We are looking for an experienced IT Operations Leader to lead and drive the Leap Forward program.
We are looking for a Senior Manager, Leap Operations - an energetic, well‑structured, and pragmatic professional ready to take ownership of the daily, weekly, and monthly operational rhythm of the Leap Forward program.
This is a key role for an experienced IT Operations Leader who thrives in a fast‑paced transformation environment. You will play a pivotal part in ensuring that Program Increments are well-planned and executed on time according to program targets. You will own the core program processes from requirement management to monthly solution deployments - and work hands‑on with the teams to keep everything running like a well‑oiled machine.
The Leap Forward program spans every part of Valmet's global business. This type of initiative involves constant change, tight deadlines, occasional roadblocks, and plenty of challenges. But it also offers the reward of seeing your work shape the way our business transforms.
What you will do
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Act as the key liaison between external partners, product teams, IT platforms, process domains, and project managers.
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Oversee the entire Leap project portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
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Own the Leap solution development process, Program Increment practice, release management procedures, and related capacity planning in close cooperation with the Leap PMO.
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Collaborate with stakeholders across Business Areas and IT teams to ensure transparency and effective governance - including facilitation of Leap requirements review meetings.
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Drive continuous improvement in Leap operational processes, tools, and practices; set performance expectations, monitor progress, and hold people accountable.
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Ensure that resource management, risk management, and dependency tracking are carried out consistently across Leap operations and solution development.
To succeed in this role, you preferably have:
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M.Sc. or B.Sc. degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or another relevant field.
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5+ years of experience in IT or business demand and project portfolio management.
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5+ years of experience as a Scrum Master or Product Owner in software development - preferably both.
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Strong process orientation with extensive experience in designing and implementing processes.
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Excellent reporting, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
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Ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and consistently deliver results.
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Fluent written and spoken English.
To succeed in this role:
You are an experienced procurement leader with strong commercial negotiation skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to drive organizational alignment. You excel in change leadership and understand how to operate in international, multicultural environments.
We also expect you to align with Valmet's Leadership Principles-practical behaviours that guide how we lead, collaborate, and succeed together:
- Take accountability - Act with ownership, set clear expectations, and follow through
- Lead with courage - Champion change, try bold ideas, and learn quickly
- Build on trust - Listen to understand, be open, and create psychological safety
- Collaborate for growth - Work across boundaries, value diverse perspectives, and focus on customer value
Want to know more?
For more information, please contact: Juha Kaljunen, Head of Leap Forward Program, by email juha.kaljunen@valmet.com or by phone +358 40 801 9646, February 18th, 9:00-10:00 EET or February 20th, 9:30-10:30 EET
If this sounds like the right place for you, please submit your application, CV and salary request no later than February 28th, 2026.
This position can be in any major Valmet location in Finland (Vantaa, Tampere, or Jyväskylä) or in Sweden (Stockholm).
We encourage our employees to a healthier lifestyle by being a Smoke-free Workplace
When everything works together:
Valmet is where the best talent from a wide variety of backgrounds comes together. We work together with our customers throughout the entire lifecycle, delivering cutting-edge technologies and services as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Backed by more than 225 years of industrial experience and a global team of over 19,000 professionals close to customers, we are uniquely positioned to transform industries toward a regenerative tomorrow. Join the team - and lead the way with us!
www.valmet.com/careers
