Head of Data & Network Services

The forest is at the heart of Stora Enso, and we believe that everything made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. We are the leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. Stora Enso has approximately 19,000 employees. 

We are looking for a Head of Data & Network Services to join Stora Enso's global IT starting as soon as possible. 

Stora Enso is currently transitioning towards a global IT proactively partnering up with our business colleagues to drive growth with every project and every line of code. We build on a digital core to deliver what our business and customers need most. Your role will be critical in this shift, as we embed AI, automation, and data-driven governance into the fabric of the organization. 

You will be located in our modern office in Ostrava, Czechia.

Purpose 

As the Head of Data & Network Services, you lead a critical scope within IT, reporting directly to the CIO. Your team will support Stora Enso’s growth by delivering efficient, flexible, and future-ready Digital Foundation services. Your mission is to develop, optimize and scale IT and Digital capabilities that empower the company to unlock the full potential of data, accelerate digital transformation and strengthen AI-driven innovation and long-term value. 

You are responsible for defining and executing a unified strategy for Stora Enso’s Data & Network Services, including data management, integration platforms, hosting, and connectivity. Your work supports secure, flexible, and high-performing global operations, while enabling real-time insights, advanced analytics and AI innovation across Stora Enso’s business. 

 Your responsibilities 

• Shape and execute the vision and roadmap for Data and Network Services, ensuring alignment with Stora Enso’s digital strategy and business goals. Define long-term direction, prioritize key initiatives, and translate strategic objectives into actionable plans that drive efficiency, security, and business value. 

• Lead and oversee enterprise-wide data management and governance across the full lifecycle, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and security. Drive master data management, data quality, and regulatory compliance to enable trusted insights and responsible data use across all business areas. 

• Design, develop, and optimize Stora Enso’s integrated data ecosystem encompassing data platforms, integration layers, and analytics environments. Establish a unified, scalable architecture that ensures secure, low-latency data exchange across IT and OT domains, enabling real-time analytics, AI workloads, and resilient digital operations. 

• Deliver and manage secure, reliable, and flexible global network and connectivity services. Ensure seamless integration of on-premises IT/OT environments with cloud platforms, while maintaining high availability, performance, and cost efficiency. 

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement to enhance operational efficiency and technology capabilities. Foster experimentation, knowledge sharing, and adoption of emerging technologies to maintain a resilient, scalable, and future-ready digital environment 

Leadership principles 

As a senior leader, you will be a core architect of Stora Enso’s digital transformation and cultural shift. You are trusted to lead with a clear sense of purpose, embodying and driving the following principles: 

• Orchestrate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Shape and embed a culture of collaboration across IT and business teams. Break down silos with your decisions and actions and, thus, set the foundation for the delivery of Stora Enso’s Must Wins.  

• Own Strategic Alignment: Translate business strategy into the IT portfolio ensuring that every initiative, resource, and investment contribute to Stora Enso’s business priorities and communicate strategic decisions transparently and accessible to leaders and employees.  

• Drive Enterprise Value: Take and enforce decisions that prioritise the company's long-term health and financial success and optimize the strategic portfolio to improve EBIT and deliver measurable business value.  

• Lead for change and empowerment: Shape a culture of continuous learning and adaptability to change by guiding your leaders in identifying and nurturing their strengths and capabilities as transformational leaders. Lead yourself organizational change across IT and the business while ensuring Accountability, Agility, Ambition, and Alignment (our 4As) are consistently demonstrated.  

What you bring 

• Proven experience leading large-scale IT infrastructure, data, or network operations, preferably within industrial or manufacturing environments. 

• Deep understanding of data management, integration, hosting, and network architectures, including cloud, hybrid, and edge solutions. 

• Strategic and technical expertise in data platforms, master data management, and enterprise connectivity. 

• Demonstrated ability to drive complex transformation initiatives that enhance performance, efficiency, and business value. 

• Experience in building and governing large-scale IT ecosystems, with focus on reliability, scalability, and security. 

• Strong leadership in managing cross-functional teams, vendors, and technology partners. 

• Deep knowledge of data governance, information security, and regulatory compliance. 

• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, change management, and communication skills. 

• Analytical mindset and structured approach to prioritization, investment planning, and delivery excellence. 

• Curiosity and adaptability to explore new technologies and business models that strengthen digital capabilities. 

We offer 

You will be part of our diverse working culture which supports you in exploring new perspectives and developing professionally. You will contribute to a more sustainable world, as sustainability and innovation are at the core of our strategy. To keep you going safely, we support your physical and mental well-being. 

• Career growth opportunities within an international organisation 

• Access to modern technologies and digital tools 

• Professional development opportunities 

• Motivating additional benefits package 

• Hybrid work options and flexible working hours 

• Inspiring, sustainable, and innovation-driven work environment 

Role specific opportunities/things that we offer: 

• modern office in Ostrava in Organica Building
• working in hybrid model set up – office/home office
• lunch cards
• commuting allowance
• cafeteria
• pension insurance up to 5% from monthly gross salary
• yearly bonus
• parking place

How can you apply for this role? 

You can only submit your application to us by using our recruitment tool. As we are assessing our candidates on an ongoing basis, we hope to hear from you as soon as possible but at the latest on November 21st, 2025.

Our recruitment process could include pre-employment actions such as background, reference and health checks as well as a drug test.   

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Hiring Manager Hannele Palje-Rossi, CIO via email (hannele.palje-rossi@storaenso.com).