At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering strategy and manage a high-performing team at Kemsley Paper Mill.
- Company: Join DS Smith Paper, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, 25 days holiday, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering while driving operational excellence and reliability.
- Qualifications: Strong engineering background with leadership experience in heavy industrial environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
DS Smith Paper is seeking an outstanding Engineering Director to lead the Engineering and Maintenance function at our Kemsley Paper Mill. As a key member of the Site Leadership Team, you will shape and deliver our engineering strategy, drive asset reliability and lead a high‑performing team across mechanical, electrical and automation disciplines. This role is ideal for a strategic engineering leader who excels in people management, long‑term planning and operational reliability.
About the Role
This role will be responsible for defining and implementing a site-wide engineering strategy that continuously improves reliability, reduces unplanned downtime and modernises how engineering supports the mill. You will lead a team of around 67 engineers, manage a substantial £21m R&M budget, and design what Engineering will look like over the next 2–3 years, and into the future – including structure, roles, systems and processes. You will be accountable for engineering standards, maintenance excellence, asset management, statutory compliance, supplier relationships and long‑term investment planning. Success in this role is measured by your ability to reduce unplanned engineering downtime across all major assets.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and role‑model a strong safety culture, ensuring all engineering work is carried out safely and in line with risk assessments and legal requirements.
- Build the right team structure and ensure all engineers are trained, competent and fully compliant.
- Develop and deliver the site’s long‑term engineering strategy, with a clear focus on improving reliability and reducing unplanned downtime.
- Embed continuous improvement across the Engineering function and support wider operational improvements.
- Create engineering investment plans and provide accurate financial forecasts for budgets and long‑term planning.
- Deliver clear, concise communication and reporting to support effective decision‑making across the site.
- Strengthen maintenance and asset management practices to achieve world‑class levels of reliability and asset availability.
- Improve planned and preventive maintenance systems, including SAP utilisation, spares management and workshop standards.
- Build strong relationships across the DS Smith Paper Division and with key suppliers to give the site rapid access to expertise and industry best practice.
- Ensure all engineering activities meet statutory requirements and follow DS Smith standards.
- Act on recommendations from audits, insurers and external specialists to continually reduce operational risk.
- Lead, develop and motivate a team of ~67 engineers, ensuring strong performance, capability building and succession planning.
- Oversee recruitment for all engineering roles and support the development of apprentices and early‑career talent.
- Set and monitor KPIs that drive department performance and positive behaviours.
About You
- Confident people leader with a strong engineering background and a proven ability to deliver operational reliability.
- Experience leading large engineering teams in a heavy industrial environment and a track record of improving asset performance.
- Comfortable influencing at all levels, managing complex budgets and building a multi‑year engineering roadmap.
- Chartered member of a relevant professional body or equivalent experience.
- Extensive engineering experience within a busy organisation is essential.
- Significant successful experience in management in a dynamic complex environment.
- Recognised maintenance leadership capability.
- Able to demonstrate in depth knowledge and experience of health and safety management and compliance management processes.
- Proven ability to influence decision making and build cross‑functional / cross‑company relationships.
- Experience managing budgets, operations, and forecasting.
- Strong problem‑solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
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 welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Site Engineering Director in England employer: DS Smith
At DS Smith Paper, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Kemsley Paper Mill where innovation and safety are at the forefront of our engineering strategy. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and a strong focus on team development, ensuring that our engineers thrive in their careers while contributing to world-class operational reliability. With competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance and a supportive culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of engineering excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Engineering Director in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work at DS Smith or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its engineering strategies. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute to reducing downtime and improving reliability. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
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 the team at DS Smith Paper. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Site Engineering Director in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Site Engineering Director role. Highlight your experience in leading engineering teams and managing budgets, as well as any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve operational reliability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for engineering strategy and how you plan to lead a high-performing team. Don't forget to mention your people management skills!
Showcase Your Achievements:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your past successes in similar roles. Use metrics where possible to illustrate how you've reduced downtime or improved asset performance – we love numbers!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Know Your Engineering Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the engineering strategy of the company. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and challenges, especially in relation to asset reliability and maintenance excellence. This will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your People Management Skills
As a Site Engineering Director, leading a team is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed large teams in the past, focusing on training, compliance, and performance improvement. Be ready to discuss your approach to building a strong safety culture and how you motivate your team.
✨Prepare for Budget Discussions
Given the substantial £21m R&M budget you'll be managing, brush up on your financial forecasting skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously managed budgets, made investment plans, and achieved cost efficiencies. Highlight any experience you have with SAP or similar systems.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The role requires a focus on continuous improvement and operational reliability. Think of specific examples where you've implemented improvements in engineering processes or maintenance systems. Discuss how you measure success through KPIs and how you’ve driven positive behaviours in your previous roles.
