Are you a results-driven leader ready to accelerate innovation and customer performance? We are now looking for a Director, Processes and R&D Excellence.
Valmet's Fabrics Business Unit delivers advanced technical textiles and data-driven services to global industries. Our solutions help customers improve operational performance and sustainability, enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and achieve superior quality. We operate in seven locations worldwide, with R&D centers in three of them.
We are now looking for a Director, Processes and R&D Excellence to lead our global team in shaping the future of our product portfolio—sustainable, high-quality technical textiles and digital services designed for demanding environments. In this role, you will also drive the development of manufacturing technologies, performance measurement solutions, and data-driven business processes that enable shorter time-to-market and smarter, more efficient operations. The position is based in Tampere, Finland or Ovar, Portugal.
Your Responsibilities
Lead a team of highly skilled professionals in developing sustainable products and technologies for diverse industries such as mining, chemical, pulp and paper, and energy.
Define and execute an ambitious R&D strategy that transforms customer needs into innovative, sustainable solutions.
Build strategic partnerships with customers, suppliers, and research institutes to accelerate innovation.
Drive development of data-driven processes, tools, and applications that help customers operate more efficiently and sustainably.
Collaborate across internal and external networks to improve processes, methods, and tools for cost competitiveness, quality, and operational excellence.
Foster a culture of customer-focused innovation and continuous improvement.
Develop talent through performance management, capability building, and professional growth support.
What We Expect From You
Proven global leadership experience: At least 8 years of leading high-performing teams and driving change in complex, competitive industrial environments.
Strategic innovation leadership: A strong track record in creating and executing growth-oriented R&D strategies and delivering impactful results.
Ability to lead global innovation and drive growth through technology and process excellence.
Business acumen: Deep understanding of value chains, business processes, and how innovation drives growth.
Collaboration and influence: Excellent networking and stakeholder management skills, including experience in matrix organizations.
Innovative mindset: Ability to solve complex challenges and lead technology and process innovation.
Communication skills: Fluent in English (written and spoken); other languages are an asset.
Educational background: Master's or Doctoral degree in engineering or a related field.
What We Offer
A challenging leadership role with significant impact on our global success. You'll join an international, collaborative, and innovation-driven environment that values curiosity, creativity, and continuous improvement. If you thrive in dynamic settings and want to shape the future of sustainable industrial solutions, this is your opportunity.
Additional Information
If this sounds like a challenge you'd like to meet, and you match most of the requirements above, please complete your application including your CV and salary expectation via the link provided by January 23rd, 2026.
For more details, please contact Sami Remmi, Vice President, Fabrics Unit, by email ) or phone on 16th January between 3:00-4:00 pm, or 20th January between 2:00-3:00 pm (EET).
We review applications during the application period, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. In our recruitment process we use a variety of selection methods, e.g. video screening, personality questionnaires, ability tests and interviews.
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. With over 19,000 professionals around the world, we are the leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries, and serve an even wider base of process industries with our automation systems and flow control solutions. Our commitment to moving our customers' performance forward requires creativity, technological innovations, service know-how – and above all, teamwork.
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