Area Engineering Manager, Sittingbourne

Area Engineering Manager

All the relevant skills, qualifications and experience that a successful applicant will need are listed in the following description.

Kemsley Paper Mill

We have an exciting opportunity for an Area Engineering Manager to join our Kemsley Paper Mill and play a key role in driving performance within one of the UK's largest and most complex manufacturing sites.

In this role, you'll take full ownership of engineering delivery within your designated area-leading a multi-skilled team to maximise reliability, performance, and continuous improvement. Working in close partnership with Production and other operational teams, you'll ensure that engineering excellence underpins everything we do.

This is a high-impact leadership position where you'll combine technical expertise, people leadership, and strategic thinking to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.

What you'll be doing
Lead all engineering activities within your area, covering both planned and reactive maintenance
Drive improvements in asset reliability, availability, and performance
Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental standards , embedding a strong safety culture
Own and deliver against engineering KPIs, working closely with the Area Production Manager to optimise machine performance
Identify, scope, and deliver engineering improvement projects
Manage budgets effectively, ensuring cost-efficient delivery of all activities
Analyse performance data to eliminate repeat and single-point failures
Embed a proactive maintenance approach, with a strong focus on condition-based monitoring
Lead the planning and execution of 7-day maintenance plans and major shutdowns
Ensure effective breakdown response through strong coordination with shift teams
Develop your team through regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and structured development plans

 Callout rota: This role includes participation in a callout rota (1 week in every 8), supporting escalated issues as required.

About you
Significant experience in mechanical engineering , ideally within paper, process, or heavy industry
Working knowledge of Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) disciplines
Proven experience leading and developing multi-skilled engineering teams
Strong understanding of maintenance strategies , including planned and condition-based maintenance
Data-driven mindset, with the ability to turn insights into tangible improvements
Highly organised, structured, and able to manage competing priorities
A proactive, ownership-driven leader who thrives on continuous improvement
Committed to building and sustaining a high-performing, collaborative team culture

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. xwzovoh We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.

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