At a Glance
- Tasks: Improve production efficiency and reliability using your technical skills in a dynamic environment.
- 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: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by solving complex engineering problems and enhancing production performance.
- Qualifications: Engineering qualification and experience with high-speed industrial machinery preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
- Focus Improvement Technician – Corrugator
- Burscough
- £57,500
- Monday - Friday (40 hours per week)
As a Focus Improvement Technician, you will play a key role in improving the reliability, performance and efficiency of our production assets.
Working within a designated production area, you will use your technical expertise and problem-solving skills to identify recurring issues, reduce downtime and deliver sustainable improvements.
For the Corrugator area, you will be responsible for maintaining and improving high-speed corrugating lines, starch systems and associated equipment, including steam and boiler systems.
You will work closely with Production and Maintenance teams to ensure maximum equipment uptime, minimise waste and maintain consistently high-quality output.
The salary package includes compensation for undertaking up to 20 night and weekend holiday cover shifts annually.
Any holiday cover hours worked in excess of the employee's standard weekly contracted hours will be paid at the applicable overtime rate.
Your responsibilities will include
- Delivering planned, preventative and corrective maintenance across your designated production area.
- Acting as the technical subject matter expert for your assigned equipment and assets.
- Diagnosing and resolving mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and steam-system faults quickly and effectively.
- Supporting the reliable operation of high-speed corrugating equipment and associated systems.
- Carrying out precision alignment, calibration and installation of heavy machinery and corrugating rolls.
- Maintaining and troubleshooting starch preparation, pumping, piping and adhesive application systems.
- Testing and troubleshooting PLCs, sensors, drives and automated control systems.
- Supporting the identification and elimination of chronic equipment losses and recurring failures.
- Using root-cause analysis to identify underlying issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Carrying out predictive maintenance activities, including vibration analysis, thermal imaging and ultrasonic testing.
- Reviewing and improving maintenance routines to increase asset reliability and performance.
- Working closely with Production colleagues to build strong working relationships and minimise disruption to production.
- Accurately recording maintenance activity, findings and corrective actions within the CMMS.
- Supporting Maintenance Excellence, reliability and continuous improvement projects across the site.
- Ensuring all maintenance activities are completed safely and in line with site procedures and relevant engineering standards.
- P erson Specification
We are looking for a technically skilled and proactive maintenance professional who enjoys solving complex engineering problems and improving the reliability of industrial equipment.
You will ideally have
- A recognised engineering qualification such as an apprenticeship, NVQ Level 3/4 or equivalent in Mechanical, Electrical or Maintenance Engineering.
- Experience maintaining high-speed, heavy industrial machinery, ideally within corrugating, paper, packaging or continuous-process manufacturing environments.
- Strong mechanical engineering skills, with experience of hydraulics, pneumatics, steam systems and precision mechanical alignment.
- The ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, fluid power schematics and electrical wiring diagrams.
- Experience diagnosing equipment faults and carrying out effective root-cause analysis.
- Experience working with industrial PLCs, sensors, drives and automated control systems.
- An understanding of predictive maintenance techniques such as vibration analysis, thermal imaging and ultrasonic testing.
- Experience using a CMMS to manage and close maintenance work orders, ideally SAP, Maximo or a similar system.
- A strong focus on safety, quality and continuous improvement.
- The ability to work effectively with both Maintenance and Production teams.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving, with the confidence to challenge recurring issues and identify better ways of working.
- The ability to work safely around high-temperature equipment, steam systems and heavy industrial machinery.
Experience or training with corrugator OEMs such as BHS Corrugated, Fosber or Mitsubishi would be advantageous, as would experience with Siemens or Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC systems.
This is an opportunity to use your engineering expertise not only to keep equipment running, but to make lasting improvements that increase reliability, reduce downtime and improve overall production performance.
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.”
- #LI-SP
- #DSENG
Focused Improvement Technician (Corrugator) employer: DS Smith
DS Smith is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being in the vibrant location of Livingston, Scotland. With opportunities for personal growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as 25 days holiday and a pension scheme, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to meaningful production processes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Focused Improvement Technician (Corrugator)
✨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, 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 Focused Improvement Technician (Corrugator)
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 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
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with DS Smith, 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 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.
