Head of Data & Network Services

The forest is at the heart of Stora Enso and we believe that everything made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. We are the leading provider of renewable products in packaging biomaterials and wooden construction and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. Stora Enso has approximately 19000 employees.

We are looking for a Head of Data & Network Services to join Stora Ensos global IT starting as soon as possible.

Stora Enso is currently transitioning towards a global IT proactively partnering up with our business colleagues to drive growth with every project and every line of code. We build on a digital core to deliver what our business and customers need most. Your role will be critical in this shift as we embed AI automation and data-driven governance into the fabric of the organization.

You will be located in our modern office in Ostrava Czechia.

Purpose

As the Head of Data & Network Services you lead a critical scope within IT reporting directly to the CIO. Your team will support Stora Ensos growth by delivering efficient flexible and future-ready Digital Foundation services. Your mission is to develop optimize and scale IT and Digital capabilities that empower the company to unlock the full potential of data accelerate digital transformation and strengthen AI-driven innovation and long-term value.

You are responsible for defining and executing a unified strategy for Stora Ensos Data & Network Services including data management integration platforms hosting and connectivity. Your work supports secure flexible and high-performing global operations while enabling real-time insights advanced analytics and AI innovation across Stora Ensos business.

Your responsibilities

• Shape and execute the vision and roadmap for Data and Network Services ensuring alignment with Stora Ensos digital strategy and business goals. Define long-term direction prioritize key initiatives and translate strategic objectives into actionable plans that drive efficiency security and business value.

• Lead and oversee enterprise-wide data management and governance across the full lifecycle ensuring data accuracy consistency and security. Drive master data management data quality and regulatory compliance to enable trusted insights and responsible data use across all business areas.

• Design develop and optimize Stora Ensos integrated data ecosystem encompassing data platforms integration layers and analytics environments. Establish a unified scalable architecture that ensures secure low-latency data exchange across IT and OT domains enabling real-time analytics AI workloads and resilient digital operations.

• Deliver and manage secure reliable and flexible global network and connectivity services. Ensure seamless integration of on-premises IT/OT environments with cloud platforms while maintaining high availability performance and cost efficiency.

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement to enhance operational efficiency and technology capabilities. Foster experimentation knowledge sharing and adoption of emerging technologies to maintain a resilient scalable and future-ready digital environment

Leadership principles

As a senior leader you will be a core architect of Stora Ensos digital transformation and cultural shift. You are trusted to lead with a clear sense of purpose embodying and driving the following principles:

• Orchestrate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Shape and embed a culture of collaboration across IT and business teams. Break down silos with your decisions and actions and thus set the foundation for the delivery of Stora Ensos Must Wins.

• Own Strategic Alignment: Translate business strategy into the IT portfolio ensuring that every initiative resource and investment contribute to Stora Ensos business priorities and communicate strategic decisions transparently and accessible to leaders and employees.

• Drive Enterprise Value: Take and enforce decisions that prioritise the companys long-term health and financial success and optimize the strategic portfolio to improve EBIT and deliver measurable business value.

• Lead for change and empowerment: Shape a culture of continuous learning and adaptability to change by guiding your leaders in identifying and nurturing their strengths and capabilities as transformational yourself organizational change across IT and the business while ensuring Accountability Agility Ambition and Alignment (our 4As) are consistently demonstrated.

What you bring

• Proven experience leading large-scale IT infrastructure data or network operations preferably within industrial or manufacturing environments.

• Deep understanding of data management integration hosting and network architectures including cloud hybrid and edge solutions.

• Strategic and technical expertise in data platforms master data management and enterprise connectivity.

• Demonstrated ability to drive complex transformation initiatives that enhance performance efficiency and business value.

• Experience in building and governing large-scale IT ecosystems with focus on reliability scalability and security.

• Strong leadership in managing cross-functional teams vendors and technology partners.

• Deep knowledge of data governance information security and regulatory compliance.

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement change management and communication skills.

• Analytical mindset and structured approach to prioritization investment planning and delivery excellence.

• Curiosity and adaptability to explore new technologies and business models that strengthen digital capabilities.

We offer

You will be part of our diverse working culture which supports you in exploring new perspectives and developing professionally. You will contribute to a more sustainable world as sustainability and innovation are at the core of our strategy. To keep you going safely we support your physical and mental well-being.

• Career growth opportunities within an international organisation

• Access to modern technologies and digital tools

• Professional development opportunities

• Motivating additional benefits package

• Hybrid work options and flexible working hours

• Inspiring sustainable and innovation-driven work environment

Role specific opportunities/things that we offer:

• modern office in Ostrava in Organica Building
• working in hybrid model set up office/home office
• lunch cards
• commuting allowance
• cafeteria
• pension insurance up to 5% from monthly gross salary
• yearly bonus
• parking place

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 on November 21st 2025.

Our recruitment process could include pre-employment actions such as background reference and health checks as well as a drug test.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Hiring Manager Hannele Palje-Rossi CIO via email ().