Corporate Relations Manager, School of Chemical Engineering

Job Description

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs across disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow, and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community of 14,000 students, 400 professors and 4,500 staff work on a vibrant, low carbon campus in Otaniemi, Espoo. Diversity, equity and inclusion are part of who we are, and we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Aalto School of Chemical Engineering (CHEM) advances the transition to a sustainable, circular and carbon neutral future. Our research spans advanced materials and polymers, industrial biotechnology and bioprocesses, chemical engineering and water treatment, sustainable process technologies, and circular systems. Collaborating closely with industry and partners in Finland and globally, we explore and scale solutions for the bioeconomy-from forest-based innovations and green chemicals to sustainable textiles, packaging, energy storage materials, carbon capture and utilization, and beyond.

We are now looking for a Corporate Relations Manager

Are you passionate about building impactful partnerships that turn worldclass research and innovations into sustainable industrial solutions? Join us to strengthen and grow the collaboration ecosystem around Aalto's School of Chemical Engineering.

Your role and goals

In this role, you will develop and coordinate partnership and industry collaboration activities at CHEM. You will support and grow existing partnerships as a key account manager, engage new partners, and drive the corporate relations and ecosystem activities in large research initiatives.

Your key responsibilities will be to

• Drive partnership development with companies across relevant sectors (e.g., forest, chemicals, packaging, textiles, energy, biotech, water, recycling and circularity), from multinational corporations to SMEs and startups
• Facilitate new research, development and innovation (RDI) initiatives by connecting industry needs with Aalto's expertise, building strong consortia, and securing funding (e.g., Business Finland)
• Manage ecosystems and partnerships and support innovation and business development linked to major RDI initiatives (e.g., FinnCERES, Aalto Bioinnovation Center).
• Manage stakeholder relations and develop key accounts, ensuring measurable outcomes and mutual benefit
• Plan and organize stakeholder meetings, workshops and showcase events, leveraging Aalto's research infrastructures and platforms to engage existing and new partners
• Co-create collaboration models and services for mutually beneficial academia -industry partnerships that accelerate technology maturation (e.g., joint research projects, pilot and demo activities and industrial PhDs and postdocs)
• Contribute to ecosystem development with regional, national and international partners, aligning with Finland's green transition and circular economy goals and Aalto's sustainability targets

You will be part of Aalto University's Corporate Relations unit where sits your line manager and close colleagues who will support you. Daily work you will do at CHEM where you work closely with the CHEM leadership, research units, Aalto's crosscutting initiatives, and external partners. CHEM gives you strategic and practical guidance.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree, ideally with subject matter expertise in a relevant field (e.g., chemical/bioprocess engineering, materials science and engineering, biotechnology, environmental engineering)
• Demonstrated experience in RDI collaboration, managing industry partnerships, key account management or business development in technology driven industries
• Familiarity with public funding instruments and experience preparing research or innovation projects (e.g., Business Finland, EU/Horizon Europe)
• Fluency in English (required); proficiency in Finnish (highly preferred)
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills; ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders across industry, academia and public sector
• Goal oriented, hands-on approach with openness to diverse tasks and the ability to deliver from idea to implementation
• Experience with CRM systems and co-marketing activities with industry partners is considered an asset as well as experience of using AI tools in your work.

What we offer

• An influential, multifaceted position where you can accelerate Finland's green transition by bridging cutting edge research with industry impact
• A unique vantage point across Aalto's leading research in chemical engineering and materials, collaborating with top experts, infrastructures, and vibrant industry ecosystems
• Strong support from Aalto's Corporate Relations team and the School of Chemical Engineering leadership, with an open, collegial and proactive working culture
• A full-time, permanent position located on Aalto University's beautiful campus in Otaniemi, with excellent health and wellbeing benefits, flexible working possibilities, and broad opportunities for professional growth

Ready to apply?

If this sounds like your next challenge, we look forward to hearing from you. Please submit your application, including a short motivation letter (max. 1 page) and CV in a single PDF, through our recruitment system by April 12, 2026, highlighting relevant experience. Applications without a motivation letter will not be reviewed.

If you are already an Aalto employee, please apply with your employee profile through the Workday system (internal jobs/sis??iset ty??paikat).

For more information about the position, please contact:

Supervisor Outi Toijala, Head of Corporate Relations, +358 50 544 7096, April 1 at 14-14.30 and April 9 at 12.00-12.30. Corporate Relations Manager Elli K??pyl??, +358 50 479 9801, April 7 at 13.00-13.30 and April 10 at 13.00-13.30.

We do not respond to email enquiries.