Business Development Manager

About the Role This is a strategically important position with a key role in driving the future growth, profitability, and long-term competitiveness of Valio's Value Added Ingredients business. As Business Development Manager, you will develop our protein ingredient portfolio and be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and advancing future protein-based business opportunities. You will drive strategically important development initiatives from concept creation to market launch, ensuring that our future protein portfolio supports Valio's growth strategy. A key part of the role is leading and coordinating cross-functional application development activities and turning innovative protein solutions into commercially relevant product concepts. By connecting ingredient capabilities with customer needs and application performance, you will create compelling concepts that demonstrate the value of our solutions. In this role, you will collaborate closely with international sales, R&D, production, regulatory, and business teams to transform market and customer insights into successful protein solutions. You will play a central role in ensuring that both short-term and long-term portfolio priorities are aligned with business objectives and customer needs. In addition, you will be part of key customer teams, bringing valuable customer and market insights into portfolio development and prioritization. Key responsibilities Lead and develop Valio's future protein ingredients portfolio and roadmap in line with VAI growth strategy Identify emerging market opportunities, customer needs, and future industry trends Drive strategic business development projects from opportunity assessment to market launch Lead cross-functional application development activities and concept creation to deliver commercially relevant customer solutions Collaborate closely with Sales, R&D, Production, Regulatory Affairs, and other key stakeholders Contribute to strategic customer development by bringing customer and market insights into portfolio decisions Build new growth opportunities and strengthen Valio's competitiveness in selected strategic markets What we expect from you Master's degree in business, food science, or another relevant field Several years of experience in business development, portfolio management, strategy, product management, or other commercial roles Strong understanding of international B2B business and value creation Experience in leading cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders in matrix organizations Strategic and analytical mindset combined with a hands-on approach Curiosity towards future food, nutrition, and protein innovation Excellent communication skills in Finnish and English; other languages are considered an advantage What we offer you A highly visible and strategically important role within Valio's international growth agenda Opportunity to shape the future of protein innovation and create new growth opportunities on a global scale Meaningful work with global impact and leading international customers Collaboration with experienced professionals across business, R&D and technology functions Flexible hybrid working possibilities Extensive employee benefits offered by a respected and responsible food company Responsible and ethical values that are easy to embrace. For us, responsibility means improving the wellbeing of the environment, society, people, and animals Applications: Please submit your application and CV via the application link by 6th of October. Applications will be reviewed throughout the application period. Further Information: For more information about the position, please contact Reeta Hammarén-Sihvola, Head of Portfolio Development, at +358 45 6786 012. She will be happy to tell you more about the role. Contact hours: 29 September from 9:00 to 10:00 and 2 October from 12:00 to 13:00. Application period starts: 2026-09-22 14:00Application period ends: 2026-10-06 23:59

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