tANA oY

VP, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Tana Oy is an environmental technology company that promotes sustainable development by providing smart equipment and solutions for solid waste management. Tana’s operating model is based on a modern network concept, which enables it to focus on customer needs and rapid growth. We believe that success comes through people: we invest in the customer experience and in the wellbeing and motivation of our own team.

Vice President, Research & Development

Join the Tana Team as Vice President, Research & Development!

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for innovation and technology? Tana Oy is seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President, Research & Development to lead our R&D function and drive our strategic initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our company and waste management industry, and make a significant impact on Tana’s growth and success.

As the Vice President, Research & Development, you will report directly to the Tana CEO and be a key member of our management team. You will be responsible for defining and executing our R&D strategy, driving innovation, and enhancing R&D efficiency and integration. Your role will initially focus on leading our Finnish R&D team, with the potential to evolve into a regional leadership role encompassing possible acquired R&D units and teams abroad.

In this role, you will lead technology scouting and research to support next-generation product development, ensuring that Tana remains at the forefront of technological trends and opportunities. You will also be responsible for building scalable, cross-functional R&D processes and practices to support innovation and commercial success. Additionally, you will drive alignment between R&D and other key business functions, define partner and subcontracting strategies, and oversee the evaluation and introduction of new tools, platforms, and practices to increase R&D efficiency.

Expectations for background:

We are looking for a candidate with proven leadership experience in R&D team management, ideally in both centralized and distributed/global settings. You should have a solid technical understanding in relevant fields, e.g., engineering, automation, hydraulics, electronics, control systems, and digital system solutions. Excellent collaboration and stakeholder management skills across technical and non-technical functions are essential, as well as strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.

Ideally you also have experience in implementing agile methodologies and performance management frameworks, as well as experience in M&A environments, including due diligence processes, integration planning, and post-merger harmonization. A master’s degree in a relevant field of technology is required, EMBA or similar degree is an advantage. Fluency in Finnish and English is also essential.

We will offer you:

At Tana, we value innovation, collaboration, and initiative. We offer a supportive and dynamic work environment where you can thrive and make a real difference. If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and lead our R&D function to deliver measurable customer value, we would love to hear from you.

Come do meaningful work and leave your mark on a cleaner tomorrow!

Location: Flexible. Offices are based in Jyväskylä and Tampere.

For more information, please contact Tana CEO Jari Mennala, tel. +358 40 734 8544 during the following times: Wed 25.6. at 14-15, Thu 26.6. at 13-14 or Fri 27.6. at 13-14.

We conduct the search together with our partner Momentous, so please submit your application as soon as possible, however, no later than 31^st July, 2025.