AI Program Director at UPM in Helsinki

ExperiencedOn-siteFull-timeHelsinki

Job Description

AI Program Director

Location: Helsinki

Would you like to join a global, growing company that innovates for a more sustainable tomorrow? UPM could be the team for you. We are frontrunners in developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Besides enabling both businesses and consumers make more sustainable choices, we strive to create a positive UPM experience for all our employees around the world. We live by our values – trust and be trusted, achieve together, renew with courage. Together we can renew the everyday, for a future beyond fossils!

Learn more about us as a workplace upm.com/careers

We are now looking for an AI Program Director to join the Transformation organization and lead the next chapter of UPM’s AI journey. The position is open to both internal and external candidates.

Greetings from your future manager

“In this role, you will succeed Philippe Brikké, who has successfully established and led the AI program from the very beginning. As the AI Program Director you work closely together with BA’s and Functions and lead a highly skilled team supported by external partners and consultants. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to building the company’s future” - Risto Penttinen, EVP, Transformation

What you will do

As an AI Program Director you will Lead the end-to-end design, delivery, and scaling of the UPM-wide AI program to unlock significant business value and strengthen UPM’s competitive advantage. The AI program Director reports to EVP Transformation, Risto Penttinen and has high visibility with President & CEO and entire executive management team.

The AI Program Director will work closely with the Director of the End-to-End Process Efficiency (E2EE) Program and the Director responsible for Target Operating Model implementation, both of whom are part of the EVP Transformation organization. In addition, the role requires strong collaboration with Business Areas and Functions, who are key stakeholders in shaping priorities, driving adoption, and realizing business value from AI initiatives across UPM.

An important part of the AI Program Director role is to participate in designing the future set-up of how AI is led and delivered in UPM, after the program phase.

Key Responsibilities

Define and drive the AI Program vision aligned with UPM's strategic priorities.
Own the Program roadmap, budget and value realization, driving the portfolio of AI projects from early concepts all the way up to value realization.
Identify, prioritize and scale high-impact AI use cases across the organization.
Lead cross-functional teams across business, IT, data and external partners.
Continuously develop and establish governance, the operating model and best practices for AI adoption.
Ensure responsible AI, including ethics, compliance and risk management, is embedded across the Program.
Drive enterprise-wide AI adoption, change management and capability building, ensuring that new solutions translate into sustained changes in ways of working.
Shape and lead the transition from the current Program model towards AI as an embedded capability across UPM's Business Areas and Functions.
Further develop a highly skilled centre of excellence providing expertise and guidance to Business Areas and Functions.
Work in close cooperation with Sourcing and IT, to grow a network of competent partners to support the AI Program.

Who you are

You are proven leader of complex transformation programs in a global, matrix organization.
You are strong influencer and stakeholder manager, able to drive change across business and technology functions.
You are business-minded professional with a track record of turning opportunities into measurable results.
You are experienced in leading strategic portfolios, governance, and enterprise-wide initiatives.
You are skilled change leader who inspires adoption, builds capabilities, and delivers lasting impact.
You have strong understanding of AI, data, business software, projects, portfolio management and responsible AI principles.
You are able to bridge business and technology, translating strategy into execution.
You have experience in industrial environments and global, cross-cultural organizations is highly valued.

This is what we offer to you

A meaningful job: We have an inspiring purpose “We renew the everyday for a future beyond fossils”. Our work is impactful and transformative.
A caring community: Our community is built on great team spirit and shared commitment. We care about each other and the well-being of our colleagues. We support the work-life balance of all our employees.
Development opportunities: We offer you great opportunities to learn and grow throughout your career. We are an international, multi-business organization offering plenty of avenues for personal growth.
Responsible employer: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to ambitious, science-based sustainability targets in all areas, from climate change mitigation to enhancing biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity, offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves.

Learn about our Rewarding and our Ways of working.

Additional information

The position holder will report to EVP, Transformation.

For more information, please contact EVP, Transformation Risto Penttinen, risto.penttinen@upm.com

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by August 31, 2026. Please note that we accept only applications submitted through our online application system. We begin reviewing applications as they are received, and you may be contacted before the application deadline.

For support with submitting your application, please contact the HR Service Center through the UPM Service Portal [LINK] or tel. +358204146600

Country-specific information

A security background check may be performed for those selected to UPM positions, in accordance with the company recruitment guidelines and the Security Clearance Act 726/2014.

UPM business information

UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,100 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately €9.7 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.

UPM – we renew the everyday