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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a mechanical team to ensure top-notch uptime and tackle maintenance challenges.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leading FTSE100 company revolutionising sustainable packaging globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team driving positive change in the packaging industry.
- Qualifications: Engineering qualification and experience in mechanical maintenance, preferably in paper mills.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage all candidates to apply, regardless of qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
Lead Mechanical Engineer
Kemsley Paper Mill
About the role: 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 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.
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Contact Detail:
DS Smith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechanical Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific mechanical systems used in paper mills. Understanding the unique challenges and maintenance requirements of these systems will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the paper manufacturing industry. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the Lead Mechanical Engineer position.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams in past roles. Be prepared to discuss specific situations where your dynamic leadership made a difference in maintenance outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research DS Smith's recent projects and initiatives in sustainability and innovation. Showing that you understand their mission and values will help you stand out as a candidate who aligns with their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in mechanical maintenance, particularly in heavy industrial process manufacturing. Emphasise any leadership roles and specific achievements that align with the responsibilities of a Lead Mechanical Engineer.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your engineering qualifications, experience with CMMS systems, and any specific knowledge of paper mill maintenance to demonstrate your fit for the position.
Highlight Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your dynamic leadership skills and experience in managing teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully led maintenance projects or improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Include examples of how you've conducted root cause analysis and solved common problems in past positions. This will illustrate your analytical skills and ability to contribute to the ongoing development of assets.
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you'll be expected to lead a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles and any specific technologies relevant to the paper manufacturing industry. Be ready to discuss your experience with CMMS systems and how you've used them to improve maintenance processes.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to perform root cause analysis and solve common mechanical issues. Prepare examples from your previous roles where you've identified problems and implemented effective solutions.
✨Engage with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with DS Smith's commitment to sustainability and innovation. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of redefining packaging for a changing world.
