Director, Manufacturing, P&P, China

Are you ready to take the lead in a global manufacturing environment where people, processes, and performance come together?

We are looking for Director, Manufacturing, Pulp & Paper, China to lead our Pulp & Paper manufacturing operations, development and implementation of competitive production strategy and footprint. You align objectives with business needs and priorities, leading the production organization focusing on strengthening cost-effectiveness, efficiency, safety, flexibility, resilience and on-time delivery is in your DNA. You collaborate closely with your key stakeholders in Production Leadership Team, relevant Business Areas as well as with other Global Supply functions. You have proven track record of change management and renewal, including ability to identify, recommend, and implement new processes and technologies, lean methods and systems.

You report to Vice President, Production and have a seat in Global Supply Production Leadership Team where you play an active role in participating and influencing on key decisions. You’ll be based in one of Valmet’s major locations in China (Shanghai or Xi’an).

Your Responsibilities

• Lead technology transfers and production ramp-ups, ensuring site readiness, quality and delivery continuity for Pulp & Paper manufacturing operations in Shanghai, Xi’an and Changzhou, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Execute the Pulp & Paper China manufacturing roadmap, aligning customer needs with global capacity, sourcing and footprint priorities.
• Scale automation, AI and digital manufacturing alongside common production standards and reliable data.
• Prioritize investments and deliver measurable improvements in productivity, flexibility and competitiveness to support business objectives, competitiveness, and long-term growth.
• Lead approximately 750 manufacturing professionals and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean methodologies, process development,performance management, and the implementation of new technologies and ways ofworking.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external manufacturing partners to ensureproduction performance, sustainability, compliance, and delivery excellence.
• Build future technical, digital and leadership capabilities through development, succession planning and cross-site learning.

Expectations for You

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, or another relevant field.
• Proven experience in leading manufacturing operations in multinational global industrial environment.
• Strong track record in driving operational excellence through Lean, HSE, continuous improvement and change management initiatives.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to make data-driven decisions that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Fluency in English, Chinese language skills are considered as a plus. Also willingness to travel globally when required.

To Succeed in This Role

To be successful in this role, you have extensive experience in a manufacturing leadership position and a strong ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. You excel at developing high-performing teams and building strong relationships across functions, businesses, and cultures. You are comfortable leading change, driving transformation, and challenging the status quo to improve performance. Your analytical mindset enables you to translate operational data into actions that create sustainable business results. Most importantly, you are passionate about people leadership and creating an environment where individuals and teams can succeed.

We also expect you to align with Valmet’s Leadership Principles - practical behaviours that guide how we lead, collaborate, and succeed together:

• Take accountability – Act with ownership, set clear expectations, and follow through.
• Lead with courage – Champion change, try bold ideas, and learn quickly.
• Build on trust – Listen to understand, be open, and create psychological safety.
• Collaborate for growth – Work across boundaries, value diverse perspectives, and focus on undefined

Want to Know More?

Ready to help shape the future of our manufacturing operations? We'd love to hear from you. Submit your application through Valmet Careers by 15 November 2026.

We will start reviewing applications during the application period. In our recruitment process. We use a variety of selection methods, e.g. video screening, personality questionnaires, ability tests, and interviews.

When Everything Works Together

Valmet is where the best talent from a wide variety of backgrounds comes together. We work together with our customers throughout the entire lifecycle, delivering cutting-edge technologies and services as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Backed by more than 225 years of industrial experience and a global team of over 19,000 professionals close to customers, we are uniquely positioned to transform industries toward a regenerative tomorrow.

At Valmet, diversity of thought drives innovation.

We are committed to a respectful and inclusive environment, where people can be themselves and are supported to contribute at their best. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience, and potential, never on personal characteristics such as gender, gender identity, age, ethnicity, nationality, disability, neurodiversity, religion, sexual orientation, or political views.

Join the team – and lead the way with us!