Key Skills

Job Description

Are you ready to Shape the reputation of one of Europe's leading dairy companies? Arla is growing. Following the merger with DMK, our scale, market position and impact are changing significantly. This creates an exciting opportunity for an experienced communications and public affairs leader. We are looking for our new In this role, you shape how Arla is seen, heard and understood across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France. You operate at the intersection of business, society, politics and communications, with a direct impact on Arla's reputation and relationships with key stakeholders. Your role You lead the Communications & Public Affairs agenda across the region, connecting local priorities with Arla's global strategy and bringing regional insights back into the international organization. Your focus includes Corporate Communications & Public Affairs develop and execute the regional strategy across four markets, with Public Affairs as a key part of Arla's agenda. Reputation & positioning strengthen Arla's position as a credible and trusted voice in public debate. Public Affairs build influence in The Hague and Brussels and shape positions on issues that matter to Arla, including health, sustainability and the future of dairy. Stakeholder engagement build strong relationships with policymakers, politicians, media, industry organizations, opinion leaders and our farmer owners. Market & farmer dynamics understand the different market dynamics across the cluster, with particular focus on the Benelux markets and the interests and perspectives of our farmer owners. Change & integration support the organization and our people through the integration following the DMK merger. Crisis communications lead preparedness and response when reputation or stakeholder trust is at risk. Farm Ahead lead communications around customer partnerships together with the Benelux & France Leadership Team. You will be a strong agenda leader for Arla across the cluster, with a seat in both the Benelux & France Leadership Team and the Global Corporate Communications Leadership Team. You work closely with senior leaders across Commercial, Sustainability, Operations and HR, advising on positioning, messaging and reputational risk and ensuring Communications and Public Affairs are part of strategic business decisions. You will be responsible for leading the comms team in Benelux & France, covering the scope of media relations, public affairs, internal and owner communications. You create a collaborative, forward-looking culture where people take ownership, challenge each other and have room to grow. You will also work closely with Global Corporate Communications and communication leaders across Arla. Your profile You are an experienced Communications and Public Affairs professional who combines strategic thinking with strong execution. You bring Extensive experience in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, preferably within an international, matrix organization; Very strong Public Affairs expertise, with a proven understanding of the political, regulatory and stakeholder landscape across the Benelux and France; A strong understanding of market dynamics across the cluster, with the ability to translate these into relevant communications and Public Affairs strategies; At least 3 years of experience at a similar level; Strong expertise in media relations, internal communications, reputation management and crisis communications; Experience influencing policy and navigating complex stakeholder environments, preferably within the food or a related sector; Experience with, or a strong understanding of, farmer stakeholders and the cooperative environment; A trusted network among relevant stakeholders in the Netherlands and Belgium; Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively across cultures, functions and seniority levels. You are strategic, politically aware and confident in dealing with senior stakeholders. You build trust, remain calm under pressure and communicate with clarity and authenticity. Most importantly, you take ownership. You see opportunities, lead the agenda, create momentum and get things moving. Why Arla? Arla is a farmer-owned cooperative and an international dairy company with strong brands and an expanding global footprint. The DMK merger creates new opportunities — and new questions around our position in the market, our role in society and how we bring our people and farmer owners along. Application We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and will invite candidates for an interview as soon as we see a strong match with the role. We therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible. For additional information, please reach out to Dirkjan Boels, +31 6- 50 50 66 03. Shape the Future of Dairy Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about. _DIBOE Ref. 111123 null

Core Responsibilities

Lead Arla’s Communications and Public Affairs agenda across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France, including reputation, policy influence, stakeholder engagement, crisis response, and communications related to the DMK integration. Lead the regional communications team, advise senior leaders, and coordinate with global communications teams on strategic business decisions and customer partnerships.

Requirements

Candidates should have extensive corporate communications and public affairs experience, including at least three years at a similar senior level, strong knowledge of the political and regulatory landscape across the Benelux and France, and expertise in media relations, internal communications, reputation, and crisis management. They should also bring experience influencing policy, navigating complex stakeholders, understanding farmer-owned cooperatives, and building trusted relationships in the Netherlands and Belgium.