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!
Learn more about us as a workplace upm.com/careers
We are now looking for a
Product Manager - Lignin Materials (m/f/d) to strengthen our commercial team.
Greetings from your future manager"Welcome to UPM Next Generation Renewables! Are you passionate about shaping the future of sustainable products and markets? We are transforming renewable resources into innovative, high-performance solutions that replace fossil-based materials. To help drive this change, we are looking for a proactive, commercially minded Product Manager - Lignin Materials who combines strategic vision with a strong customer focus." - Dr. Florian Diehl, Director RFF Sales
What you will do - Own and actively steer the product portfolio of lignin materials
- Define product specifications and packaging variants across applications and industries to maximize customer value and business performance
- Develop and execute product strategies that support the growth and market positioning of lignin materials
- Partner with Sales during customer qualification processes and provide clear guidance on pricing, positioning, and portfolio priorities
- Drive demand planning for lignin materials, balancing market opportunities with production capabilities, and contribute to S&OP processes
- Collaborate closely with Sales, Product Stewardship, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Innovation, Application Development, Marketing, and Sustainability teams
- Support management with data-driven recommendations and insights on profitability, market dynamics, portfolio development opportunities, and competitive developments
Who you are - You have a degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science, or related field
- You have several years of experience in product management, sales, application management, or business development within performance materials
- You possess strong technical knowledge of biomaterials, with hands-on experience and a deep understanding of lignin chemistry, processing, applications, and value chains considered essential for success in the role
- You have a strong commercial focus and can translate customer needs into sustainable business opportunities
- You have experience in chemical B2B markets such as resins, plastics, rubber, composites, or coatings and can translate technical concepts into compelling commercial value propositions
- You have a structured and analytical mindset with strong decision-making capabilities
- You have a strong interest in the technical and operational aspects of the lignin business and enjoy working closely with production sites, suppliers, and development partners. The role requires regular business travel (approximately 30-40%) across the value chain to support product development, sourcing activities, and business growth
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.
Additional information about the position This position is located in Leuna, Germany.
The position holder will report to Director RFF Sales.
For further information about the role, please contact Dr. Florian Diehl, Director RFF Sales, at florian.diehl@upm.com.
How to apply To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by
15.11.2026. Please note that we accept only applications submitted through our online application system.
For support with submitting your application, please contact our HR Services Team at UPM - Service Portal or tel. +49 4963 401 1522.
UPM business information UPM Next Generation Renewables is a strategic growth business area of UPM, leading the industrial scale-up of the bioeconomy. We produce advanced, wood-based alternatives to fossil raw materials and enable customers to reduce emissions, meet sustainability targets and strengthen their competitive advantage. With pioneering biorefineries in Lappeenranta, Finland, and Leuna, Germany, we turn sustainably sourced wood and industry residues into renewable fuels and chemicals, such as renewable glycols, lignin-based functional fillers, renewable diesel and bio-naphtha. We accelerate the shift toward circular, fossil-free value chains and set new standards for sustainable materials. www.upmbiochemicals.com
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