Unit Manager

Do you want to lead a team of top experts who play a crucial role in securing the daily life of all Helsinki? Are you inspired by responsible official work that combines high expertise and significant societal impact? We are now looking for a dynamic and visionary unit manager for a permanent official relationship to lead our food safety unit starting December 1, 2026. As the head of the Food Safety Unit, you will serve as the leader of a multidisciplinary expert organization of 48 people. Your task is the broad strategic and operational management of official work. You are independently responsible for the unit's effectiveness and the strategic management of operations in accordance with the city's goals, as well as the planning, implementation, and monitoring of operations and finances. You are also responsible for the development of staff competence and well-being in accordance with the city's guidelines. Your unit's area of responsibility includes food supervision, animal welfare and animal disease supervision, drinking water supervision, and the organization of veterinary care and lost animal activities. As the head of the unit, your duties include the power to make decisions and solutions in matters according to the Food Act and the Health Protection Act. In addition, you will act as a presenter in the environment and permit subcommittee. Your work has a direct and long-term impact on human health, food safety, and animal welfare. You will also be able to guide your unit in special situations (e.g., food poisoning epidemics), where rapid situational management and strong networking skills are needed. In the position, you will also regularly carry out impactful stakeholder cooperation from the ministry level and the Food Authority to national retail chains and the media. What do we expect from you? We are looking for a leader who identifies with the cornerstones of management in the City of Helsinki: vision, enthusiasm, consistency, and implementation capability. You lead with people first: with a coaching, ethical, and proactive approach. Eligibility requirements: - a suitable higher university degree and excellent oral and written skills in Finnish and satisfactory skills in Swedish. In addition, we require: - Strong knowledge and understanding of food hygiene and animal diseases significant for public health - Strong knowledge of special legislation related to the field and its application - Versatile, at least 10 years of work experience in the field as well as experience in supervisory work and public administration - Excellent personnel and financial management skills (including budgeting and procurement rules) for leading the unit's operations - Excellent communication and cooperation skills and strong stress tolerance Fluency in English is an advantage in succeeding in the position. What do we offer you? You will get to lead an expert organization doing critically important and meaningful work. You will be supported by a committed, expert, and diverse work community. As an employee of the City of Helsinki, you will have access to the comprehensive benefits of a large employer, including: - Flexibility: Multi-location work and flexible working hours - Well-being and leisure: Epassi culture, sports, and lunch benefits, as well as commuting benefits and a comprehensive range of staff sports. - Development: Extensive opportunities to develop your own professional skills and leadership, e.g., through high-quality training. - Modern facilities: Our office is located with excellent transport links in Kalasatama. Employees also have access to a gym and sauna facilities. The position-specific salary for the task is €6,347.73/month. In addition, a personal salary component of 0-18% based on work experience and overall discretion is paid. Interested? Seize the opportunity and submit your application through our recruitment system by August 24, 2026, at 4 PM! Further information can be obtained from Environmental Director Miira Riipinen, +358408244401, calling times: Thu 6.8. 2-3 PM, Wed 12.8. 4-5 PM and Wed 19.8. 10-11 AM. Please note that for degrees completed abroad, an official degree recognition decision is required, which must be applied for before the application deadline.