Innovation Excellence Manager

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!

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We are now looking for an Innovation Excellence Manager to join our team Product Development and Innovation team.

Greetings from your future manager

“Our Product Development & Innovation team is crucial for UPM Raflatac competitiveness in a rapidly evolving world. Innovation is our main motivation, enabling us to meet and exceed customer expectations and achieve efficient growth. We are excited to welcome you as a Global Innovation Excellence Manager who is ready to make a significant impact. Join us in this exciting journey, and let’s shape the future together!” - Tanja Störmer, Vice President, Product Development & Innovations.

What you will do

• Lead and manage key strategic innovation programs for UPM Adhesive Materials
• Ensure clear governance, decision readiness, and cross‑functional execution across Product Development & Innovation, Business, and Operations
• Build and maintain a transparent, data‑driven innovation portfolio with harmonized metrics and reporting
• Oversee and further develop KPIs and insights to facilitate prioritization and resource allocation and transparent, data-driven decision making
• Strengthen innovation processes, tools, and stage‑gate methodologies for consistent execution quality
• Drive digitalization and AI integration into innovation workflows (e.g., automated reporting, predictive insights)
• Improve project data quality and ensure standardized documentation and processes across Product Development & Innovation
• Support capability development and foster an innovation excellence culture across UPM Adhesive Materials

Who you are

• You have master’s degree or equivalent qualifications in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Business, or related fields
• You have 5 - 7+ years of experience in business, strategy or technical roles
• You have proven ability to lead complex, cross‑functional projects/programs in global industrial environments
• You have strong understanding of innovation processes, stage‑gate methods, and portfolio governance
• You have experience with data analytics, dashboards, and interest in AI-supported workflows
• You have excellent communication and stakeholder management across technical and commercial teams
• You have experience in adhesive and coating technologies, packaging industry or Chemical engineering beneficial
• You are fluent in English

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 about the position

The position is located in Helsinki.

The position holder will report to Vice president, Product Development & Innovations.

Travel requirements may extend by 25%; flexibility to travel is preferred.

For further information about the role, please contact Tanja Störmer attanja.stormer@upm.com

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by October 31, 2026. Please note that we accept only applications submitted through our online application system. We begin reviewing applications as they are received, and you may be contacted before the application deadline.

For support with submitting your application, please contact HR Service Center at careers@upm.com or tel. +48123999499.

Learn more about how to apply from our Careers page.

Country-specific information

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 business information

UPM Adhesive Materials provides high-performance, innovative self-adhesive products, including label materials, graphics solutions, and specialty tapes, as well as reliable services close to customers. We are one of UPM’s fastest-growing global businesses employing around 3,300 professionals. In 2025, our sales reached nearly €1.7 billion ($1.95 billion). Read more: adhesivematerials.upm.com

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UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,100 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €9.7 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM – we renew the everyday