At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead electrical engineering activities and solve complex challenges across our paper mills.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, life assurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Travel across Europe and collaborate with diverse teams for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and hands-on mechanical experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: UK or Europe (with travel across DS Smith Paper Mills)
We're looking for a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Electrical Engineering to join our central engineering function. This is a pivotal technical role where you'll lead on all electrical engineering activities across our paper mills in the UK and Europe. You'll be at the heart of our drive to continuously improve reliability, efficiency, and technical standards across our operations.
This is not a management position - this is a role for a highly skilled technical expert with deep mechanical engineering knowledge and a passion for solving complex engineering challenges. This role requires travel, both within the EU and outside, approximately 30-50% of the time, and a willingness to provide assistance 24/7 to manufacturing facilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the technical lead for electrical engineering across all DS Smith Paper mills
- Develop and implement best practices, standards, and specifications for mechanical systems and equipment
- Support site teams with troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and technical problem-solving
- Train and mentor engineering team members across multiple sites to build capability and drive knowledge transfer
- Collaborate with cross-divisional teams on capital projects, equipment upgrades, and strategic engineering initiatives
- Evaluate and introduce innovative mechanical solutions to improve safety, reliability, and performance
- Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, health & safety regulations, and internal policies
About You:
- Degree-qualified in Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Significant hands-on mechanical engineering experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment - ideally within heavy industry, paper, packaging, or process sectors
- In-depth understanding of power distribution, motors and drives, control systems and safety circuits
- Excellent diagnostic and analytical skills, with a track record of delivering technical solutions in complex environments
- Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-specialists
- Confident in training and mentoring others; able to build strong working relationships at all levels
- Willing and able to travel regularly across DS Smith sites in the UK and Europe
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- 25 days holiday plus 8 Bank Holidays
- Employee Discounts Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
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.
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. 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.
Locations
Electrical Reliability & Asset Management in Kent, Maidstone employer: DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the sustainable packaging sector, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training and mentoring opportunities, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. With competitive benefits, a culture of inclusion, and the chance to make a meaningful impact across our UK and European operations, joining us as an Electrical Reliability & Asset Management SME means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to sustainability and excellence.
Contact Details:
DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrical Reliability & Asset Management in Kent, Maidstone
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend engineering events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex engineering challenges in the past. We want to see your passion for electrical engineering shine through!
✨Be Ready to Travel
Since this role involves travel across DS Smith Paper Mills, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to hit the road. Show that you’re excited about the opportunity to work in different locations and collaborate with various teams. We love candidates who are up for an adventure!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in the world of sustainable packaging. Let’s do this together!
We think you need these skills to ace Electrical Reliability & Asset Management in Kent, Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Electrical Reliability & Asset Management role. Highlight your relevant experience in electrical engineering and any hands-on mechanical engineering work you've done. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your willingness to travel and support our teams across Europe.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of complex engineering challenges you've tackled. We love seeing how you approach troubleshooting and root cause analysis, so share those stories that demonstrate your analytical skills!
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. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at DS Smith!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your electrical engineering knowledge, especially around power distribution, motors, and control systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've solved complex problems, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to explain technical concepts to non-specialists, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex ideas to diverse teams or mentored others in your field.
✨Prepare for Travel Questions
Given the travel requirements, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and past experiences with travel. Highlight any previous roles where you had to manage time effectively while on the move, ensuring you can support multiple sites.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to walk through a specific instance where you conducted root cause analysis and implemented a solution. This will showcase your analytical skills and ability to improve reliability and efficiency in a practical setting.
