Digital jobs in United Kingdom

Paper & Pulp SME (Ideally Technology Engineering background / Operations)

Remote Work from the UK with availability to travel as per client request

Rate negotiable

Initial 4 Month Contract

The Paper Domain SME will serve as the technical authority for all paper manufacturing, pulp processing, and mill optimization 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.

Provide technical leadership and domain expertise for paper and pulp processes — from pulping, bleaching, and refining to papermaking, coating, and finishing.

Analyse mill data to identify bottlenecks, quality issues, and process deviations; implement corrective and preventive actions.

Lead process optimization and energy efficiency programs, focusing on reducing raw material waste, steam / electricity consumption, and downtime.

Standardize 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.

Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards.

Work closely with digital transformation teams to implement data-driven decision systems and predictive maintenance solutions.

Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for chronic production and quality issues.

Benchmark mill performance against industry standards and recommend continuous improvement initiatives.

B.E. / B.Tech. / M.Tech. in Paper Technology, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical / Process Engineering.

15+ years of experience in pulp & paper manufacturing (preferably integrated mills).

• 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, optimization, 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.