will be key to aligning internal and external stakeholders and effectively conveying Arla's sustainability vision.

This Senior Sustainability Manager position at Arla Foods presents an exciting opportunity for ambitious individuals to make a substantial contribution to a leading global cooperative. If you are driven by purpose, possess strong commercial and strategic acumen, and are eager to shape a more sustainable future for the dairy industry, this role warrants your serious consideration.