Papermaking Machine Leader - Safety & Performance

Total Marketing Support Limited; Kemsley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Income protection

Employee assistance program

Cycle to work scheme

Shopping discounts

Job summary

DS Smith is seeking an experienced Machine Leader for Kemsley Mill to drive day‑to‑day leadership of designated manufacturing areas, coordinating people, processes, and equipment to hit safety, quality and production targets. You will develop team members, lead process improvements and promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

You’ll support the Senior Shift Manager and act as a visible leadership presence across shifts, using data to guide decisions and push for best practices in

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of the papermaking process.
• DCS and QCS operation experience.
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
• Internal Permit Receiver training.
• Demonstrated safety leadership capability.
• Experience leading and developing operational teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing safety systems and procedures.
• Root cause analysis and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop operational teams to achieve safety, quality and production targets.
• Drive machine performance and maximize efficiency across papermaking operations and stock preparation.
• Monitor and improve KPIs for output, reliability, energy and water usage.
• Support effective communication across shifts and departments.
• Lead problem-solving, fault-finding and root cause investigations.
• Utilise SAP and performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support planned shutdowns and operational recovery activities.
• Provide shift cover and leadership during busy periods.
• Champion continuous improvement across safety, quality, and efficiency.

Skills

Papermaking knowledge

DCS / QCS experience

Safety leadership

Communication & team leadership

Attention to detail & problem solving

Industry experience (papermaking/heavy

Operational leadership

Safety systems knowledge

Root cause analysis

Performance improvement

Education

IOSH Managing Safely

Internal Permit Receiver training

Tools

DCS

QCS

Manufacturing Systems (MBS)

Job description

DS Smith is seeking an experienced Machine Leader for Kemsley Mill to drive day‑to‑day leadership of designated manufacturing areas, coordinating people, processes, and equipment to hit safety, quality and production targets. You will develop team members, lead process improvements and promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

You’ll support the Senior Shift Manager and act as a visible leadership presence across shifts, using data to guide decisions and push for best practices in