Global Business Development Manager CCF

Global Business Development Manager - CCF

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™.

About the role

The Global Business Development Manager – CCF is responsible for driving the global business development agenda for AAK's Chocolate & Confectionery Fats (CCF) segment by identifying, developing, and converting new growth opportunities across strategic markets. Working closely with regional commercial teams and global functions, the role combines a long-term strategic perspective with hands-on commercial execution to expand AAK's CCF footprint through new customer acquisition, market entry initiatives, adjacent applications, and strategic partnerships. By building and managing a structured pipeline of business opportunities and translating market intelligence into actionable commercial strategies, the role plays a key part in delivering the segment's long-term growth ambitions. While the position does not hold direct P&L responsibility, it has a significant impact on revenue growth, margin improvement, and AAK's long-term competitive position through strategic business development, market expansion, and customer engagement. Operating within a specialized and regulatory-sensitive market, the role requires strong commercial judgment, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of customer needs, market dynamics, and industry trends. Success depends on the ability to influence across a global matrix organization, build strong cross-functional partnerships, and align regional execution with global business priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the global business development strategy for the CCF segment, ensuring alignment with industry priorities, regional commercial plans, and long-term growth ambitions.
• Identify, evaluate, and convert new business opportunities across customer segments, geographic markets, adjacent applications, and strategic partnerships.
• Build, manage, and continuously develop a structured global opportunity pipeline, using disciplined evaluation and stage-gate methodologies to prioritize and accelerate growth initiatives.
• Partner with regional commercial teams to translate global strategies into actionable business development plans and successful local execution.
• Drive the commercialization of new products and innovations by collaborating closely with R&D, Product Management, Marketing, and regional commercial teams.
• Strengthen AAK's market position by building strategic customer relationships, leading customer co-development initiatives, and representing AAK at key industry events, conferences, and trade associations.
• Lead or support strategic M&A scouting, partnership evaluations, and market assessments within the CCF segment and adjacent specialty fats markets.
• Monitor market trends, customer needs, regulatory developments, and competitive activity to identify emerging opportunities and potential business risks.
• Collaborate with Sourcing & Trading, Finance, and Product Management to support pricing strategies, optimize profitability, and strengthen the commercial value proposition.
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across global and regional teams to ensure alignment, accelerate business growth, and deliver the CCF strategic agenda.

About you

• University degree in Business Administration, Food Science, Engineering, or a related discipline; an MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification is considered an advantage.
• More than 10 years of experience in business development, commercial strategy, key account management, or a similar commercial leadership role, preferably within specialty fats, confectionery ingredients, food ingredients, or the broader B2B food industry.
• Strong understanding of the global CCF market, including customer needs, market dynamics, competitive landscape, and regulatory frameworks; experience within the CCF industry is a significant advantage.
• Proven experience leading international business development initiatives and working effectively across regions within a complex matrix organization.
• Demonstrated success identifying, developing, and converting new business opportunities into sustainable and profitable growth.
• Strong commercial and analytical mindset, with the ability to assess market opportunities, develop robust business cases, and understand financial drivers, pricing strategies, and margin optimization.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Highly collaborative and self-driven, with the ability to work independently while aligning multiple functions and regions behind a common strategic objective.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken; additional languages are considered an advantage.
• Demonstrates AAK behaviors: Accountable, Agile, Passionate and Cooperative.

In return AAK offers

• Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability.
• In AAK you can 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.