Would you like to join a global, growing company that innovates for a more sustainable tomorrow? UPM could be the team for you. We are frontrunners in developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Besides enabling both businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices, we strive to create a positive UPM experience for all our employees around the world. We live by our values – trust and be trusted, achieve together, renew with courage. Join us in creating a future beyond fossils!We are now looking for a dynamic and visionary individual to lead our global Research & Development (R&D) efforts as the VP, UPM Research & Development. As the leader of our R&D team, you will spearhead the development of novel technologies, products, and processes that push the boundaries of our company’s innovations for processes, products and materials enabling a world without fossil raw materials. The position location is negotiable.Greetings from your future Manager“Welcome to our global team of innovators, where passion for sustainability meets cutting-edge research and development. As the new R&D head, you'll lead the change in shaping the future of our industry. Join us in revolutionizing the way we interact with our natural resources sustainably and leave a lasting legacy of positive change.” - Petri Hakanen, UPM Chief Technology OfficerWhat you’ll doProvide strategic direction and leadership to the UPM global R&D team and Biofore Bases, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellenceLead the development and execution of the company's R&D roadmap, aligning with business objectives and market needsDrive leading-edge research initiatives to enhance biomass utilization, and to develop sustainable bioproducts, the current key areas being specialty packaging materials & papers R&D as well as polymers & molecular bioproducts R&DExplore emerging technologies and trends in bioeconomy, evaluating their potential for integration into our R&D portfolioDrive sustainability concepts into our current portfolio as well as future bioproductsEstablish partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry collaborators to leverage external expertise and resourcesManage R&D budget, resources, and timelines effectively to deliver on project milestones and objectivesEnsure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards in all R&D activitiesWho you areYou have PhD or equivalent degree in forestry, pulp & paper, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related fieldYou have proven track record of leadership in R&D, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in a relevant industry and/or academic settingYou have deep understanding of forest value chains and forest based material streams, including forest ecology, bioprocessing, and sustainable resource managementYou have experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex R&D projects from concept to commercializationYou have strong business acumen, with the ability to translate technical innovations into marketable products and solutionsYou have excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders and inspire a shared vision for bioforestry innovationYou have passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship, with a commitment to driving positive impact through R&D initiativesYou have passion for development and change and the gift to inspire teams to grow and embrace new, outward-focused ways of workingThis is what we offer for youA meaningful job – We have an inspiring purpose ‘We create a future beyond fossils. Our work is impactful and transformative.A caring community – Our community is built on great team spirit and shared commitment. We care about each other and the well-being of our colleagues. We support the work-life balance of all our employees.Development opportunities – We offer you great opportunities to learn and grow throughout your career. We are an international, multi-business organization offering plenty of avenues for personal growth.Responsible employer - Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to ambitious, science-based sustainability targets in all areas from climate change to biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity, offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves.Learn about our and ourAdditional informationFor further information regarding the position, please contact Petri Hakanen, UPM Chief Technology Officer at +358405305595 on 11th April at 3pm – 5pm EET, 15th April at 4 pm – 5 pm EET and 18th April at 3 pm – 4 pm EET.Please apply by clicking the Apply button and attach your CV and Cover Letter by 30th April 2024.For support with submitting your application, please contact HR Service Center at careers@upm.com or +358204146600.A security background check may be performed for those selected to UPM positions, in accordance with the company recruitment guidelines and the Security Clearance Act 726/2014.UPM Technology's highly motivated and innovative teams develop new products and businesses to expand UPM’s future portfolio and enhance the competitiveness of mature businesses to accelerate the company’s transformation from its tradition as an integrated pulp and paper company to a global renewable materials leader. We create value by delivering ground-breaking solutions in fibre based and molecular applications, fostering strategic partnerships and making smart investments on our exciting path towards a future beyond fossils.UPM R&D is a part of UPM Technology organization, and its role is to accelerate UPM transformation and create value through focused R&D in close co-operation with the company’s businesses. UPM R&D goes beyond basic and application related research and development to create technology-triggered business opportunities, develop cutting-edge technologies relevant for the growth of UPM, and continuously improve technological performance in existing businesses. UPM R&D global network consists of three Biofore Bases in Lappeenranta, Finland, Changsu, China and Leuna, Germany, which work with research, laboratory and piloting operations.#LI-POST
