Senior Manager, Fiber Barrier Materials & Innovation

Huhtamaki Oyj; Espoo; Hybrid; EUR 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Huhtamaki is seeking a Senior Manager for Material Science & Barrier Technologies to lead the barrier technology roadmap and drive commercialization of fiber-based barrier packaging solutions. You will shape innovations from concept through industrial implementation, coordinating with suppliers, research institutions, and partners globally.

You will base in Espoo or Hämeenlinna with one remote day per week, leading multi-disciplinary teams and driving strong testing and IP development.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Emulsion Chemistry, Polymer Science, Surface Chemistry, Dispersion Chemistry, Coating Chemistry, or related.
• Ideally 10+ years of industrial experience in barrier materials, coatings, laminations, or related technologies.
• Proven expertise in fiber-based packaging barriers, coating formulations, barrier chemistries, and application technologies.
• Strong experience designing, executing, and interpreting laboratory, pilot, and production trials.
• Fluent English.

Responsibilities

• Lead the fiber and barrier technology roadmap across paperboard and molded fiber platforms.
• Translate technology roadmaps into commercial development projects that support growth.
• Ensure alignment between material science activities and fiber-forming technology development.
• Scout and develop emerging fiber and barrier technologies and partnerships.
• Identify and implement innovative coating, lamination, and surface barrier solutions.
• Build and manage relationships with suppliers, research institutions, and partners globally.
• Lead material development projects from concept through industrial implementation.
• Plan and execute laboratory, pilot, and production-scale trials and translate results into plans.
• Act as SME in barrier performance, testing methodologies, and material analytics.
• Drive invention creation, patent generation and IP development.
• Establish robust testing protocols and ensure scientific rigor.
• Coach colleagues and build organizational capability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on materials, structures, and manufacturing processes.

Skills

Barrier materials

Coatings

Lamination

Materials testing

Project leadership

Industrial R&D

Communication

English fluency

Education

MSc/PhD in related field

Job description

Huhtamaki is seeking a Senior Manager for Material Science & Barrier Technologies to lead the barrier technology roadmap and drive commercialization of fiber-based barrier packaging solutions. You will shape innovations from concept through industrial implementation, coordinating with suppliers, research institutions, and partners globally.

You will base in Espoo or Hämeenlinna with one remote day per week, leading multi-disciplinary teams and driving strong testing and IP development.