Program Manager

Join us and take your career to the next level

Are you passionate about leading impactful research programs that create real-world value? Do you thrive in global, cross-functional environments where innovation meets purpose? Kalmar is looking for a visionary Program Manager to lead our flagship sustainability initiative: Move2Green – a €50M R&D program with €20M in secured funding that is shaping the future of intelligent, low-emission cargo and container handling solutions.

As a Program Manager, you will take full ownership of Move2Green – from strategic planning to hands-on execution. You’ll align R&D activities with Kalmar’s long-term business and innovation goals while ensuring high visibility, strong partnerships, and measurable outcomes across both domestic and EU-funded research landscapes.

What are your key responsibilities:

• End-to-end program leadership: Drive the full lifecycle of the Move2Green program, ensuring strategic alignment and successful implementation.

• Strategic R&D alignment: Ensure research activities are closely linked with Kalmar’s innovation roadmap and long-term growth agenda.

• Stakeholder reporting & governance: Manage and report on program progress to Business Finland and other key internal/external stakeholders annually.

• Cross-functional collaboration: Work across Kalmar’s business divisions and external ecosystems to maximize impact and innovation delivery.

• Visibility & communication: Promote the program internally and externally to ensure broad awareness, buy-in, and influence.

• Funding strategy & execution: Proactively seek and secure national and international research funding to drive the program forward.

What we offer you:

"Some assignments push you. Others let you breathe. That mix keeps the job exciting."

• Rewards that truly count: Enjoy meaningful rewards that support your everyday life and well-being, including a company mobile phone, a flexible Edenred benefit for lunch, commuting, or wellness services, and comprehensive healthcare through Mehiläinen, enhanced by our health insurance fund for additional coverage and peace of mind.
• Safety that moves us forward: Build your career with a company rooted in safety since the 1940s, ensuring stability and an environment that empowers you to speak and be heard.
• Work-life balance: We prioritise work-life balance, providing flexible working hours and a hybrid work model tailored to meet both your needs and those of your team. 
• Purpose that drives change: You'll contribute to solutions that transform global trade, creating environmental and operational innovations. You'll be in the driver's seat of ideas, developing digital technologies that set industry standards and position us as the forerunner.
• People who move together: You'll collaborate with people who build lasting relationships through global expertise, connections, and a commitment to sustainability.
  
  Become part of our global network of 5,200 professionals across 120+ countries, where your work drives innovation, sustainability, and meaningful impact around the world.

What you bring to the role:

• Educational Background in Business & Technology: You hold a Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Management, IT, or a related field, equipping you with the foundation to lead complex research initiatives.

• Proven Research Program Leadership: You have a successful track record of managing large-scale R&D programs and securing both national and international funding.

• Strong International Project Management Skills: You’re experienced in navigating multicultural, cross-functional environments and know how to drive results in global teams.

• Innovation Ecosystem Expertise: You’re confident engaging with diverse innovation ecosystems and are comfortable working with public funding bodies across Europe.

• Bilingual Communication Skills: You communicate clearly and effectively in both English and Finnish, whether engaging internal stakeholders or external partners.

• Leadership & Influence: You bring strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration skills—able to align diverse interests and build momentum around strategic initiatives.

Ready to elevate your career? Apply today!

We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the position will be filled as soon as the most suitable candidate is identified.

Closing date: 15/10/2025

For further information, please contact Jukka Borgman, Director, Technology and Research via email at jukka.borgman@kalmarglobal.com or via phone at +358 50591 3128 on: 1 Oct 13-14, 2 Oct 9-10, 3 Oct 13-14