At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic engineering team and drive performance through innovative maintenance strategies.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to positive change and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while championing sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and proven leadership experience in manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for an Engineering Manager at our Retail Marketing site in Ely. This is a key leadership role responsible for both the strategic and day-to-day delivery of the engineering function, supporting a fast-paced, customer-focused operation. You will lead a small but highly capable team, ensuring high performance, strong engagement, and ongoing development across the function.
Alongside people leadership, you will take ownership of the commercial performance of engineering, balancing cost control with operational efficiency and service delivery. The role is accountable for ensuring all site equipment is maintained to the highest standard, driving reliability and minimising downtime. A strong focus will be placed on data-led decision making, including tracking and improving key metrics such as MTTR (Mean Time to Repair) and MTTP (Mean Time to Production/Performance), alongside wider engineering KPIs.
You will lead the development and execution of the maintenance strategy, ensuring it aligns with business needs while continuously improving performance through robust reporting, analysis, and improvement initiatives. We're looking for a credible and forward-thinking leader who champions DS Smith values, thrives in a commercial environment, and brings a proactive, continuous improvement mindset.
Key Responsibilities- Lead, coach and develop a small engineering team (Engineers, Apprentices, and Team Lead)
- Manage the commercial aspects of the engineering function, including budgeting and cost control
- Drive equipment reliability and performance through effective maintenance strategies
- Monitor and improve key performance metrics including MTTR and MTTP
- Own and enhance engineering data reporting, using insights to drive decisions and improvements
- Ensure effective planning and execution of maintenance to minimise disruption to production
- Drive compliance and continuous improvement in HSER standards
- Support site-wide operational performance through strong cross-functional collaboration
- Degree qualified or equivalent in an Engineering discipline
- Proven experience in an engineering management role within a manufacturing or production environment
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing small to medium-sized teams
- Experience managing budgets and commercial performance within an engineering function
- Strong analytical mindset with experience in data reporting and KPI management (e.g. MTTR, MTTP)
- Sound knowledge of continuous improvement tools and techniques
- Competent in Microsoft Office and familiar with SAP systems
- Proven ability to perform in a customer-centric, commercially driven environment
- Strong decision-making capability, particularly under pressure
- Ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders across the business
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.
Engineering Manager employer: DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Ely where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our operations. As an Engineering Manager, you will lead a talented team while enjoying competitive benefits such as a robust pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive culture that values diversity and continuous improvement. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a global leader committed to creating a sustainable future.
Contact Details:
DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to engineering and maintenance, especially around metrics like MTTR and MTTP. This will help you showcase how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've developed teams and driven performance improvements. Highlight your analytical mindset and how you've used data to make decisions in past roles.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at DS Smith and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Engineering Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, budget management, and any relevant engineering metrics you've worked with.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance improvements or led teams in previous positions, and don’t forget to mention your passion for sustainability!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since data-led decision making is key for this role, be sure to include any experience you have with KPIs like MTTR and MTTP. We want to see how you've used data to make impactful decisions in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
✨Know Your Engineering Metrics
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators like MTTR and MTTP. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in your previous roles. This shows you understand the commercial side of engineering and can make data-led decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills, especially in managing small teams. Think about how you've coached and developed team members in the past, and be ready to share specific success stories that demonstrate your ability to engage and motivate others.
✨Understand the Business Needs
Research DS Smith and its values thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how your engineering strategies can align with their business goals. Showing that you understand the company's mission and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about handling challenges in a fast-paced environment. Think of scenarios where you've had to balance cost control with operational efficiency. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
