Position Overview The OCC Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the newly commissioned, state-of-the-art Valmet OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) recycling plant. This facility processes 100% recycled fibre to supply stock for the high-capacity PM3 containerboard line. You will lead a high-performing operations team, driving continuous improvement in fibre yield, safety, pulp quality, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Key Responsibilities Operational Excellence & Production - Manage day-to-day operations of the entire OCC plant, including the bale feeding systems, pulping, screening, cleaning, and refining stages. - Ensure a reliable supply of high-quality recycled fibre stock that meets the strict technical specifications required by the PM3 board machine. - Monitor process parameters (e.g., consistency, freeness, reject rates) to maximise fibre yield and minimise chemical and energy consumption. - Troubleshoot complex process bottlenecks and collaborate with engineering teams on root cause analysis (RCA). Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) - Enforce an uncompromised safety culture, ensuring complete compliance with UK health and safety regulations (including HASAWA, COSHH, and PUWER). - Oversee reject handling and water loops in the OCC area to support the mill's "near-zero effluent" environmental targets. - Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, and implement safe systems of work (SSOW). Team Leadership & Development - Lead, mentor, and upskill a dedicated team of OCC shift supervisors, process operators, and general operatives. - Design and deliver training programs on the advanced automation and Valmet DCS/QCS systems. - Manage team performance, attendance, and shift rotas to maintain full 24/7 operational capability. Maintenance & Asset Management - Partner with the OCC Maintenance Engineer to plan and execute routine preventive and planned maintenance shutdowns. - Minimise unplanned downtime by ensuring quick diagnosis and resolution of equipment breakdowns. - Manage the budget for the OCC area, including tracking expenditures on spare parts, consumables, and raw material processing costs. Investigation Script Page 1 of 2[Şirkete Özel / Internal Only] Candidate Profile Experience & Qualifications - Experience: Minimum 5+ years of operational management or senior supervisory experience within a large-scale paper/board mill or high-volume recycled pulp/fibre plant. - Technical Knowledge: Deep expertise in recycled fibre preparation, OCC pulping, screening technologies, and wastepaper contamination removal. - Education: A Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Paper Technology, or a relevant industrial discipline is highly preferred. - Automation: Practical experience operating with modern DCS (Distributed Control Systems) and automation layouts. - Safety: Formally trained in industrial safety management (e.g., NEBOSH Certificate or IOSH Managing Safely). Key Skills - Leadership: Strong, visible leadership style with the ability to motivate teams in a fast-paced environment. - Analytical Thinking: Data-driven problem solver capable of interpreting complex process data to fix inefficiencies. - Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with raw material sourcing teams, maintenance crews, and senior mill directors. Benefits - Competitive annual salary (dependent on experience) - Fantastic company pension scheme with 10% employer contribution - Private medical insurance for you and your family - Group Income Protection - 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays - 12 half days pa - Opportunities for professional growth within a multi-billion-pound international holding group
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Mechspan Recruitment and Consulting Recruitment Team