We at the central Innovation & Strategy function are looking for a Department Manager for Process and Product Development who wants to lead the development of future manufacturing processes and climate-smart products. In this role, you will hold a key position in developing Södra's industrial operations, ensuring that forest raw materials are used in the best possible way, and continuing to make use of every part of the tree.

About the Role

As the Department Manager for Process and Product Development, you will have overall responsibility for leading the department and driving development efforts. Your work will be balanced between supporting the development of Södra's existing operations and driving the creation of new business opportunities.

Your main responsibilities:

-Ensure that Södra has the right expertise, working methods, and strategies within key innovation areas linked to both current and future needs.

-Act as a technical competence center for the entire organization, actively working to develop and share knowledge while raising the overall competence level within Södra.

-Drive and support Södra's business areas in developing existing production processes and improving current products in collaboration with customers and market functions.

-Plan and allocate resources for projects focused on the development and commercialization of new products and services.

-Lead and develop employees within the department, ensuring the right competencies are in place both now and in the future, while creating individual development plans for each team member.

-Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and participate in steering groups and forums to drive development.

You will report to the Head of Innovation & Strategy and be part of the function’s management team.

Who are you?

We are looking for someone with strong leadership skills and a deep focus on employee development. You have experience coaching employees, providing feedback, and engaging your team. As a leader, you are confident and capable of guiding your team through both success and challenges. You foster a sense of unity by delegating responsibility and involving your employees. You are also a strong communicator who can convey messages and ideas while actively listening to others.

To succeed in this role, we see that you have:

-A strong technical background, with a Master’s degree in Engineering or equivalent, preferably complemented by additional academic education.

-Leadership experience within R&D and/or industrial operations, preferably within the process industry or a similar field.

-The ability to work both strategically and operationally, with a strong results-driven mindset and a passion for long-term development.

About Us

At Innovation, you will be part of a dynamic and cross-functional organization that actively fosters collaboration across all our business areas.

Together, we shape Södra’s future by putting people and culture at the center of everything we do. This starts with an environment where every moment is characterized by safety, security, and care for one another.

Our projects span a wide range of areas – from early-stage research to implementation, and from the green transition to digitalization and new technologies.

Application

Does this challenge sound like the right fit for you? Submit your application no later than February 23, 2025.

Location: Värö / Full-time, permanent position.

Want to know more?

For questions about the position, contact recruiting manager Henric Brage at henric.brage@sodra.com or +46 768 329 637.

For questions about the recruitment process, contact recruiter Henrik Widén at henrik.widen@sodra.com.

Union Contacts

Unionen – Kristina Jaensson, kristina.jaensson@sodra.com

Akademikerna – Linda Echardt, linda.echardt@sodra.com

Ledarna – Per Wildier, Per.Wildier@sodra.com

At Södra, we build our success on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development. We believe that diversity and inclusion are key to generating new perspectives and solutions – that’s why we strive to be a workplace where differences are seen as strengths.