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Site Engineering Director
Site Engineering Director – Kemsley Paper Mill (Onsite)
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 involves:
- Defining and implementing a site-wide engineering strategy that continuously improves reliability, reduces unplanned downtime, and modernises engineering support for the mill.
- Leading a team of around 67 engineers, managing a substantial £21m R&M budget, and designing the future structure, roles, systems, and processes of the Engineering function over the next 2–3 years and beyond.
- Ensuring accountability for engineering standards, maintenance excellence, asset management, statutory compliance, supplier relationships, and long-term investment planning.
- Measuring success through reducing unplanned engineering downtime across all major assets.
Key Responsibilities
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Safety Leadership
- Lead and role-model a strong safety culture, ensuring all engineering work is conducted safely in line with risk assessments and legal requirements.
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Team Management & Development
- Build the right team structure and ensure engineers are trained, competent, and fully compliant.
- Recruit, develop, and motivate a team of ~67 engineers, focusing on performance, capability building, and succession planning.
- Set and monitor KPIs that drive departmental performance and positive behaviours.
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Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop and deliver the site’s long-term engineering strategy, with a focus on reliability and reducing unplanned downtime.
- Embed continuous improvement across the Engineering function and support wider operational enhancements.
- Create engineering investment plans and provide accurate financial forecasts for budgets and long-term planning.
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Asset & Maintenance Excellence
- Strengthen maintenance and asset management practices to achieve world-class reliability and asset availability.
- Improve planned and preventive maintenance systems, including SAP utilisation, spares management, and workshop standards.
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Compliance & Relationships
- Ensure all engineering activities meet statutory requirements and DS Smith standards.
- Respond to audits, insurers, and external specialists to reduce operational risk.
- Build strong relationships with DS Smith Paper Division and key suppliers to access expertise and industry best practices.
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Stakeholder Communication
- Provide clear, concise communications and reporting to support effective decision-making across the site.
About You
We are looking for a confident people leader with a strong engineering background and a proven track record of delivering operational reliability. Key requirements include:
- Extensive experience leading large engineering teams in a heavy industrial environment, with a focus on improving asset performance.
- Experience managing complex budgets, forecasting, and building multi-year engineering roadmaps.
- Ability to influence decision-making at all levels and build cross-functional/cross-company relationships.
- Chartered membership of a relevant professional body or equivalent experience.
- Comprehensive maintenance leadership capability and in-depth knowledge of health & safety, and compliance management processes.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
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What We Can Offer You
- Competitive salary
- Qualifying Sick Pay scheme
- Pension scheme & Life insurance
- Share Save scheme
- Income Protection
- 25 days holiday (+ Bank Holidays)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Virtual GP, Occupational Health & free Flu vaccine
- Cycle to Work & shopping discounts
About DS Smith
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and fibre-based products.
Our vision is a better, more sustainable tomorrow—realised through our colleagues, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ over 65,000+ people across North America and Europe, as well as the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), spanning expertise in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and beyond.
Our impact: Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive—one sustainable packaging solution at a time.
Join us. Bring your diverse background, perspectives, and passion to tackle sustainability challenges—present and future. All candidates are welcome, regardless of whether you meet every criterion. #LI-SP
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