R&D Manager, Fluff pulp

We are looking for a R&D Manager, Fluff pulp to join Pulp Innovation team in Biomaterials Division. Your location will be our Innovation Centre in Sickla, Stockholm or Skutskär Mill, in Sweden. 

The Biomaterials division meets the growing demand for bio-based solutions to replace fossil-based and non-renewable materials. Stora Enso uses all fractions of biomass, like lignin, to develop new solutions. Our work to replace fossil-based materials includes novel applications such as bio-based anode material for batteries and bio-based binders. Our pulp offering encompasses a wide variety of grades to meet the demands of paper, board, tissue and hygiene product producers. We also serve biochemicals market with tall oil and turpentine from biomass for further refining. Pulp continues to be our foundation while long-term growth is driven by new products and innovations.

Be part of a nature positive future.

Fluff pulp is used mainly as absorption material in diapers and feminine hygiene products, but also for fabric-like napkins and tabletops made of so-called airlaid nonwovens. Also new applications for example dry molded products are being produced from fluff pulp. Stora Enso is Europe's largest manufacturer of fluff pulp and the pulp is produced at our Skutskär mill situated north of Stockholm. The development and innovation of fluff pulp grades takes place in close co-operation with the operations in Skutskär and our customers.

By joining us, you will contribute towards a more sustainable world, as we believe that anything made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. With our values in Stora Enso, “Lead and Do what’s right”, we expect high performance, speed and agility in every part of our organization. Safety and wellbeing are our top priority every day. We inspire you to lead your growth and to set the ambition high.

About the position:

As R&D manager, Fluff pulp, you will be responsible of leading and coordinating R&D in the area of fluff pulp – Creating value through customer driven innovation and product development of fluff pulp with sustainability in focus. You will cooperate closely with various stakeholders as product management, technical customer service, sales, operations and other internal R&D organizations. We apply hybrid way of working.

In this role you will:

• Lead and coordinate R&D portfolio within fluff pulp area 
• Have personnel responsibility of subordinates within Fluff R&D team (from laboratory to scientists)
• Actively seek improvements and new ideas, initiate and drive new R&D solutions
• Plan, execute and report R&D projects
• Participate and lead collaborations with customers, universities and research institutes
• Support best in class technical customer service
• Participate in fluff segment strategy planning and implementation together with product management, sales, operations and other internal stakeholders
• Have responsibility in ensuring safe, diverse and inclusive working environment as well as driving performance according to Stora Enso Leadership Model and People Promise and Expectations 

Skills we expect you to have:

To be successful in this role, we expect you to have following skills and experiences:

• Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field such as chemical engineering or pulp and paper technology 
• Several years of work experience in R&D with relevant topics and leading larger R&D projects and/or R&D teams. Experience in coordinating of internal product portfolio and/or external research. Industry experience/interaction is also needed (pulp mill or end-product producer) to be able to drive improvements and new products into our operations.  
• Strong fiber expertise, deep understanding of pulping process, products and pulp end-uses. Especially knowledge of fluff pulp, its product properties and customer products and processes (especially absorbent hygiene and air-laid nonwoven) are seen as merit. 
• Significant project management experience
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Structured analytical thinking, hands-on can-do attitude, problem solving ability and results-driven approach
• Innovative and open mindset to transform challenges into new opportunities and to work independently as well as in an international and interdisciplinary team
• Strong customer-centricity and good communication and team-working skills
• Excellent business English and preferably full professional proficiency in Swedish

How can you apply for this role? 

You can only submit your application to us by using our recruitment tool. As we are assessing our candidates on an ongoing basis, we hope to hear from you as soon as possible but at the latest by 31.1.2025.

We will invite selected candidates to a video interview. Also, our recruitment process could include pre-employment actions such as background, reference and health checks as well as a drug test.

Hiring manager Heini Eskola, Director Pulp Innovation, is happy to answer your questions about the position at these dates 17.1. at 11:30-13:00 CET, 23.1. at 12:30-14:00 CET, 29.1. at 13-14 CET on +358 40 5271449.

Welcome to work in the renewable materials company!

The Biomaterials division’s business opportunities are strongly driven by the need to replace fossil-based and other non-renewable materials. Stora Enso uses all fractions of a tree to develop new biobased solutions for various applications. The division’s long-term growth is driven by new products and innovations, while pulp continues to be the foundation.

Stora Enso focuses on the possibilities of renewable materials in numerous applications, with the forest at our foundation. We create bio-based and carbon storing solutions for low carbon building construction, circular packaging and advanced biomaterials, alongside expert forest management. Stora Enso has approximately 20,000 employees, with offices and operations all over the world.

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.

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