Ilari Puputti began his career as a mail deliverer straight after the army. Now, he develops circular economy solutions in Finland, the Baltics, and the Nordics – and knows what can happen when you dare to speak up at the right moment.
Ilari Puputti started delivery work at Posti immediately after his military service. The job was supposed to be temporary, but nine months later, when it was time to start his studies, Posti didn’t stay idle – quite the opposite. One bold conversation and a genuine interest in logistics led him to unexpected roles.
Today, Puputti helps build international logistics solutions that support circular economy business in Finland, the Baltics, and the Nordics. Posti’s internal Venture Building program led him to a multinational team where new services are developed like in a startup. Clients include Telia, Nanso, and Houdini Sportswear.
”If someone had told me on the delivery route that I would one day build international service packages, I wouldn’t have believed it. But every phase has led to this point,” Puputti says.
Read the three career crossroads of Ilari Puputti – and how they took him from the field to international development roles:
1. From the delivery route to development – one idea changed the course
I thought delivery work would be a temporary solution after military service, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The work was physical and concrete, a welcome change after army life. I could move around and do things independently at my own pace.
Over time, I began to notice small things that slowed the work down or felt unnecessary. Instead of just thinking about them, I wrote down my observations.
When the area manager visited the delivery point, I decided to bring up my ideas. I was nervous, as I had never presented development suggestions to management before, but I wanted to be constructive. Instead of complaining, I suggested concrete solutions.
To my surprise, I was taken seriously. The area manager followed up later, and when I returned to Posti alongside my studies, I got to continue working on delivery planning. That’s when I realized that taking initiative can truly make a difference – and that Posti could be a place to grow and develop professionally.
2. When the Covid halted everyday life, a new commercial product was born
I started studying industrial engineering and management in Tampere but soon wanted more hands-on work. I moved back to Helsinki and returned to work at Posti. I got involved in development projects in the capital region, and one of the biggest challenges of my career came up shortly thereafter.
In spring of 2020, the Covid pandemic emptied the headquarters. As people shifted to remote work, internal mail was left uncollected and piled up on shelves. The situation needed a solution.
I was responsible for designing and implementing a new concept that shifted internal mail distribution to a centralized system using an automated locker. Users received notifications of incoming mail, and the process became significantly more efficient. I personally presented the solution to Posti’s management team, and it was later developed into a commercial product.
After the project, I moved to Posti’s development team, where I started developing and commercializing new services. I learned a lot about business and was given room to test my ideas in practice. The career that started in fieldwork had opened a path toward service development and innovation.
3. Startup-style development work led to building more sustainable logistics
Today, I’m responsible at Posti for customer accounts and partnerships related to circular economy solutions in six different countries. We help our clients – such as Telia, Nanso, and Houdini Sportswear – build logistics solutions that enable the resale and rental of used or returned products.
It all started when I applied to Posti’s internal Venture Building program. I joined a small international team tasked with building an entirely new business area with a customer-centric approach. We met clients, tested ideas, and spent a lot of time in the field to understand everyday challenges. The work felt like being part of a startup, but with the resources of a large organization.
This role combines everything that motivates me: sustainability, business development, and international collaboration. Every project is an opportunity to create something new and build a more sustainable future with our clients.
Ilari Puputti’s Top 5 reasons to apply for a job at Posti
1. Posti’s scale enables career development
”Posti is a large operator where you can grow into very different roles. Operations span over Finland, the Baltics, and the Nordics, and business is constantly evolving. International solutions are part of everyday life, which offers individuals plenty of opportunities to learn and advance.”
2. Logistics opens a window into different industries
”Logistics touches nearly all companies. I’ve had the chance to dive into the businesses of electronics, fashion, and rental services, because they all need functioning logistics solutions. The work gives an exceptionally broad understanding of how different industries operate.”
3. Flat hierarchy encourages responsibility
”At Posti, it’s easy to talk with supervisors and management when there’s a reason. Age or title doesn’t matter here – good ideas are heard. That makes taking responsibility feel more accessible.”
4. Commercial impact and meaningfulness go hand in hand
”Posti operates commercially but also carries strong societal responsibility. This combination feels meaningful. We develop services that matter – not just for efficiency’s sake, but because they also have a big-picture impact.”
5. Work adapts to life situations
”I started as a mail deliverer after the army and continued working alongside my studies. Now, as a father of two young children, I appreciate the flexibility. At Posti, work adapts to changing life situations, and roles can change as needed.”
Career story created in cooperation with Duunitori. Author: Janette Rosi Photographer: Niko Raappana