Senior Manager, Material Science & Barrier Technologies

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

Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We’re on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki. You could be part of our vision. Because it’s our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It’s every one of us working together. We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.

Senior Manager, Material Science & Barrier Technologies

Huhtamaki currently has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced material innovation professional to join our Foodservice Packaging segment as a Senior Manager, Material Science & Barrier Technologies. In this role, you will help shape the future of fiber-based barrier packaging solutions at Huhtamaki, driving innovation from concept through to commercialization. Reporting to the Head of Material Innovation, you will lead the execution of our barrier technology roadmap, identify and develop emerging technologies, build strategic partnerships, and support the development of next-generation sustainable packaging solutions.

Where You'll Be

You’ll be based at either of our sites in Espoo or Hämeenlinna, Finland, with one remote working day per week.

What You'll Do

• Lead the fiber and barrier technology roadmap across paperboard and molded fiber platforms.
• Translate technology roadmaps into commercial development projects that support short and mid-term growth.
• Ensure alignment between material science activities and fiber-forming technology development.
• Scout, assess, and develop emerging fiber and barrier technologies and strategic partnerships.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement innovative coating, lamination, and surface barrier solutions.
• Build and manage relationships with suppliers, research institutions, and technology partners globally.
• Lead material development projects from concept through industrial implementation.
• Plan and execute laboratory, pilot, and production-scale trials, translating results into actionable development plans.
• Act as the subject matter expert in barrier performance, testing methodologies, and material analytics.
• Drive invention creation, patent generation, and intellectual property development.
• Establish robust testing protocols and ensure scientific rigor in material evaluation.
• Coach colleagues, share technical expertise, and build organizational capability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure integrated development of materials, structures, and manufacturing processes.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment, turning complex business challenges into practical innovation programs.

What You'll Bring

• MSc or PhD in Emulsion Chemistry, Polymer Science, Surface Chemistry, Dispersion Chemistry, Coating Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Ideally 10+ years of industrial experience in barrier materials, coatings, laminations, specialty chemicals, 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.
• Deep knowledge of barrier characterization methods, including WVTR, OTR, and material performance testing.
• Experience working with suppliers, converters, and external innovation partners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects independently and make sound technical decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• The ability to take ownership and drive results independently.
• Capable of building strong relationships across functions and disciplines.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with experimental execution.
• Fluent English.

What We Offer

At Huhtamaki, we believe in protecting food, people and the planet. Our innovative and transformative solutions touch the daily lives of people everywhere. Development opportunities: We care for each other – and want to see our talent thrive and develop. Responsible employer: Sustainability is embedded in everything we do. We believe diverse teams fuel innovation. We invest in fostering an environment where everyone is safe both psychologically and physically and where diversity and inclusion are promoted through day-to-day behaviors, reinforced by our policies and practices.