At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in Dairy, Savoury, and Plant-Based Foods while collaborating with customers.
- Company: Join a global leader in plant-based oils with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: International exposure, training, mentorship, and a diverse workplace culture.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth across 25+ countries.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food innovation and sustainability while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in customer-facing roles preferred.
Customer Innovation Manager – Dairy, Savoury, Plant-Based Foods & Foodservice (UK & Ireland)
Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people across the globe. We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra‑creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it’s not just food – we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet. Everything we do is about Making Better Happen™.
This position is based at our site on King George Dock, Hull. You will be on site at least one day per week and required to travel across the UK and Ireland.
About The Role
We are looking for a Customer Innovation Manager to drive customer co‑development, technical support, and innovation project execution across Dairy, Savoury, Plant‑Based Foods, and Foodservice applications in the UK & Ireland. This role combines strong customer‑facing technical expertise with commercial understanding, translating customer and market needs into scalable solutions and business opportunities. Working closely with Sales, Commercial Product Management, Marketing, and regional application teams, you will play a key role in strengthening AAK’s position as a trusted innovation and performance partner. As a technical expert and customer collaborator, you will lead innovation projects from concept through to commercialisation, support customers with technical challenges, and help develop value‑adding solutions that deliver commercial success for both AAK and our customers.
Responsibilities
- Lead customer co‑development projects from concept to commercialisation across Dairy, Savoury, Plant‑Based Foods, and Foodservice applications.
- Build strong technical relationships with customers, distributors, and strategic partners.
- Translate customer challenges and market opportunities into commercially viable and technically robust solutions.
- Support customer trials, industrial validations, shelf‑life studies, and troubleshooting activities.
- Position AAK as a strategic innovation and performance partner rather than solely a supplier of fats and oils.
- Provide technical expertise in fats and oils functionality, emulsions, texture, process tolerance, and application performance.
- Support product development and customer innovation projects across dairy and dairy alternatives, savoury and culinary applications, plant‑based meat and plant‑based dairy, convenience foods and frying & cooking solutions.
- Apply strong knowledge of ingredient functionality and industrial food processing to solve customer challenges and optimise product performance.
- Work closely with Sales, Commercial Product Management, Marketing, and regional application teams to accelerate opportunity conversion and customer growth.
- Contribute to pipeline development, project prioritisation, and strategic account planning.
- Ensure effective communication and alignment across functions, business units, and regions.
- Support customer presentations, technical workshops, and value proposition development activities.
About You
- You hold a degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
- You have strong experience in customer‑facing food application, technical service, or product development roles.
- You have experience working within Dairy, Savoury, Plant‑Based Foods, and/or Foodservice categories.
- You possess a strong understanding of industrial food processing and ingredient functionality.
- You have a commercial mindset and can translate technical concepts into compelling customer value propositions.
- You are an excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills.
- You are comfortable managing multiple projects and customer priorities within an international business environment.
- You are proactive, collaborative, and passionate about innovation and customer partnership.
In return AAK offers
- Work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team.
- AAK invests in your development with training, mentorship, and clear career paths.
- Contribute to a greener world with AAK’s sustainability‑focused approach.
- Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual’s perspective and talents.
Contact and information
For further information about the position, please contact Emily Lumb, Talent Acquisition Specialist: Emily.lumb@AAK.com
About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialise in plant‑based oils that are the value‑adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co‑Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate and confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant‑based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.
AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission to, or treatment of individuals in its programs and activities, or employment and application for employment.
Customer Innovation Manager - Dairy+, Savoury+, Plant-Based Foods & Foodservice employer: AAK
AAK is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and sustainability, particularly in the Chocolate & Confectionery Fats segment. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, AAK offers unique opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that drive both personal and professional advancement. Located in vibrant cities like Hull, Karlshamn, or Aarhus, employees benefit from a collaborative work environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages creative solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Innovation Manager - Dairy+, Savoury+, Plant-Based Foods & Foodservice
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like AAK.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from AAK!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like AAK, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at AAK, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Innovation Manager - Dairy+, Savoury+, Plant-Based Foods & Foodservice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at AAK, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at AAK.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to AAK. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at AAK. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at AAK
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to AAK’s mission.
