Project Manager – Digitalization & Operational Excellence

Job Description

Shape the future in an organization that is  evolving 

About us
Optinova is more than a manufacturer of medical and industrial tubing – we are experts in advanced extrusion and material technologies.  Our products are used where quality and precision are critical: IV catheters, infusion sets, small catheter systems, as well as components for data centers and aerospace 
applications. Our global headquarters is located in Åland, Finland.  We operate production facilities across three continents and have sales offices worldwide.  We develop solutions together with our customers from a technical and operational perspective.  With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and reliability, we create solutions that work in real, often critical, environments. We’re searching for someone who wants to be part of shaping what comes next — and who thrives in an environment where challenge drives progress.

The Role

Project Manager within Digitalization & Operational Excellence plays a key role in shaping the future of manufacturing at Optinova by driving digitalization, standardization, and operational improvement initiatives across our global manufacturing sites.

Working closely with local teams and stakeholders, you will help transform the way we operate by introducing new technologies, improving processes, and enabling more data-driven ways of working. Through your efforts, you will contribute to a more connected, efficient, and continuously improving manufacturing organization.

This is a highly collaborative and hands-on position for someone who thrives in dynamic environments and is comfortable navigating change. You will work in an organization where not all processes are fully defined, requiring you to understand and map existing ways of working, identify opportunities for improvement, and successfully implement new solutions and standards.

Success in this role requires strong relationship-building skills, business understanding, and the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels. You are proactive and pragmatic, with the ability to understand existing ways of working, adapt to new processes, and successfully implement change. You read the organization well, contribute to discussions and decisions, and introduce improvements at the right time to create sustainable change.

The position can be based in either Mariehamn or Uppsala. Extensive travel is a natural part of the role.

Key Responsibilities

You will lead and coordinate digitalization and operational excellence initiatives across Optinova’s manufacturing sites worldwide.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and coordinate digitalization and operational improvement projects across Optinova's manufacturing sites.

• Plan, execute, and follow up projects in line with the Optinova's project management framework, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.

• Drive adoption and value creation through new digital tools, systems, and data-driven ways of working across manufacturing operations.

• Lead the implementation and rollout of manufacturing, operational, and business systems across sites and functions.

• Develop and deliver training, workshops, and change management activities that support successful implementation and long-term adoption.

• Drive standardization of processes, systems, and data across factories to improve consistency, transparency, and operational performance.

• Facilitate cross-site collaboration and knowledge sharing while monitoring progress, managing obstacles, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Your Profile

Education

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.

To succeed in this role, we believe you have:

• Experience in project execution and stakeholder management

• Experience implementing and/or improving business, manufacturing, ERP, MES, or other operational systems.

• Experience developing and delivering training, workshops, or other capability-building activities.

• Experience establishing standard operating procedures, governance models, and best practices.

• Experience from production planning, manufacturing operations, process improvement, or operational excellence is considered highly valuable.

Language skills:

Fluency in both Swedish and English is required. A majority of our manufacturing sites primarily operate in Swedish, and much of the daily communication, documentation, and procedures are conducted in Swedish. At the same time, many stakeholders and some of our sites operate in English, and global documentation, standards, and project communication are often maintained in English. Additional language skills, particularly Thai, are considered an advantage.