At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering activities, drive performance improvements, and manage a multi-skilled team.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes leadership role at a major manufacturing site.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering and proven leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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 doing:
- Lead all engineering activities within your area, covering both planned and reactive maintenance
- Drive improvements in asset reliability, availability, and performance
- Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental standards, embedding a strong safety culture
- Own and deliver against engineering KPIs, working closely with the Area Production Manager to optimise machine performance
- Identify, scope, and deliver engineering improvement projects
- Manage budgets effectively, ensuring cost-efficient delivery of all activities
- Analyse performance data to eliminate repeat and single-point failures
- Embed a proactive maintenance approach, with a strong focus on condition-based monitoring
- Lead the planning and execution of 7-day maintenance plans and major shutdowns
- Ensure effective breakdown response through strong coordination with shift teams
- Develop your team through regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and structured development plans
About you:
- Significant experience in mechanical engineering, ideally within paper, process, or heavy industry
- Working knowledge of Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) disciplines
- Proven experience leading and developing multi-skilled engineering teams
- Strong understanding of maintenance strategies, including planned and condition-based maintenance
- Data-driven mindset, with the ability to turn insights into tangible improvements
- Highly organised, structured, and able to manage competing priorities
- A proactive, ownership-driven leader who thrives on continuous improvement
- Committed to building and sustaining a high-performing, collaborative team culture
What we can offer you:
- Competitive salary
- Qualifying Sick Pay scheme
- Pension scheme & Life insurance
- Share Save scheme
- Income Protection
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Virtual GP, Occupational Health & free Flu vaccine
- Cycle 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. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Area Engineering Leader: Reliability & Performance employer: DS Smith Europe
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Kemsley Paper Mill where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our operations. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through structured development plans and a collaborative culture that encourages continuous improvement, while our competitive benefits package ensures that our team members feel valued and supported. Join us in making a positive impact as part of a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Engineering Leader: Reliability & Performance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Kemsley Paper Mill or similar companies on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company’s values and recent projects. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around reliability and performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you’ve led teams to success, tackled challenges, and driven improvements. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at DS Smith.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Engineering Leader: Reliability & Performance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your mechanical engineering background and any leadership roles you've had, especially in multi-skilled teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Area Engineering Leader role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance improvements and led teams in the past.
Showcase Your Data-Driven Mindset:Since this role requires a data-driven approach, include examples of how you've used performance data to make tangible improvements in previous positions. We love seeing numbers that back up your achievements!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Europe
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially in the context of the paper and heavy industries. Be ready to discuss specific maintenance strategies and how you've implemented them in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multi-skilled teams. Think about times when you’ve developed team members or driven performance improvements, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Since this role requires a data-driven mindset, come prepared with examples of how you've used performance data to make tangible improvements. Discuss any KPIs you've managed and how you ensured compliance with safety standards.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific engineering challenges or breakdowns. Think through potential scenarios related to maintenance planning and team coordination, and be ready to explain your thought process.
