Director, Operational Excellence
Director, Operational Excellence
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Job Description
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 are now looking for a Director Operational Excellence.
Greetings from your future manager
We are seeking a driven and result-oriented individual to lead our global Operational Excellence initiatives. As a member of our Global Operations Management Team you will work closely with leadership of regional operations and quality alongside global leadership in safety and technology development. Your focus will be on improving safety quality productivity service and cost efficiency within our factory operations. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a highly agile business operating in a dynamic environment while being part of the positive and collaborative culture of UPM Adhesive Materials. Mikko Kari Vice President Global Operations & Technology
What you will do
- Develop and lead the global Operational Excellence (OpEx) roadmap aligned with corporate strategy and business objectives.
- Drive Lean Six Sigma Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety quality cost efficiency and service across the manufacturing network.
- Oversee and support the Malaysia factory renewal phase ensuring safe timely and successful implementation of new production lines.
- Lead investment evaluations and execution in Malaysia securing budget adherence and delivery of expected benefits.
- Design implement and sustain a standardized global OpEx framework to drive long-term performance.
- Leverage data analytics digitalization Industry 4.0 and AI-powered tools to accelerate operational improvements.
- Conduct operational audits and maturity assessments to benchmark progress and ensure consistent standards.
- Facilitate global knowledge-sharing and replication of best practices to eliminate inefficiencies and scale proven solutions.
- Build organizational capabilities by leading training programs and coaching teams in operational excellence.
- Champion a culture of innovation accountability and continuous improvement across diverse global teams.
Who you are
- You hold a Masters degree in Engineering Operations Management or a related field; an MBA is an advantage.
- You bring 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or operations ideally within paper chemicals materials or automotive industries.
- You have a proven track record in leading Lean Six Sigma programs (Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification preferred).
- You combine operational expertise with strong business acumen linking improvements directly to financial outcomes.
- You are experienced in digital transformation Industry 4.0 and data-driven decision-making; exposure to AI-powered tools is a plus.
- You are an exceptional leader and change agent with strong influencing skills across diverse geographies and cultures.
- You thrive in fast-paced global cross-functional environments and foster collaboration with key stakeholders.
- You are an outstanding communicator with excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- You are fluent in English (spoken and written).
- You are open to regular travel.
This is what we offer to you
- A meaningful job We have an inspiring purpose We create 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 to biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves.
Learn about our Rewarding and our Ways of working.
Additional information
We are recruiting for one position that will be based at one of the following larger factory locations: Nowa Wieś/ Biskupice Podgórne Poland; Mills River USA; Tampere/Helsinki Finland.
The position holder will report to Vice President Global Operations & Technology.
To apply please submit your CV and cover letter by October 3 2025. 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 the HR Service Center at or tel..
If you have any concerns about the recruitment and selection process you can report those online through the UPM Report Misconduct channel using the link: UPM positions located in Finland a security background check may be performed for those selected to UPM positions in accordance with the company recruitment guidelines and the Security Clearance Act 726/2014.
UPM Adhesive Materials (formerly UPM Raflatac) offers high-quality self-adhesive paper and film products including label materials graphics solutions and removable self-adhesive products. We operate 14 factories and deliver our innovative and sustainable products through our global network of distribution terminals. We are one of UPMs growth businesses and employ around 3200 people. Our sales reached almost EUR 16 billion (USD 17 billion) in 2024. Read more:
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Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
