RDI Manager, Construction (Lempäälä)

Do you want to search for and identify phenomena, market challenges and solutions to help tackle some of the world’s major problems?     

For the construction industry, one severe challenge is quality. Sick building syndrome is a well-known problem that arises from design and construction errors and inadequate maintenance during the life cycle of a building.  When it comes to moisture control, adequate waterproofing in wet rooms prevents moisture from penetrating and damaging surrounding areas. Kiilto provides high-quality, tested and certified products for waterproofing. Read about Kiilto’s vision to create a more sustainable future here.  

To help us reach our ambitious targets, Kiilto’s research, development and innovation (RDI) unit in Lempäälä is looking for an    

RDI Manager for the Construction business area       

Kiilto is strengthening its expert team in polymer-based chemistry solutions in the Construction business area. This includes the development of waterproofing foils and liquid membranes, and possibly also the development of encapsulating foils. As RDI Manager, you will manage and work with development projects in close collaboration with internal stakeholders and customers. You will have a significant role in Kiilto’s SUPER Healthy Buildings Ecosystem. You will collaborate in diverse business environments and can transform ideas into profitable commercial solutions. The position is located in Lempäälä. Some travel is also required, as you will be working closely with Intermedius, a Kiilto Family Group company in the town of Virrat.  

You will be a perfect fit for the Kiilto community if you have:   

• a passion for the environment – you want to make choices for a better future and to take sustainability into consideration in everything you do   
• a can-do attitude – you do your best in all circumstances, whether it’s a customer meeting or a product trial, formulating novel solutions or working in the laboratory   
• technical skills – we are seeking someone who preferably has knowledge in polymer-based solutions for construction applications, as well as an overall understanding of the construction business or polymer materials. We welcome applicants at any stage of their career  
• education – you have a Master’s degree or equivalent in material science, chemistry or polymer chemistry  
• a start-up spirit – you can offer innovative ideas and develop them into practical applications   
• language skills – you are fluent in English and preferably also Finnish  

Typical tasks for an RDI Manager in Kiilto’s Construction business area   

• Strategic follow-up of a designated product and business area for technical development   
• Responsibility for the formulas of agreed products   
• Product project execution, including product formula formulation, practical laboratory/development testing and customer trials  
• Participating in basic research in the field, such as university research projects or co-innovation projects   
• Supporting production, purchasing, sales and product management   
• Internal and external information sharing and training    

At Kiilto, you will be working with a growing and international, but down-to-earth family business. Kiiltonians appreciate our long-term perspective, open and transparent company culture, the Kiiltonian team spirit and versatile opportunities to acquire new skills and grow alongside the company. We organise internal innovation programmes and encourage Kiiltonians to develop their skills through our own training programmes. We are especially proud of our award-winning activities that promote the well-being of our employees. For example, we have been awarded the 'Finland's Most Active Workplace' certificate twice. 

Do you want to be part of our community? Do not hesitate to apply. The last day to apply is 31 May 2024. Please also attach a self-introduction via a one-minute video alongside your salary request and CV. 

If you want to hear more details on the position, please contact Head of RDI CON Joonas Kupiainen, +358 400 579 627, on 17 May between 12.00 and 13.00 EET or on 21 May between 13.00 and 14.00 EET. 

We operate in compliance with Kiilto’s recruitment process and treat all communications related to the posting with absolute confidentiality. We will organise the interviews for the role on 6 - 11 June. The selected candidate will need to pass a health check, which includes drug testing.

Kiilto is a growing Finnish family business over a hundred years old, whose vision is the year 2080. We develop, manufacture and sell solutions for the chemical industry in four different business areas, which are construction, industrial adhesives and fire prevention, professional hygiene and consumer products. The core ideas of Kiillo's operations are environmental leadership, closeness and commitment to the future. Kiilto operates in nine countries and employs a total of nearly 800 people. In 2023, Kiilto's turnover was approximately EUR 227 million. www.kiilto.com