Customer Innovation Manager – Dairy, Savoury, Plant-Based Foods & Foodservice (UK & Ireland)
This position is based at our site on King George Dock, Hull. You will be required to be on site at least 1 day per week and travel across the UK and Ireland will be required.
About the Role
Drive customer co‑development, technical support and innovation project execution across Dairy, Savoury, Plant‑Based Foods and Foodservice applications in the UK & Ireland. Combine strong customer‑facing technical expertise with commercial understanding, translating customer and market needs into scalable solutions and business opportunities. Work closely with Sales, Commercial Product Management, Marketing and regional application teams to strengthen AAK’s position as a trusted innovation and performance partner.
Responsibilities
- Lead customer co‑development projects from concept to commercialization 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.
Technical & Application Expertise
- 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.
Commercial & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
Benefits
- 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.
- You will 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
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.
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