Process and Product Development Director

This position is open in Sweden. Location of the daily activity: Vaeja, Sweden. Responsibilities Strategy and business-driven technology development Develop and implement a long-term strategy for product, process, and technology development in line with the mill’s and the Group’s goals. Ensure a clear technical roadmap for the facility’s long-term development in close collaboration with Operations. Drive and prioritize the development and improvement portfolio based on business value, productivity, and profitability. Ensure that technology development is converted into measurable improvements in operations, quality, and financial results. Process development Ensure that deviations in production and process are investigated, analysed, and addressed in close collaboration with Operations production lines. Drive continuous improvement of the pulp process, fibre line, paper machines, and auxiliary equipment. Ensure high process stability, capacity utilisation, and quality outcome. Initiate and lead improvement initiatives in raw material efficiency, chemical optimisation, and production cost per tonne. Energy and environmental optimisation (internal technical focus) Be responsible for the development and optimisation of energy systems, steam balances, and energy use in production. Drive energy‑efficiency programmes and reduce specific energy and water consumption. Integrate environmental performance parameters such as emissions, water consumption, and residual streams into process development. Ensure that energy and environmental parameters are a natural part of process control. (The focus is technical development and optimisation – not external authority contacts.) Quality Overall responsibility for the mill’s quality management related to process and product. Ensure robust quality processes, standards, and follow-up. Drive improvements and reduce quality deviations. Ensure that quality data is actively used in process and product development. Automation, digitalisation and APC Be responsible for strategy and development within automation, control systems, and Advanced Process Control (APC). Ensure that control strategies and process control support stable operation and optimised production. Drive digitalisation, data‑driven optimisation, and model‑based control. Ensure close collaboration between the Process lead and automation specialists. Laboratory Overall responsibility for the mill’s laboratory (pulp, paper, raw material, and chemicals). Ensure high quality, reliability, and speed in analyses and testing. Develop the laboratory as active support in process optimisation and product development. Ensure the right methodology, equipment, and competence. Product development Lead development of new products and optimisation of existing grades. In close collaboration with the sales organisation, translate customer and market requirements into stable, cost‑effective, and repeatable process solutions. Ensure a clear link between product performance, quality requirements, and process control. Leadership and organisation Lead and develop the functions for product development, process development, quality, energy, automation, and laboratory. Ensure the right competence mix, long‑term competence supply, and succession. Establish a culture characterised by fact‑based decision‑making, innovation, and continuous improvement. Be an active member of the mill management team. Qualifications At least 10–15 years of experience from the pulp and paper industry. Documented experience of technical leadership and change management. Good communication skills in both spoken and written form (English or Swedish). Master of Science in Engineering in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, process engineering, or equivalent. A PhD or MBA is considered an advantage. Equal Opportunity Our strength lies in our diversity. We are dedicated to creating a team that reflects the diversity of the world we operate in. We encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, visible minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Even if you don't meet all the listed qualifications, we still want to hear from you. We believe in your potential and are committed to supporting you as you grow and learn with Mondi. If you need any accommodations during the recruitment process, please reach out to the contact person listed above. #J-18808-Ljbffr