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 looking for a Product Development Specialist, Americas to join our team in Mills River.
Greetings from your future manager
Innovation and New Product Development is core to UPM Adhesive Materials’ strategy and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving world. Our Product Development & Innovation team is crucial to developing advanced technologies and enabling us to meet and exceed customer expectations and deliver the next generation of adhesive materials. We are excited to welcome you to our team, joining us in making a significant impact in this exciting journey and shaping the future together! – John Hofmann, Senior Manager, Product Development & Innovation.
What you will do
Develop and implement new adhesive technologies across water‑based and hot‑melt systems, ensuring technical readiness for market needs
Support innovation and growth projects via utilization of the Stage Gate methodology, driving the implementation of novel adhesive technologies from concept to launch
Coordinate with commercial and operations teams to identify, qualify, and commercialize new products to deliver both short-term and long-term business results
Engage with manufacturing teams and support required analytical work to quantify and define product specifications
Maintain and update a long‑term roadmap for adhesive and labeling technologies, aligning with business strategy and capability development
Collaborate within a regional and global network of technical experts to scale UPM’s adhesive and coating competence and share best practices
Partner with regional market organization to effectively translate market needs into technical solutions for labeling applications
Provide expert guidance on adhesive formulation approaches, testing methods, and performance optimization across applications and end uses within the consumer and specialty market segments
Drive efficiency between market segments by identifying shared technology needs, overlapping opportunities, and cross‑application solutions
Advance the implementation of novel paper face stocks for adhesive laminates across consumer and specialty segments and ensure strong alignment during qualification and launch
Who you are
You are a professional with knowledge of financial processes related to Public Accounting, Business Administration, or related fields.
You have strong analytical and data management skills, with a focus on process optimization.
You have a strong commitment to continuous improvement, efficiency, and automation.
You have experience in designing and improving processes aligned with internal policies and controls.
You have a good command of Excel, SAP, Power BI, and digital tools.
You have a very good level of English, both written and spoken.
You are responsible and have strong communication and teamwork skills in multicultural environments.
You have a proactive, results-oriented mindset and can adapt to dynamic environments.
You have availability to work in a fully on-site role.
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.
Comprehensive benefit package: UPM’s benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and a 401(k)-retirement plan.
Learn about our Rewarding and our Ways of working
Additional information about the position
This position is located in Mills River.
The position holder will report to John Hofmann.
For further information about the role, please contact John Hofmann, Senior Manager, Product Development & Innovation Americas | Product Development & Innovations , at [email protected].
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by August 9, 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 our HR Service Center at [email protected] or tel. +18777235247.
Learn more about how to apply from our Careers page.
Country-specific information
This job description is intended to be a guide and is not intended to be a contract of employment, explicit or implicit. All contents are subject to change at the sole discretion of the company. Cooperation is expected of all employees. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
Only candidates authorized to work within the United States without sponsorship will be considered.
UPM North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
UPM business
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 15,800 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €10.3 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
UPM – we renew the everyday
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Skills Required
- B.S. in polymer science or related field
- Formulation experience with pressure sensitive adhesives
- Knowledge of polymer characterization and viscoelasticity
- Experience in product development in chemical or packaging industries
- Ability to develop product development roadmaps
What We Do
We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility, we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 17,200 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 11.7 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com
