Vaski GroupR&D Manager

Would you like to play a key role in developing pioneering, technology-driven solutions within industrial R&D?

What will you be doing?
In this role, you will lead and prioritize product and solution development activities across both customer delivery projects and new product development. You will ensure smooth execution of development work from concept through implementation, embedding development outcomes directly into customer deliveries while strengthening long-term product platforms.

You will continuously develop ways of working, participate in technology and concept development, and contribute to product and solution roadmaps. Working closely with business, project teams, and production, you will ensure that development efforts are aligned with strategic goals, delivery commitments, and real customer needs.

In addition, you will have formal people responsibility for a multidisciplinary R&D team of over 20 experts and will work closely with the Group CTO. In your leadership role, you are supported by three technical team leaders who take a key role in day-to-day technical leadership and work guidance.

What makes you a great fit?
This role suits an R&D leader who is energized by development and innovation and enjoys working hands-on with both technology and people in a low-hierarchy, fast-growing environment. You are comfortable leading experts, supporting their development, and continuously improving ways of working as the organization evolves. You understand product development in machine and equipment manufacturing and have a genuine interest in modern automation, software-driven solutions, and digital development. You value collaboration over titles and prefer building over administrating.

What we expect from you:

• Proven and solid experience in leading product development and development activities that span R&D, customer delivery projects, and industrialization
• Background in automation and/or software development; understanding of mechanics is important, but not the primary driver
• Experience from machine or equipment manufacturing or a similar industrial context
• Experience in people leadership and formal managerial responsibilities
• Ability to operate in a multidisciplinary, technically demanding environment
• Good command of English; Finnish is a strong advantage

Additionally considered an asset:

• Strong innovation mindset and curiosity toward new technologies and development methods
• Personal interest in technology beyond work, such as technical hobbies or side projects
• Experience in scaling teams or developing R&D structures in growing organizations
• Exposure to automation-heavy or software-driven industrial products

We offer you:

• A stable, fast-growing, and international employer that is a forerunner in its field and offers the opportunity to work with technically demanding, high-end products
• The opportunity to lead meaningful industrial R&D and shape how product development is done, while seeing ideas turn into real machines and solutions
• An environment where product development is a clear priority, and investments in R&D are made consistently and long-term
• Close collaboration with experienced technical leaders in a low-hierarchy, team-oriented culture
• A comprehensive benefits package including medical expense, travel, and occupational and leisure accident insurance, as well as wellbeing, lunch, and mobile phone benefits

Practicalities:
This is a full-time and permanent position, and you will be employed directly by Vaski Group. The role is based in Seinäjoki, and while we work in a hybrid model, we value on-site presence in this role to support collaboration and people leadership. Occasional travel related to customers, projects, suppliers, or other group companies may be required. The starting date is flexible and can be agreed upon with the selected candidate.

Interested in joining us?

Join us in building Vaski Group’s global growth story! Please submit your CV and motivation letter in PDF format by February 25th, via aTalent’s application system. In your application, we encourage you to describe your leadership approach, technical background, and what motivates you to lead R&D in an industrial environment like Vaski Group. Applications are reviewed already during the application period.

Read more about Vaski Group and view all open positions:https://atalent.fi/en/vaski-group. For questions about the role or recruitment process, please contact aTalent’s Senior Recruitment Consultant Tittamari Bilund (0505513395, tittamari.bilund@atalent.fi).