Valmet’s new strategy “Lead the Way” focuses on transforming industries toward a regenerative future by emphasizing circularity, resource efficiency, and customer-centric lifecycle partnerships through two core business segments: Biomaterial Solutions and Services and Process Performance Solutions. During recent years, Valmet has significantly increased R&D partner network for solving our customers’ green transition challenges and speeded up the development of more sustainable technologies. Now it is time to reach the next level, and Valmet aims to continue developing R&D network further by large EU projects and act as industrial forerunner for regenerative tomorrow.
We are now looking for Director, EU Projects to support Valmet in this R&D journey to secure needed resources and focus on alignment with the company’s strategic priorities. In this position, you will report to the Vice President, Strategic R&D and your location can be any major Valmet location in Europe.
To succeed in this position, you will need to have solid experience securing large scale EU projects and influencing the scientific and technical content of the coming EU calls via industries consortia. Ideally, you have had a managerial or operational role in EU R&D funding application and reporting duties as well as solid expertise of EU funding policies. In addition, technical or scientific background, experience in R&D, strong leadership qualities, great communication and influencing skills and an analytical approach helps you to positively impact our way to operate in Valmet’s organization. You have had a managerial role in an international environment, and you feel comfortable operating up to executive team level.
What will you do at Valmet?
- You will lead Valmet’s EU R&D funding strategy development and execution.
- Will be accountable to ensure that Valmet is effectively influencing the technological and scientific content of EU calls in collaboration with other corporate functions.
- Actively file high quality applications to the selected calls with Valmet business area R&D teams.
- Together with business area R&D management continuously identify and analyze relevant new enablers for EU project applications.
- Manage preparing funding application proposals and advice fulfilling reporting obligations with business area R&D teams.
- Continuously develop in-house processes for R&D EU grant management and information sharing.
- Work in close collaboration with other company functions, such as, business area R&D, corporate relations, business intelligence and sales.
- Explore synergies between Valmet’s R&D capabilities, customer piloting opportunities and the EU projects.
- Lead and participate selected Valmet level R&D initiatives and programs (across business area initiatives).
As our R&D units are spread across the globe this role will involve occasional travelling and collaboration with our colleagues globally.
To be successful in this role, you have
- Master’s or Doctoral degree in engineering or science from relevant field
- At least 3-5 years of experience in securing funding from the EU and other international sources
- Strong knowledge of EU funding mechanisms, funding policies and funding related reporting obligations
- Good understanding of R&D processes preferably in biomaterials solutions and services or process performance solutions
- Experience in leading complex R&D projects and programs
- Experience in working in matrix organization
- A proven track record of influencing and aligning stakeholders to achieve complex, often conflicting goals across different internal and external stakeholders
- Strong written and verbal professional communications skills in English, and in French or German
- Good social and presentation skills
We offer
We offer a challenging role in an energetic and forward-looking R&D community. This is a truly global opportunity allowing you to work with an international network of colleagues to enable the long-term success of the company.
Additional information
Did we catch your interest? If yes, please leave your application with CV, cover letter and salary request via the link provided latest on 26.9.2025. Applications will be handled upon receipt and potential candidates might be contacted already during the application period.
For more information, please contact Viivi Villa-Nuottajärvi, VP, Strategic R&D, p. +358405907766, on 11.9.2025 between 14:00-16:00 (CET +2) or 18.9.2025 between 8:00-10:00 (CET +2).
The collective agreement for senior salaried employees will be applied to this position.
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 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. www.valmet.com/careers
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