Senior Research & Innovation Project ManagerBe part of a nature-positive futureWe are now looking for an experienced Research & Innovation Project Manager to lead and steer complex, multi-year research and innovation initiatives with high uncertainty and strong external collaboration components. The role focuses on translating research into strategic and business-relevant impact while actively positioning and driving Stora Enso interests in the global research and public funding ecosystem.Stora Enso is a leading global provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction. Our fiber-based materials are renewable, recyclable and fossil free, offering low‑carbon alternatives to products based on finite resources. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow.Career for a better climate. Every day.As Senior Research & Innovation Project Manager you will be part of the Group Innovation & R&D organization. You will operate at the interface of research, business areas, strategy, and external ecosystems, assuming a project and platform leadership role across large research programs and public–private collaborations.Your main responsibility is to plan, lead and govern complex R&D and research initiatives together with internal and external stakeholders. This includes steering external research consortia, managing stage‑gate and portfolio processes, overseeing risks and dependencies, and synthesizing research outcomes into clear strategic recommendations for decision‑makers.You will actively engage with universities, research institutes, industry platforms and funding bodies, and represent Stora Enso credibly in external boards, committees and forums. Public funding is viewed as a strategic instrument in this role — not only as a financing source.The location for this role is Helsinki, Finland. We apply a hybrid way of working. Some travel is required based on project and ecosystem needs.QualificationsTo succeed in this role, you combine strong research and innovation project management expertise with strategic thinking, credibility and the ability to influence without formal authority. You are comfortable operating in high‑complexity environments and translating ambiguity into structured decisions.Experience in managing large, complex R&D or research‑intensive projects and programs, including multi‑partner and multi‑year initiativesCompetence in research governance, stage‑gate models, portfolio management and decision‑support processesProven ability to steer external research work and academia collaborationsUnderstanding of public funding logic, including eligibility rules, TRL logic, evaluation criteria, cash vs. in‑kind funding and leverage effectsExperience in mapping, positioning and monitoring public funding schemes at EU and national levelAbility to link research initiatives to corporate strategy, long‑term technology roadmaps and business value creationStrong business case thinkingExcellent stakeholder management skills and capability to synthesize complex topics into decision‑ready recommendationsCredibility to represent and protect Stora Enso interests in external research and funding ecosystemsStrong understanding of the forest industry value chain and competitive landscape, preferably combined with insight into Stora Enso core businesses and operationsClear, structured communication skills in English, both written and oralYou hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant technical, scientific or engineering field. A proven track record in research‑intensive environments is expected.What we offerWith our values, “Lead and Do what’s right”, we endeavour to set an example in sustainability, integrity and performance. We dare to take initiative and continuously challenge ourselves to do better.Our culture and work towards a more sustainable future is built on:Create customer value by connecting research and innovation to real business needsDrive business performance by translating strategy into actionDo what’s right by acting with integrity and responsibility in all settingsInspire and motivate through clarity, credibility and long‑term perspectiveManage and grow by ensuring delivery while nurturing diversity and inclusionHow can you apply for this role?You can submit your application via our recruitment tool. Please apply as soon as possible, but no later than 01.05.2026.For more information, please contact the hiring manager Otto Nylén (otto.nylen@storaenso.com) or recruitment contact Alice Naundorf (alice.naundorf@storaenso.com).Our recruitment process may include background, reference and health checks as well as a drug test. We believe diversity strengthens our competitiveness and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Stora Enso is an equal opportunity employer.
