Paper and Pulp SME - Project​/Programme Manager

Job Title:

Paper and Pulp SME - Project/Programme Manager

Location:

Remote
Salary/Rate: £500 - £600 per day

Start Date:

02/02/2026 - 31/05/2026 - may be extended
Job Type: Contract

We have an exciting new contract opportunity with one of their top clients in the manufacturing industry. They need a Paper and Pulp SME - Project/Programme Manager to join their team on a remote 14 week contract, which is likely to be extended.

The Paper Domain SME will serve as the technical authority for all paper manufacturing, pulp processing, and mill optimisation activities. The role demands deep industry knowledge, process expertise, and a strong ability to guide cross-functional teams in achieving excellence in quality, productivity, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

You will act as the bridge between operations, process engineering, digital transformation, and R&D, helping to improve mill performance, reduce costs, and drive continuous improvement across all production units

Key Responsibilities:

Provide technical leadership and domain expertise for paper and pulp processes - from pulping, bleaching, and refining to paper making, coating, and finishing
Analyse mill data to identify bottlenecks, quality issues, and process deviations; implement corrective and preventive actions.
Lead process optimisation and energy efficiency programs, focusing on reducing raw material waste, steam/electricity consumption, and downtime.
Standardise operating parameters, best practices, and KPIs across mills for consistent product quality and yield.
Collaborate with R&D and product teams for new grade development (e.g., kraft paper, duplex board, fluting, testliner, specialty papers).
Support capital projects - including feasibility studies, machine upgrades, and process redesigns.
Train, mentor, and develop the technical capability of engineers and operators in paper mill operations.

Required Skills/Experience

The ideal candidate will have the following:

5+ years in pulp & paper manufacturing (preferably integrated mills).
B.E./B.Tech. / M.Tech. in Paper Technology, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical/Process Engineering.

A strong understanding of:

Fiber line operations (pulping, bleaching, washing)
Paper machine operations (forming, pressing, drying, coating)
Quality parameters (basis weight, moisture, strength, brightness)
Chemical dosing and process control systems
Proven success in process troubleshooting, optimisation, and cost reduction.
Knowledge of automation systems (DCS, QCS) and process monitoring tools.
Familiar with environmental and sustainability practices (effluent treatment, emission control, recycling).
Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply now with your updated CV in Microsoft Word/PDF format.

Disclaimer
Notwithstanding any guidelines given to level of experience sought, we will consider candidates from outside this range if they can demonstrate the necessary competencies.

Square One is acting as both an employment agency and an employment business, and is an equal opportunities recruitment business. Square One embraces diversity and will treat everyone equally. Please see our website for our full diversity statement