Machine Leader PM

Lead People. Drive Performance. Deliver Manufacturing Excellence. At DS Smith, we're redefining packaging for a changing world through innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. We're looking for an experienced and motivated Machine Leader to join our Operations team at Kemsley Mill. This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands‑on leader with strong paper making knowledge and a passion for developing people, improving performance, and driving continuous improvement.

You'll play a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the manufacturing process, from stock preparation through to finished product. Working closely with the Senior Shift Manager and operational teams, you'll help deliver world‑class standards in safety, quality, productivity, and environmental performance.

As a Machine Leader, you'll provide day‑to‑day leadership across designated manufacturing areas, coordinating people, processes, and equipment to achieve operational targets. You'll support and develop team members, drive process improvements, and ensure standards are consistently maintained while promoting a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. This role also provides operational support to the Senior Shift Manager and acts as a key leadership presence within the area during shifts.

• Operational Leadership Lead, coach and develop operational teams to achieve safety, quality and production objectives.
• Drive machine performance and maximise efficiency across paper making operations and stock preparation processes.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators across output, reliability, energy, water and chemical usage.
• Support effective communication across shifts and operational departments.
• Lead problem‑solving activities, fault finding and root cause investigations.
• Utilise SAP, operational systems and performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support planned shutdowns and operational recovery activities.
• Provide shift cover and operational leadership when required.
• Continuous Improvement Champion a culture of continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance safety, quality, efficiency and performance.
• Use operational and quality data to drive informed decision‑making.
• Support improvement projects and implementation of best practices.
• Coach team members in problem‑solving and performance improvement methodologies.
• Health, Safety & Environmental Excellence Demonstrate visible safety leadership and promote a strong safety‑first culture.
• Ensure compliance with risk assessments, permits, isolations and Safe Systems of Work (SSOW).
• Support investigations, risk assessments and corrective actions following incidents or operational losses.
• Ensure compliance with environmental standards and actively contribute to reducing DS Smith's environmental footprint.
• Maintain adherence to all site management systems, legal requirements and industry standards.

We're looking for a proactive and safety‑focused manufacturing leader who can inspire teams, drive operational excellence, and champion continuous improvement. You'll bring strong paper making expertise, a hands‑on leadership style, and a passion for developing people while delivering outstanding performance across safety, quality, reliability and efficiency.

• Strong knowledge of the paper making process.
• DCS (Distributed Control System) and QCS (Quality Control System) operational experience.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
• Internal Permit Receiver training.
• Demonstrated safety leadership capability.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
• Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving ability.
• Experience…