We are now looking for an ambitious and agile Senior Project Manager for Biotechnology Applications to join our Circularity and Process Innovation team in Group IRD. This role is preferably based in Finland, although other Stora Enso locations in Finland and Sweden are after consultation possible, too, and reports to Oliver Kuhn, Head of Circularity and Process Innovation. In this role, you will collaborate closely with teams in Group IRD and Sustainability. This is a fix-term position with duration of one year.
As a global leader in renewable materials, we deliver solutions for high-performance packaging, wooden construction, and biomaterials.
With our premium renewable and recyclable packaging materials based on both virgin and recycled fiber we are acting as a global leader in the circular economy. Addressing the needs of today's eco-conscious consumers, we help customers replace fossil-based materials with low-carbon, renewable and recyclable alternatives for their food and drink, pharmaceutical or transport packaging. A wide selection of barrier coatings enables design optimization for various demanding packaging end-uses.
The Circularity and Process Innovation team is scouting, identifying and evaluating technologies from the pulp, paper and other related industries to drive process innovation and reach within Group IRD necessary readiness levels.
Be part of a nature positive future.
Given the rapid development in biotechnology, it is important to assess and test these developments to provide material functionality and improved processing that meet our needs.
Therefore in this key role as Senior project manager for Biotechnology applications, your main responsibilities include:
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Scouting, filtering and initiating projects for Biotechnology application to provide functionality in materials and improving key process steps for fiber-based packaging material production with external parties (supplier, academia, start-up's) inside and outside of Pulp & Paper industry focusing on the following key areas:
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Wood handling/wood products
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Pulping
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Stock preparation
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Barrier Technologies
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Coating technologies
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Microbiological treatment
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Re-pulping for Fiber and barrier recycling
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Refining of recycled Fiber
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End of life solutions for barrier and fiber material
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Circularity and End of life solutions for mill operation side streams
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Biobased and circular additives
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Identification, initiating and promoting of radical as well as gradual innovation solutions/approaches of Biotechnology for the key areas covering also sustainability requirements
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Scan and filter relevant biotechnology equipment developments coming from key suppliers, research institutes and start-ups inside and outside of Pulp & Paper industry.
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Monitor and create overview of competitor Biotechnology application for the key areas as well as create benchmark
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Evaluate economical potential of identified solutions in cooperation with Controlling and Business areas.
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In cooperation with digital road map in Group IRD scouting digital and AI tools for Biotechnology solutions
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Network management, partnership and collaboration evaluation Biotechnology application along the value chain
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Evaluating, identifying and develop public funding opportunities
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Further develop IP strategy for the technology in cooperation with GIP
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Give recommendations / consultancy to our Internal Customers as well as External Customers in packaging material
About you
You should have at least 5 years' s strong track records in Biotechnology development and application, with a strong background in demanding R&D environments. Additionally, you have successfully scouted and managed medium-sized, cross-functional projects, and bring valuable experience from the pulp and paper industry or other related industries where Biotechnology creates an impact in production processes and/or product performance.
Furthermore, you have good capability to understand, define and drive innovation addressing strategy and customer needs. A technical university degree is a requirement.
We are looking for a skilled professional with ambition for pro-actively driving solution finding and corresponding implementation. You demonstrate a high level of accountability and work responsibly towards common goals. Furthermore, you are sharing knowledge, supporting, and inspiring others. Good capacity in presenting and writing in English is a merit.
What we offer
You will be part of our diverse working culture which supports you in exploring new perspectives and developing professionally. You will contribute to a more sustainable world, as we believe that anything made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. Sustainability and innovation are at the core of our strategy. To keep you going safely, we support your physical and mental wellbeing.
How can you apply for this role?
You can only submit your application via our recruitment tool. We hope to hear from you as soon as possible but at the latest by February 6th 2026.
For more information, please contact the hiring manager Oiver Kuhn ([email protected]).
Our recruitment process can include pre-employment actions such as background, reference and health checks as well as a drug test.
We believe diversity strengthens our competitiveness and contributes to better decision-making. Diverse working teams help us to explore different perspectives and challenge our way of thinking. We work actively to increase diversity in the workplace and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Stora Enso is an equal opportunity employer and follows non-discriminatory practices.
Stora Enso helps customers replace fossil-based materials with low-carbon, renewable and recyclable alternatives for their food, beverage and transport packaging with a wide selection of base boards and barrier coatings.