Senior Research & Innovation Project Manager

Senior Research & Innovation Project Manager 

Be part of a nature-positive future 

We are now looking for an experienced Research & Innovation Project Manager to lead and steer complex, multi-year research and innovation initiatives with high uncertainty and strong external collaboration components. The role focuses on translating research into strategic and business-relevant impact while actively positioning and driving Stora Enso interests in the global research and public funding ecosystem. 

Stora Enso is a leading global provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction. Our fiber-based materials are renewable, recyclable and fossil free, offering low‑carbon alternatives to products based on finite resources. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. 

Career for a better climate. Every day. 

As Senior Research & Innovation Project Manager you will be part of the Group Innovation & R&D organization. You will operate at the interface of research, business areas, strategy, and external ecosystems, assuming a project and platform leadership role across large research programs and public–private collaborations. 

Your main responsibility is to plan, lead and govern complex R&D and research initiatives together with internal and external stakeholders. This includes steering external research consortia, managing stage‑gate and portfolio processes, overseeing risks and dependencies, and synthesizing research outcomes into clear strategic recommendations for decision‑makers. 

You will actively engage with universities, research institutes, industry platforms and funding bodies, and represent Stora Enso credibly in external boards, committees and forums. Public funding is viewed as a strategic instrument in this role — not only as a financing source. 

The location for this role is Helsinki, Finland. We apply a hybrid way of working. Some travel is required based on project and ecosystem needs. 

Qualifications 

To succeed in this role, you combine strong research and innovation project management expertise with strategic thinking, credibility and the ability to influence without formal authority. You are comfortable operating in high‑complexity environments and translating ambiguity into structured decisions. 

• Experience in managing large, complex R&D or research‑intensive projects and programs, including multi‑partner and multi‑year initiatives 

• Competence in research governance, stage‑gate models, portfolio management and decision‑support processes 

• Proven ability to steer external research work and academia collaborations 

• Understanding of public funding logic, including eligibility rules, TRL logic, evaluation criteria, cash vs. in‑kind funding and leverage effects 

• Experience in mapping, positioning and monitoring public funding schemes at EU and national level 

• Ability to link research initiatives to corporate strategy, long‑term technology roadmaps and business value creation 

• Strong business case thinking  

• Excellent stakeholder management skills and capability to synthesize complex topics into decision‑ready recommendations 

• Credibility to represent and protect Stora Enso interests in external research and funding ecosystems 

• Strong understanding of the forest industry value chain and competitive landscape, preferably combined with insight into Stora Enso core businesses and operations 

• Clear, structured communication skills in English, both written and oral 

You hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant technical, scientific or engineering field. A proven track record in research‑intensive environments is expected. 

What we offer 

With our values, “Lead and Do what’s right”, we endeavour to set an example in sustainability, integrity and performance. We dare to take initiative and continuously challenge ourselves to do better. 

Our culture and work towards a more sustainable future is built on: 

• Create customer value by connecting research and innovation to real business needs 

• Drive business performance by translating strategy into action 

• Do what’s right by acting with integrity and responsibility in all settings 

• Inspire and motivate through clarity, credibility and long‑term perspective 

• Manage and grow by ensuring delivery while nurturing diversity and inclusion 

How can you apply for this role? 

You can submit your application via our recruitment tool. Please apply as soon as possible, but no later than 01.05.2026. 

For more information, please contact the hiring manager Otto Nylén (otto.nylen@storaenso.com) or recruitment contact Alice Naundorf ([email protected]). 

Our recruitment process may include background, reference and health checks as well as a drug test. We believe diversity strengthens our competitiveness and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Stora Enso is an equal opportunity employer.