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Supplier Quality and Sustainability Manager

UPM • China • Added on Aug 19, 2026
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This role centers on governing the environmental and social integrity of the supply chain for UPM Specialty Materials. You will lead the development of a long-term supplier management framework, moving beyond simple compliance to drive strategic value through risk management and performance optimization. Your daily focus involves qualifying new partners, conducting rigorous audits, and ensuring that every external vendor aligns with the company’s high quality and ethical standards.

The position is a critical engine for UPM’s Scope 3 decarbonization efforts, specifically driving the ambitious ‘-30 by 30’ program across the Asia-Pacific region. By enhancing supplier capabilities in sustainability and chemistry, you directly influence the footprint of renewable materials that replace fossil-based alternatives globally. It is an opportunity to transform a massive industrial value chain from the inside out.

This suits someone who possesses a deep technical understanding of the materials or chemical industry and thrives on influencing international stakeholders. You should be an analytical strategist who can bridge the gap between high-level ESG goals and ground-level operational excellence.

Perguntas frequentes da vaga

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The core mission involves establishing a robust supplier management framework that integrates quality and sustainability into the procurement lifecycle. You will define the strategy for Specialty Materials, categorizing and segmenting suppliers based on risk and performance profiles. Responsibility extends to the execution of supplier audits using international frameworks like EcoVadis and Together for Sustainability (TfS). You will follow through on corrective actions, ensuring that deviations are managed and that all purchased products meet UPM's rigorous environmental and ethical standards. Furthermore, you will lead regional decarbonization initiatives, specifically focusing on the company’s Scope 3 targets. This involves working directly with partners to build their sustainability capabilities and monitoring progress through defined KPIs and structured development plans.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep exposure to the Together for Sustainability (TfS) network, an industry-leading initiative that defines the global standard for chemical supply chains. You will learn how to apply these frameworks in a complex APAC context, navigating regional regulatory and operational nuances. The role provides a masterclass in Scope 3 carbon accounting and value chain engagement. Working on the '-30 by 30' program will build technical expertise in how a global multinational translates science-based targets into actionable supplier development projects. Additionally, you will refine your cross-functional leadership skills by acting as the key liaison between global sourcing teams, R&D, and external production partners, offering a holistic view of the bio-based material economy.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings at least five years of experience in sourcing or supplier management, ideally with a background in chemicals, forestry, or materials science. A Bachelor's degree is required, though a Master's degree in a technical or sustainability field is highly valued. Technical proficiency in auditing and risk assessment is essential. You should be comfortable navigating ESG data and using analytical tools to drive fact-based decisions. Fluency in both English and Chinese is mandatory for effective communication across global and local levels. Soft skills are just as vital; we look for a strategic partner who can influence senior stakeholders and lead external suppliers through change. A mindset geared toward continuous improvement and ethical conduct is fundamental to the UPM culture.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your specific experience with supply chain traceability and regional sustainability risks in China and the wider APAC region. Highlight instances where you didn't just find a problem in an audit, but actively partnered with a supplier to improve their environmental performance. Your application should reflect a clear understanding of UPM's 'Future Beyond Fossils' mission. Tailor your resume to show how your technical quality expertise can be applied to decarbonization and renewable materials, showing that you see quality and sustainability as two sides of the same coin. Prepare to discuss your familiarity with global ESG reporting frameworks and how you have managed complex stakeholder relationships in a multinational environment. Consistency in demonstrating UPM's values—trust, renewal, and achieving together—will be key during the interview process.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

This role is a primary driver for decarbonization of the value chain. You will be responsible for the '-30 by 30' program, which aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of suppliers and raw materials by 2030. There is a strong focus on social responsibility and human rights within the supply chain. You will be tasking with ensuring that all regional partners adhere to UPM’s Code of Conduct and international labor standards, mitigating risks in the APAC sourcing landscape. Finally, the role focuses on circularity and material health. By overseeing supplier quality, you ensure that the inputs for UPM’s renewable materials are safe, compliant with chemical regulations, and support the broader transition to a circular bioeconomy.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One significant challenge is aligning diverse supplier capabilities with UPM's ambitious global standards. Not all regional partners will be at the same level of sustainability maturity, requiring patient but firm guidance to achieve compliance. Managing the complexity of Scope 3 data can also be difficult. Collecting accurate, verifiable carbon and environmental data from deep within the supply chain requires persistence and sophisticated analytical oversight to ensure reporting integrity. Lastly, balancing cost-efficiency with high ESG standards in a competitive market like China requires high-level negotiation and strategic thinking to prove the long-term value of sustainable sourcing to internal and external stakeholders.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a coordination meeting with the global Sourcing team in Europe to align on strategic supplier categorization and upcoming audit schedules. You might then spend the morning analyzing audit reports or EcoVadis scores to identify high-risk areas. Afternoons are often dedicated to external engagement, which could involve a site visit to a supplier in the region or a virtual workshop to train a partner on new decarbonization protocols. You will act as a consultant, helping them understand how to meet UPM's expectations. The day usually wraps up with internal stakeholder management, perhaps presenting sustainability performance data to the Business Area leadership or collaborating with procurement to select new suppliers based on a robust qualification process.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This role offers a clear path toward Global Sustainability Leadership or Senior Sourcing roles. Because you are at the intersection of quality and ESG, you develop a versatile profile that is highly sought after in modern industrial management. There are opportunities to lead high-visibility strategic projects, such as regional implementation of the Together for Sustainability initiative, which puts you in contact with global leaders in the chemical and material industries. UPM’s international presence allows for geographical mobility and cross-business area moves. Excelling in this role could lead to executive positions in Procurement, Supply Chain Strategy, or Corporate ESG, given the increasing importance of value chain management.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include the Global Sourcing and Procurement teams, with whom you will collaborate to integrate sustainability into buying decisions. You will also work closely with the VP of Sourcing for Specialty Materials and the global ESG team. External stakeholders are primarily suppliers and raw material producers across the APAC region. You will interact with their quality and sustainability officers to drive compliance and improvement programs. You will also engage with industry bodies and networks like Together for Sustainability (TfS) and EcoVadis, representing UPM in regional forums to stay ahead of regulatory changes and industry best practices.

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