Head of Innovation
I-Valo
I-Valo Oy is a Finnish lighting manufacturer and a proud member of the Swedish listed Fagerhult Group. Established in 1971, we have been at the forefront of the lighting industry for over five decades. We deliver cutting-edge lighting solutions to our customers. Our luminaires are designed to meet the unique requirements of various industrial sectors, including the pulp and paper industry, metal industry, power plants, mines, and more. At I-Valo, we offer more than just products – we provide comprehensive lighting solutions. Our professional lighting planning service ensures that every project is meticulously designed to optimize safety, productivity, and efficiency. From initial concept to installation, we work closely with our clients to deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations. We are committed to innovation and sustainability. We leverage the latest techniques in the field to ensure that our products and services remain at the forefront of technological advancement. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. From design to production, we take proactive measures to minimize our environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices.
Join us in illuminating the future of industrial lighting.
Head of Innovation
We are looking for an experienced and innovative R&D professional to strengthen our team and take responsibility for steering the future of our product development. In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to make an impact on our business and lead I-Valo towards the next generation technology in lighting.
Our production and headquarters are based in Iittala, Finland, but we embrace a flexible hybrid working model.
Your Role
In this pivotal role, you will report directly to the CEO and serve as a key member of the management team, driving profitable and sustainable growth through product design and innovation and turnaround in development operations. You will define and deliver I-Valo’s customer-centric design and innovation strategy, building customer understanding to anticipate market trends and turn them into competitive products.
Your responsibilities include leading product development initiatives with close collaboration across sales, marketing, and production teams, while assuming full responsibility for product safety, feasibility, functionality and performance. You will lead and mentor a team of 2 experienced designers and a talented product manager, developing and refining product development processes and tools.
A core aspect involves inspiring and empowering innovation culture at I-Valo, effectively communicating our vision internally and externally while maintaining active cooperation within the Fagerhult Group and building partnerships with suppliers and external service providers. You will set, track, and react to business relevant KPIs through effective market and business data analysis, taking project lead of strategic multi-stakeholder development projects that shape the company’s future and enable significant business growth over the next years.
Requirements for Success
- Technical experience in the field of innovation and product development, especially with electrical devices, components, or similar, providing strong expertise in the field
- An engineering degree in a relevant discipline (electrical and/or mechanical)
- Experience in leading people in design/technical teams with strong leadership abilities and the capacity to motivate and develop a team
- Robust project management skills with strong experience of effectively managing and delivering projects on time and within budget
- Commercially minded with experience of matching great ideas with company ambition/capability and profit potential
- The ability to investigate and implement new technologies, processes and initiatives
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills
- Fluency in both Finnish and English
- An innovative mindset and the ability to renew operational practices, with analytical, strategic, and gently disruptive thinking
- Experience within the lighting industry, as well as knowledge of related fields such as manufacturing or the built environment, is a plus.
What We Offer
We offer a competitive salary and bonus scheme, along with the chance to make a real impact on the company’s development. Enjoy flexible hybrid work that supports your work-life balance and comprehensive employee benefits. You will have access to a broad network of expertise and resources within the Fagerhult Group, allowing you to learn from and share best practices with other R&D teams. This role provides the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for sustainability, energy efficiency, connectivity, and the circular economy. You will thrive in a culture that values creativity, experimentation, and collaboration, while building strong relationships across all relevant areas.
How to Apply
Submit your CV including your desired salary via Compass HR Group through the below “Apply for position” button, no later than August 22, 2025. We will review applications throughout the application period. For more information, please contact Compass HR Group’s consultants Vivi Stening (phone: +358 500 773755, email: vivi.stening@compasshrg.fi) or Ville Lappi (phone: +358 505 777 575, email: ville.lappi@compasshrg.fi).
Compass Human Resources Group has existed since 1982. Today, we are an international organisation with offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the UK. We are specialized in Executive Search and Recruitment.
