IPR Director - Metsä Group - Remote - Global

Group Services Metsä Group is a successful forest industry group with roots in the Finnish forest - Our parent company is a cooperative of over 90,000 forest owners. Metsä Group’s Group Services employ some 1,000 professionals in finance, IT, sourcing and logistics, HR, technology, business process development, communications, law, and many other fields. Their task is to support Metsä Group and its Business Areas in implementing their strategy. Our specialists’ independent work is supported by a strongly networked workplace community. We welcome people from diverse backgrounds and different stages of life. Metsä has space and opportunities for many kinds of talent, regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, disability or other characteristics – Metsä is for all. Read more: metsagroup.com/metsaforall. This recruitment is carried out anonymously. We’re looking for an experienced and business-oriented IPR DIRECTOR to lead Metsä Group’s central IPR function and play a key role in shaping how intellectual property creates value across our businesses and innovation portfolio. In this role, you will work closely with all Metsä Group business areas and Metsä Spring, our innovation company, supported by a highly capable team of IPR experts. If you are inspired by intellectual property rights and innovation and utilizing them to make an impact on the business, please check out this opportunity. What will you get to do? You will lead Metsä Group’s central IPR team within the Strategy & Investments function and take overall responsibility for the Group’s patent and trademark portfolio, processes, and governance. Your key responsibilities include: Defining and developing Metsä Group’s IPR strategy and policies Managing and continuously developing patent and trademark processes Leading collaboration with external IPR service providers Ensuring high-quality IPR reporting and stakeholder engagement across the Group Supporting business areas in protecting and leveraging their innovations Facilitating internal IPR networks and participating in business area IPR governance Building IPR capabilities across the organization and ensuring professional IPR management in a rapidly evolving business environment You will report to Katariina Kemppainen, SVP, Group R&D, and work closely with: Group R&D and Strategy teams Metsä Spring and its innovation projects R&D and development teams in all business areas External IPR partners and advisors What are we expecting of you? To succeed in this role, you bring both strong IPR expertise and the ability to translate it into business value. We are looking for: Proven experience in managing patents in a corporate environment (minimum ~5 years; more senior experience considered an advantage) Strong understanding of international IPR practices and experience working with external IPR service providers A relevant Master’s degree (e.g., chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, materials science or related fields in bioproducts, natural fibres or polymers) In addition, you have: Demonstrated leadership experience in IPR related roles Ability to set direction, define clear targets, and track impact Strong communication and stakeholder management skills A collaborative, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset Analytical thinking combined with curiosity and a willingness to learn Fluent English is required. Finnish is considered an advantage. Career in the new era at Metsä Group An international growth business – build a successful career At Metsä Group. The forest industry is a prime example of the bioeconomy and circular economy, and shows the way to the future. Megatrends such as urbanisation and rising living standards are driving Metsä Group’s business and the shift to renewable fossil free raw materials. With us, you’ll get to develop future skills, business and products with a long-term perspective, together with our top professionals. Our big company offers a wide range of career opportunities and many interesting challenges. Metsä Group has a responsible corporate culture that creates a safe working environment for all of us. We value good leadership and support for personal career development. We encourage you to display your competence and will provide you with opportunities to use it. We offer our employees a wide range of fringe benefits, including comprehensive occupational health care, and extensive training and development opportunities. To support wellbeing at work, we encourage our employees to take advantage of culture and sports benefits. Metsä Group has a hybrid working model. In this position, part of the work can be done remotely. Enter a new era in your career, welcome to Metsä Group!