Area Engineering Manager
All the relevant skills, qualifications and experience that a successful applicant will need are listed in the following description.
Kemsley Paper Mill
We have an exciting opportunity for an Area Engineering Manager to join our Kemsley Paper Mill and play a key role in driving performance within one of the UK’s largest and most complex manufacturing sites.
In this role, you’ll take full ownership of engineering delivery within your designated area-leading a multi-skilled team to maximise reliability, performance, and continuous improvement. Working in close partnership with Production and other operational teams, you’ll ensure that engineering excellence underpins everything we do.
This is a high-impact leadership position where you’ll combine technical expertise, people leadership, and strategic thinking to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.
What you’ll be doingLead all engineering activities within your area, covering both planned and reactive maintenanceDrive improvements in asset reliability, availability, and performanceEnsure full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental standards , embedding a strong safety cultureOwn and deliver against engineering KPIs, working closely with the Area Production Manager to optimise machine performanceIdentify, scope, and deliver engineering improvement projectsManage budgets effectively, ensuring cost-efficient delivery of all activitiesAnalyse performance data to eliminate repeat and single-point failuresEmbed a proactive maintenance approach, with a strong focus on condition-based monitoringLead the planning and execution of 7-day maintenance plans and major shutdownsEnsure effective breakdown response through strong coordination with shift teamsDevelop your team through regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and structured development plans
Callout rota: This role includes participation in a callout rota (1 week in every 8), supporting escalated issues as required.
About youSignificant experience in mechanical engineering , ideally within paper, process, or heavy industryWorking knowledge of Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) disciplinesProven experience leading and developing multi-skilled engineering teamsStrong understanding of maintenance strategies , including planned and condition-based maintenanceData-driven mindset, with the ability to turn insights into tangible improvementsHighly organised, structured, and able to manage competing prioritiesA proactive, ownership-driven leader who thrives on continuous improvementCommitted to building and sustaining a high-performing, collaborative team culture
What we can offer you:Competitive salaryQualifying Sick Pay schemePension scheme & Life insuranceShare Save schemeIncome Protection25 days holiday plus Bank HolidaysEmployee Assistance ProgrammeVirtual GP, Occupational Health & free Flu vaccineCycle to Work and shopping discounts
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products.We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation,manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. xwzovoh We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
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