Manager, Maintenance Projects & Planning

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! 

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We are now looking for a Manager, Maintenance Project & Planning to join the Maintenance team at UPM’s Biorefinery in Lappeenranta.

Greetings from your future manager

"I am looking for a Manager, Maintenance Project & Planning to take ownership of our turnaround planning, maintenance projects, and expert team at the Lappeenranta biorefinery. In this role, you will directly drive our operational development and lead a skilled team of specialists. We offer a versatile, responsible position in a unique environment with a supportive, high-spirited team on the shores of Lake Saimaa." – Markus Varis, Maintenance Manager

What you will do

You will lead the biorefinery's maintenance investment and development projects, oversee the strategic planning and execution of major turnarounds and maintenance shutdowns, and act as an owner for digitalization & development.

In this role, you will manage, guide and continuously develop maintenance project and planning operations at the Lappeenranta biorefinery.

Your main responsibilities are divided into four core areas:

• Maintenance Project Management: You will oversee maintenance-related investment and improvement projects from initial concept to final commissioning. Acting as Project Manager or Owner's Representative, you will manage project scope, schedules, costs, risks, technical solutions, and resources, including HAZOPs, technical specifications, procurement packages, and vendor cooperation.
• Turnaround & Shutdown Management: You will be responsible for the planning, preparing and scheduling refinery shutdowns and major turnarounds from a maintenance perspective. This includes resource allocation, procurement, cost control, and strict quality control (QA/QC, final documentation, punch-list management). You will work closely with production, procurement, safety and external vendors.
• Development & Digitalization: You will develop maintenance planning practices and turnaround processes, drive reliability, efficiency and lifecycle cost improvements, utilize and develop digital tools, system integration and data-driven reporting (e.g. SAP, iPlan, PowerBI).
• Team Leadership & Collaboration: You will lead and support a team of seven experts, including mechanical and E&I (electrical/automation) project engineers, work planners, an MRP buyer, and a software specialist. You will collaborate across functions and serve as a key link between maintenance, production, engineering, procurement and safety teams. You will also support effective contractor and supplier collaboration.

Who you are

• You have a relevant technical degree (e.g., M.Sc. or B.Sc. in Mechanical, Process, Electrical, or Automation Engineering)
• You have experience in project management and maintenance planning within the process industry
• You have experience preparing and executing major industrial turnarounds (TAR) and managing shutdown quality and logistics
• You have deep understanding of maintenance methodologies and technical specifications. Experience with both mechanical and E&I maintenance is highly valued
• You have excellent leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage and support an expert team, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and deliver results under pressure
• You have an interest in or experience with digitalization, digital tools and the development of maintenance, turnaround and shutdown processes
• You are fluent in Finnish and English

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 about the position

This position is primarily based at our Lappeenranta office, with the opportunity for occasional remote work from home.

The position holder will report to Maintenance Manager.

For further information about the role, please contact Markus Varis, Maintenance Manager, tel. +358408330379, markus.varis@upm.com or Henri Isbom, Turnaround Manager tel. +358405471249, henri.isbom@upm.com.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by August 9, 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 questions related to the recruitment system, please contact the HR Service Center at careers@upm.com or call +358204146600.

Learn more about how to apply from our Careers page. 

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 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  
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