Engineering Director

Location: Kemsley

Head of Engineering page is loaded## Head of Engineering remote type:
Site Based locations:
Kemsleytime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition :
R-12213
** Head of Engineering
**** Kemsley Paper Mill (Onsite)
** DS Smith Paper is seeking an outstanding Head of Engineering 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
** The Head of Engineering is responsible for defining and implementing a site-wide engineering strategy that continuously improves reliability, reduces unplanned downtime and modernises how engineering supports the mill. You will lead a team of around 67 engineers, manage a substantial £21m R&M budget, and design what Engineering will look like over the next 2–3 years, and into the future - including structure, roles, systems and processes.

You will be accountable for engineering standards, maintenance excellence, asset management, statutory compliance, supplier relationships and long-term investment planning. Above all, success in this role is measured by your ability to reduce unplanned engineering downtime across all major assets.
** Key Responsibilities
*** Lead and role-model a strong safety culture, ensuring all engineering work is carried out safely and in line with risk assessments and legal requirements.
* Build the right team structure and ensure all engineers are trained, competent and fully compliant.
* Develop and deliver the site’s long-term engineering strategy, with a clear focus on improving reliability and reducing unplanned downtime.
* Embed continuous improvement across the Engineering function and support wider operational improvements.
* Create engineering investment plans and provide accurate financial forecasts for budgets and long-term planning.
* Deliver clear, concise communication and reporting to support effective decision-making across the site.
* Strengthen maintenance and asset management practices to achieve world-class levels of reliability and asset availability.
* Improve planned and preventive maintenance systems, including SAP utilisation, spares management and workshop standards.
* Build strong relationships across the DS Smith Paper Division and with key suppliers to give the site rapid access to expertise and industry best practice.
* Ensure all engineering activities meet statutory requirements and follow DS Smith standards.
* Act on recommendations from audits, insurers and external specialists to continually reduce operational risk.
* Lead, develop and motivate a team of ~67 engineers, ensuring strong performance, capability building and succession planning.
* Oversee recruitment for all engineering roles and support the development of apprentices and early-career talent.
* Set and monitor KPIs that drive department performance and positive behaviours.
** About You
** We are looking for a confident people leader with a strong engineering background and a proven ability to deliver operational reliability. You will have experience leading large engineering teams in a heavy industrial environment and a track record of improving asset performance. You will be comfortable influencing at all levels, managing complex budgets and building a multi-year engineering roadmap.
* Chartered member of relevant professional body or equivalent experience
* Extensive engineering experience within a busy organisation is essential.
* Significant successful experiencein management in a dynamic complex environment
* Recognised maintenance leadership capability
* Able to demonstrate in depth knowledge and experience of health and safety management and compliance management processes
* Proven ability to influence decision making and build cross functional / cross company relationships
* Experience managing budgets, operations, and forecasting
* Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on…