Digital Mill Operations Lead

We are looking for a Digital Mill Operations Lead to join Digital & Business Technology Solutions at Stora Enso, starting as soon as possible.

You will be joining the Business Accelerator Services Leadership team, focusing on “turning our mills into data-driven, AI-enabled production sites that run safer, leaner and more sustainably”.

You will be located in Helsinki and report to the Head of Business Accelerator Services.

Purpose

As Digital Mill Operations Lead, you will shape and deliver the future of how our mills run, guided by our Future Digital Mill agenda. Our ambition is clear: to move towards autonomous, AI-orchestrated mill operations and to set a benchmark for AI-enabled manufacturing in our industry.

You combine a bold vision for AI and digitalisation with a deep understanding of process industry operations (pulp, board and packaging material or other, like mining, chemical or metals production). Your mission is to move AI and digital solutions from pilots into everyday mill operations, at scale, delivering measurable results in safety, efficiency, profitability, quality, energy and CO₂.

This is a leadership role, where you will have real influence over which digital priorities we pursue, where we invest and how operations change across our mill network. You will be the bridge between the mill floor, business leadership and technology, and your decisions will be central to our long-term operational competitiveness.

Your responsibilities

• Vision and roadmap: Own the digital mill vision (Future Digital Mill) and translate business and mill priorities into a clear, multi-year roadmap for AI, advanced analytics, automation and digitalisation across our production sites.

• AI in production: Lead and scale high-impact AI use cases such as predictive maintenance, quality prediction, process optimisation and advanced process control, energy and raw material efficiency, and AI assistants that support operators and engineers in daily decisions.

• Data foundation and IT/OT: Together with IT, OT and automation teams, build a secure and scalable industrial data foundation that connects control systems, process historians, MES, laboratory and ERP data, with cybersecurity built in.

• Embedding in operations: Work side by side with mill management, production, maintenance and technology teams to make digital solutions part of daily routines - not side projects.

• Value and portfolio: Build business cases, prioritise the portfolio, manage budget and track value against clear KPIs such as OEE, profitability, uptime, quality, and energy use; turn successful pilots into standard solutions that can be replicated across mills.

• Team and ecosystem: Lead a digital team and manage a network of technology partners, automation suppliers, start-ups and research institutes.

• Change and capabilities: Drive adoption and new ways of working, and grow digital and AI skills among operators, engineers and mill leadership.

• Future outlook: Follow emerging technologies - industrial AI, generative and agentic AI, digital twins, edge computing and autonomous operations - and bring the most promising ones to Stora Enso.

What will you bring

• Education: A university degree in computer or data science, engineering (e.g. chemical, process, automation, pulp and paper technology) or similar.
• Digital transformation track record: Proven experience leading digitalisation programs in manufacturing, including taking AI and analytics solutions from pilot to scaled, measurable business value.
• AI and data expertise: Strong knowledge of AI, machine learning, advanced analytics and generative AI, and a good understanding of industrial data architecture - OT systems, process historians, MES, cloud platforms and IT/OT security.
• Process industry operations: Solid experience from process industry operations, ideally in pulp, paper, board or packaging material production, with a strong understanding of mill processes, production economics, maintenance and safety.

• Visionary and hands-on: You can paint a compelling picture of the future mill and build a realistic plan to get there - and you enjoy rolling up your sleeves to make it happen.

• Leadership and behaviours: An inspiring, collaborative leader and driver who is credible both on the mill floor and in the management team. You are curious, results-driven and safety-minded, you lead change with energy and empathy, and you build trust across functions and cultures.

• Stakeholder and partner management: Experience working with senior stakeholders, building business cases and managing technology vendors and partners.

• Languages and mobility: Excellent English skills; Finnish or Swedish is an advantage. Willingness to travel regularly to our mill sites.

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

Join the Renewable Materials Company

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 19,000 employees.

This is your chance work at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and profitability, contributing to digital solutions that deliver impactful business performance. Everyday.

Watch our film: Be part of a nature positive future

Read more about working at Stora Enso: Who we are - Careers | Stora Enso

How can you apply for this role?

Please submit your application through our recruitment tool. We review candidates on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, and no later than 30th October 2026.

Our recruitment process may include pre-employment steps such as background checks, reference checks, health examinations, and a drug test.

Anna-Maria Nikula ([email protected]) is happy to answer your questions about the position.

Welcome to work in the renewable materials company!