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. Together we can renew the everyday, for a future beyond fossils!
Learn more about us as a workplace upm.com/careers
We are now looking for a dynamic, visionary, and impact-oriented leader to join us as the Vice President, Research & Development - a pivotal role within UPM Technology function. The location for this role is negotiable.
Greetings from your future manager
Welcome to our global team of innovators, where passion for sustainability meets cutting-edge R&D. As the new R&D leader, you'll have a unique opportunity to shape the direction of UPM's transformation, bridging science and business to create lasting impact. We are looking for someone with the courage to challenge the status quo, build momentum for change, and leave a legacy of innovation and sustainable growth. Raisa Vermasvuori, VP, UPM Technology
What you will do
As head of our global Research & Development organization, you will lead our efforts in developing cutting-edge technologies, novel products, and transformative processes that will accelerate UPM's journey toward a world beyond fossils. You will be at the forefront of driving value creation through science, innovation, and strategic collaboration. You
- Provide strategic and change-oriented leadership to the global R&D team and Research Centers, cultivating a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence
- Develop and execute the R&D roadmap and portfolio, closely aligned with UPM's Innovation strategy, business priorities, and future market potential
- Lead high-impact research in biomass utilization and sustainable bioproduct development, with current focus areas including specialty packaging materials, papers, and molecular bioproducts
- Explore emerging technologies and trends in bioeconomy, evaluating their potential for integration into our R&D portfolio
- Drive the development of sustainable solutions within both mature and future business portfolios
- Forge and nurture partnerships with academia, industry, and technology providers to provide an outside-in view
- Lead with a performance-driven mindset - managing budgets, resources, and project execution to meet targets and deliver measurable value
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards in all R&D activities
Who you are
- PhD or equivalent degree in chemistry, forestry, pulp & paper, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related field
- Proven track record of leadership in R&D, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in a relevant industry and/or academic setting
- Deep knowledge of forest-based value chains, bioprocessing, and renewable material innovation
- Proven ability to lead organizations through change - shaping new ways of working and motivating teams to embrace evolving priorities and external collaboration
- Strong business acumen with a track record of turning R&D outcomes into commercial success
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills; ability to inspire diverse stakeholders, build trust, and articulate a clear vision
- Passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship, with a commitment to making a difference through research
- A natural developer of talent, eager to coach and grow the next generation of scientific and business leaders
This is what we offer to you
- A meaningful job: We have an inspiring purpose 'We renew the everyday for 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 mitigation to enhancing biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity, offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves.
Learn about our Rewarding and our Ways of working.
Additional information
For further information, please contact Raisa Vermasvuori, VP, Technology by tel. +358504589760 Thursday 31.7. at 12-13 EET or Friday 8.8. at 12-13 EET.
Please apply and attach your CV and Cover Letter by August 15, 2025. Please note that we will go through the applications already during the application period and may invite candidates for interviews already before the end of the application period.
For support with submitting your application, please contact our HR Service Center at careers@upm.com or tel. +358204146600.
For UPM positions located in Finland, a security background check may be performed for those selected in accordance with the company recruitment guidelines and the Security Clearance Act 726/2014.
UPM Technology's highly motivated and innovative teams create new business opportunities and enhance the competitiveness of existing businesses by developing breakthrough solutions in fiber-based and molecular innovations. We are committed to accelerating UPM's transformation from a traditional pulp and paper company to a global renewable materials leader. We deliver impact by fostering strategic partnerships and making focused, forward-looking technology investments in support of our purpose - renewing the everyday for a future beyond fossils.
UPM R&D, part of the UPM Technology organization, plays a crucial role in driving sustainable growth by enabling technology-driven change, new business creation, and continuous performance improvement in close co-operation with the company's businesses. Our global R&D network includes three Research Centers in Lappeenranta (Finland), Changshu (China), and Leuna (Germany), equipped with advanced research, laboratory work, and piloting.
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