At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, and employee assistance programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving continuous improvement and enhancing equipment performance.
- Qualifications: A Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship or higher, with leadership experience in engineering.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 44567 £ per year.
- Engineering Team Leader
- Featherstone Monday – Friday | Days
At DS Smith, we’re looking for an experienced Engineering Team Leader to join our Featherstone manufacturing site.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an established engineering leader who enjoys developing people, improving reliability, and driving continuous improvement within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you’ll lead the day‑to‑day activities of the engineering team, ensuring maintenance is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standard.
You’ll also act as the Engineering Manager’s deputy, providing leadership and decision‑making support during periods of absence and helping drive the wider engineering strategy across the site.
This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll balance people management, maintenance planning, asset reliability and continuous improvement, while working closely with Production and other site functions to maximise equipment performance and operational efficiency.
- What you’ll be doing
- Lead, coach and develop a team of maintenance engineers, creating a high‑performing and engaged engineering function.
- Support the Engineering Manager and provide operational leadership in their absence.
- Ensure preventative, predictive and reactive maintenance activities are planned and completed effectively.
- Drive the site’s Asset Care strategy to improve reliability, reduce downtime and maximise equipment performance.
- Manage engineering activities through the site’s maintenance management system, ensuring work is prioritised, planned and completed to a high standard.
- Create and deliver training and development plans, ensuring engineers remain competent and compliant with statutory requirements.
- Manage team performance, providing coaching, feedback and development opportunities.
- Champion a strong health and safety culture, ensuring compliance with company standards, contractor management and safe systems of work.
- Lead communication across engineering and operations, including safety updates, breakdown reviews, handovers and maintenance planning.
- Monitor machine condition, investigate engineering non‑conformances and implement corrective actions.
- Support site capital projects, equipment installations and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain engineering documentation, preventative maintenance schedules and audit compliance.
- Ensure workshop standards, housekeeping and engineering stores are maintained to a high standard.
About you
We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent leadership skills and is ready to take ownership of engineering performance across the site.
- You’ll ideally have
- A Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship (or higher qualification) in a mechanical, electrical or multi‑skilled discipline.
- Previous experience within a fast‑paced manufacturing or FMCG environment.
- Proven experience leading or supervising engineering teams.
- A proactive approach to people leadership, coaching and performance management.
- Experience delivering preventative and predictive maintenance strategies.
- Knowledge of maintenance planning systems (SAP experience would be advantageous).
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills with the ability to prioritise in a busy production environment.
- Experience working collaboratively with production and cross‑functional teams.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- A passion for continuous improvement, reliability and developing others.
- 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.
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Engineering Team Leader employer: DS Smith Europe
As a Quality and Technical Lead in our Packaging Division, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Our company fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development while working closely with international teams. Located in a vibrant region, we provide a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly impact our commitment to quality excellence and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Team Leader
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like DS Smith Europe, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to DS Smith Europe specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Europe
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with DS Smith Europe, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like DS Smith Europe value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
