At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a mechanical team to enhance reliability and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Kemsley Paper Mill, a leader in the manufacturing industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mechanical reliability and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Engineering qualification and experience in mechanical maintenance required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
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
Lead Mechanical Engineer employer: SwiftCruit
At Kemsley Paper Mill, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a range of employee support programmes, all while working in a dynamic environment that encourages professional growth and collaboration with talented teams. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a world-class manufacturing setting where your expertise will be valued and your contributions recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Mechanical Engineer
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like SwiftCruit.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like SwiftCruit love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of SwiftCruit and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Mechanical Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for SwiftCruit and the Lead Mechanical Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at SwiftCruit
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at SwiftCruit.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at SwiftCruit.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with SwiftCruit, making you a more appealing candidate.
