Head of AI

Head of AI

Huhtamaki is at a pivotal moment. The programme to renew our digital core is well underway, with production‑ready agentic AI embedded in our new global data platform, and the built‑in capabilities of our ERPs providing additional opportunities for AI adoption. Each of our four business segments — Fiber, Flexibles, Food Service and North America, also presents significant possibilities for AI use across our manufacturing sites globally.

Your Opportunity

We have an exceptional opportunity for a Head of AI to join Huhtamaki and lead the awareness, strategy, governance, transformation and implementation of AI across the company.

Reporting to the VP, Data & AI, this is a crucial, transformation focused leadership role driving our pragmatic, implementer-approach to AI, proving value through targeted, measurable programmes before scaling, and embedding AI as a core organisational capability rather than an add‑on technical solution.

If you have a track record of delivering AI programmes in complex environments, combined with a deep understanding of IT ecosystems and how to integrate AI into system and process design, then this could be the opportunity for you!

Where you’ll be

You will be based at our global HQ in Espoo, Finland on a hybrid basis (4 days per week)

What you’ll be doing

AI Strategy & Governance

• Own, evolve and drive the company‑wide AI roadmap that supports our global strategy

• Chair the AI demand governance council; maintain the use‑case registry and investment prioritisation framework.

• Ensure that the risks are understood, managed and solutions that are taken in to use are legally compliant

Business Segment AI

• Build and run the global AI competence network together with HR; support segments in developing their own AI capability in line with the company’s accountability model

• Govern the transition from IT‑validated AI solutions to segment‑level adoption, maintaining a shared practises and methods

Team & Ecosystem Leadership

• Build and lead a lean global AI team; define the resourcing model across permanent, seconded and external expert capacity

• Manage relationships with business platform partners on AI capabilities; hold firm on scope and cost for AI related consulting engagements and resource usage

• Partner with Global Data & Analytics to ensure the required data foundations are in place at each stage and form a collaborative model to deliver value through AI

What you’ll bring to the role

• A relevant degree in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning,  Industrial Engineering or similar 

• A proven track record in managing and delivering AI programmes in complex, multi‑site industrial or manufacturing environments — with direct delivery accountability, not advisory only exposure.

• Deep understanding of IT ecosystems and how to embed AI into system design

• Experience navigating large‑scale transformation programmes, influencing without authority and managing cross‑functional political dynamics.

• Technical credibility in agentic AI architectures, process workflow design and data management — able to challenge vendors and assess feasibility.

• Demonstrated ability to build board‑level investment cases with quantified value and clear risk framing.

• Comfortable operating in ambiguity, organisational complexity and decentralised accountability models.

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to explain complex topics to all levels

• Fluency in English

• Values aligning with ours: Dare, Care & Deliver

What we offer in return

• A meaningful job: At Huhtamaki, we believe in protecting food, people and the planet. Our innovative and transformative solutions touch the daily lives of people everywhere.  

• Development opportunities: We care for each other – and want our talent to thrive and develop.

• Responsible employer: Sustainability is embedded in everything we do. We believe diverse teams fuel innovation. We invest in fostering an environment where everyone is safe both psychologically and physically and where diversity and inclusion are promoted through day-to-day behaviours, which are reinforced by our policies and practices.

• Competitive salaries and rewarding benefits

Go ahead, apply today!

If this sounds like a good fit, then we’d love to hear from you before the deadline of Wednesday 24th June.  Please note, we will be reviewing and contacting applicants throughout the application period so please do not delay applying. 

Candidates can expect an initial screening call with a member of our TA team, a Teams interview with the hiring manager, an assessment, as well as a face-to-face interview on site at our HQ in Espoo.

Join us. Help protect food, people and the planet.