OCC Manager

A fantastic opportunity for an experienced OCC Manager to work for the market leading papermill in the UK and Europe. This OCC Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of their newly commissioned, state-of-the-art Valmet OCC (old corrugated containers) recycling plant. This facility processes 100% recycled fibre to supply stock for the high-capacity PM3 container board line.

As the OCC Manager, you will lead a high-performing operations team, driving continuous improvement in fibre yield, safety, pulp quality, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Highly Competitive Salary

• Pension
• Executive Benefits
• Mobile

Chester

Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bradford, Stoke, London, Swansea, Edinburgh

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the entire OCC plant, including the bale feeding systems, pulping, screening, cleaning, and refining stages.
• Ensure a reliable supply of high-quality recycled fibre stock that meets the strict technical specifications required by the PM3 board machine.
• Monitor process parameters (e.g., consistency, freeness, reject rates) to maximise fibre yield and minimise chemical and energy consumption.
• Enforce an uncompromisable safety culture, ensuring complete compliance with UK health and safety regulations (including HASAWA, COSHH, and PUWER).
• Oversee reject handling and water loops in the OCC area to support the mill's "near-zero effluent" environmental targets.
• Lead, mentor, and upskill a dedicated team of OCC shift supervisors, process operators, and general operatives.
• Partner with the OCC Maintenance Engineer to plan and execute routine preventive and planned maintenance shutdowns.
• Minimise unplanned downtime by ensuring quick diagnosis and resolution of equipment breakdowns.
• Manage the budget for the OCC area, including tracking expenditures on spare parts, consumables, and raw material processing costs.

• Experience – a proven track record of operational management or senior supervisory experience within a large-scale paper / board mill or high-volume recycled pulp / fibre plant.
• Technical Knowledge – deep expertise in recycled fibre preparation, OCC pulping, screening technologies, and waste paper contamination removal.
• Education – A Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Paper Technology, or a relevant industrial discipline is highly preferred.
• Automation – practical experience operating with modern DCS (Distributed Control Systems) and automation layouts.
• Safety – formally trained in industrial safety management (e.g., NEBOSH Certificate or IOSH Managing Safely).

This OCC Manager role offers significant opportunity for an ambitious, experienced professional with a desire to develop their career with a growing and forward-thinking company and group with a track record and plans for strong growth.

We want someone who is driven to succeed.