At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a mechanical team to enhance reliability and efficiency in a fast-paced paper mill.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mechanical reliability and continuous improvement in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Engineering qualification and experience in mechanical maintenance required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Engineering team at Kemsley Paper Mill. Reporting to the Area Engineering Manager, you will play a key role in maintaining and improving world-class mechanical uptime, supporting production performance and driving continuous improvement across our assets. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll take ownership of mechanical reliability by leading the mechanical craft team, planning and delivering successful maintenance shuts, and responding quickly and effectively to reactive issues.
Working closely with both the Engineering and Production teams, you'll monitor equipment performance, troubleshoot breakdowns, and identify long-term improvements to strengthen reliability and efficiency. You will also engage and manage external contractors and suppliers, ensuring the right support is in place for planned and reactive maintenance activities. A key part of the role is diagnosing recurring issues through root cause analysis, implementing sustainable fixes, and contributing to the strategic development of our paper machines. If you're passionate about mechanical reliability, leadership, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment - this is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the mechanical craft team to deliver safe, efficient, high-quality maintenance
- Plan, coordinate and execute major maintenance shuts and shutdown activities
- Respond dynamically to breakdowns and reactive maintenance requirements
- Work closely with Engineering and Production teams to monitor and improve asset performance
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to eliminate repeat failures
- Manage external contractors and suppliers to support maintenance activities
- Drive continuous improvement and support longer-term reliability strategies
- Contribute to strategic development and improvement of paper machine assets
What we're looking for
- A recognised Engineering qualification (time-served apprenticeship and/or Engineering Degree)
- Proven experience in mechanical maintenance within a heavy industrial process manufacturing environment
- Strong leadership capability with a proactive, dynamic approach
- Excellent attention to detail and high standards of safety and quality
- Confident user of a CMMS system, able to manage and utilise maintenance data effectively
- Experience in maintenance planning (highly advantageous)
- Paper mill maintenance experience preferred - particularly liner and fluting production environments
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 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.
Mechanical Engineer / Lead Engineer - Design @ Netherlands in Sittingbourne employer: DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration at our Kemsley Paper Mill in the Netherlands. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, all while working in a fast-paced environment that values safety and quality. Join us to make a meaningful impact in sustainable packaging solutions and enjoy a supportive workplace that prioritises your well-being and career advancement.
Contact Details:
DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineer / Lead Engineer - Design @ Netherlands in Sittingbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in manufacturing. They might know about openings or can refer you directly, which gives you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled mechanical issues in the past and how you can drive continuous improvement at Kemsley Paper Mill.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific projects where you led maintenance teams or improved mechanical reliability. Real examples make a big impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at DS Smith.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineer / Lead Engineer - Design @ Netherlands in Sittingbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Mechanical Engineer role. Highlight your mechanical maintenance experience and leadership capabilities, as these are key for us at Kemsley Paper Mill.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about mechanical reliability and how you can contribute to our continuous improvement efforts. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use specific examples of how you've improved mechanical uptime or led successful maintenance projects. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity 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 mechanical engineering principles and the specific technologies used in paper mills. Familiarise yourself with common maintenance practices and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past roles.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your proactive approach and any specific instances where your leadership made a difference in maintenance outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Expect questions that test your troubleshooting skills. Think of scenarios where you've diagnosed issues and implemented sustainable fixes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Engage with Continuous Improvement
Demonstrate your passion for continuous improvement by discussing any initiatives you've led or been part of. Be specific about the results achieved and how they contributed to overall efficiency and reliability in previous roles.
