Head of Product Development

You have a choice of where you want to work! We invite you along on our journey to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to attract, retain, and energize passionate people, like you, by investing in your professional development and providing opportunities for personal growth.

Do your values align with ours? Accountability, Growth mindset, One team, Care and a fair and inclusive work environment for everyone, everywhere!

We strive to meet the highest standards of corporate citizenship by protecting the health and safety of our team, safeguarding the environment, and creating a long‑lasting, positive impact on the communities where we do business. Are you with us?!?

The Head of Product Development leads and manages all product development and R&D activities for the business, driving the creation of differentiated and sustainable specialty products aligned with global strategy and market needs.

The mission is fulfilled by:

• Defining and executing the Product Development roadmap and innovation strategy aligned with business objectives
• Owning the NPD pipeline, ensuring clear prioritization, resourcing, and timely execution
• Leading, developing, and inspiring Product Development teams across locations
• Ensuring delivery of customer‑focused, compliant, and sustainable product solutions
• Driving cross‑functional alignment and external partnerships to accelerate innovation

Main responsibilities

Define Product Development strategy and portfolio management

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Product Development and innovation strategy aligned with global business priorities
• Own and prioritize the NPD project portfolio, ensuring appropriate scoping, resourcing, budgeting, and governance
• Translate market trends and customer needs into clear development roadmaps
• Hold final decision authority on NPD priorities, resource allocation, and portfolio trade‑offs

Lead product development execution

• Oversee development of new products, formulations, and technologies from concept through commercialization
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget
• Drive robust development processes, risk management, and decision‑making

Drive cross‑functional collaboration and partnerships

• Partner closely with Product Management, Commercial, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sustainability, Finance, and Group R&D
• Build strong external partnerships with customers, technology providers, and research organizations
• Act as senior technical interface for strategic customers
• Stay updated on industry trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform R&D initiatives

Ensure compliance, IP, and governance

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, safety, and sustainability requirements
• Identify and mitigate technical and project risks
• Secure intellectual property, patents, and trade secrets in collaboration with Global IP teams

Manage budget and performance

• Own Product Development budget including resource allocation, cost control, and ROI evaluation
• Provide regular reporting to senior management on portfolio progress, risks, and results
• Drive measurable business impact through successful product launches and EBITDA contribution

Build and lead high‑performing teams

• Build, lead, and inspire Product Development teams across multiple locations
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Coach and develop managers and senior technical talent
• Define Product Development organizational structure, role clarity, and capability development roadmap

Qualifications & Experience Needed

Minimum formal education:

• Bachelor’s degree in I a relevant field such as Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related fields.
• Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Work Experience Required

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in R&D / Product Development leadership roles
• Proven track record managing complex development portfolios and large teams
• Demonstrated success delivering product launches and innovation outcomes in matrix organizations

Requited Competencies

Primary Competencies

• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate trends and customer insights into actionable development strategies
• Strong people leadership and talent development capabilities
• Deep understanding of product development and industrialization processes
• Strong business and financial acumen (portfolio and budget management)
• Ability to collaborate and influence senior stakeholder groups
• Innovation mindset with focus on customer value creation
• High integrity and ability to build trust
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Fluent in English

Additional Competencies / Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel to sites, customers, and partners as required

Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which we are firmly bound. Ahlstrom will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with our company based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non‑disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

About Us. Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders.

Our three divisions, Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2024 amounted to EUR 3.0 billion and we employ some 6,800 people.

Ahlstrom’s manufacturing and hygiene processes, procedures and policies, must be adhered to, as applicable, to the position’s areas of responsibility, in order to meet and maintain the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements for each grade of paper.