Engineering Graduate Programme

Job content

We’re looking for outstanding Engineering graduatesto join our Engineering graduate programmewithin the UK’s largest paper mill in Kemsley, (Sittingbourne, Kent, UK), beginning in September 2024.

We’re one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sustainable corrugated case materials, speciality papers and high-performance papers for packaging production. And it’s here that you’ll help develop bespoke strategies and processes to ensure the highest possible quality of finished paper products for our customers. You’ll get an insight into the art of papermaking, with significant exposure to manufacturing operations, automation and engineering projects. And if you speak German, there may be an opportunity to spend time in one of our German paper mills.

Who are DS Smith?

You might not have heard of us before, but you’ll likely have handled our products on a daily basis. We’re the leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services. We’ve been around for over eighty years and operate in over thirty countries across the UK, Europe and the United States. From food and beverage packaging in your local supermarket to every Amazon parcel which arrives at your door, DS Smith has created packaging, which is innovative, secure and kinder to our planet.

About the programme

You’ll begin the programme in Kemsley Mill, the UK’s largest paper mill. Reporting into the Operational Excellence Director, you’ll be inducted into the world of papermaking, understanding our processes and our machines. The role will involve a mixture of reactive maintenance work as well as proactive maintenance. You’ll be responsible for reviewing our processes and ensuring quality production of our paper customers, intervening when there are issues which are preventing the smooth running of our production line, meanwhile examining ways we can reduce waste.

There will be opportunities to network with neighbouring mills to have an overview of different quality papers, share best practice on process and help us continue to be leading edge in regards to our paper products as well as ensuring we hold the highest standards in health and safety.

There will also be opportunities to get involved in projects to continuously improve our processes and be inducted into the DS Smith Way, which you’ll champion across the site, and help us embed and update new and existing technology, as well as getting involved in automation projects.

Depending on your language capability, there may be an opportunity to spend a year in one of our German paper mills. You’ll define your future by either exploring operational leadership or become a subject matter expert in a particular engineering area.

Development

Alongside your on-the-job training, you’ll go on the DS Smith Graduate Journey where you’ll have a roadmap of development to support your career. When you join us, you’ll be given a full induction to the business, including a tour of some of our paper, packaging, and innovation factories.

In year one, you’ll learn about Self Leadership and Personal Effectiveness, while in year two, you’ll learn about leadership, stakeholder management and influencing. Finally, when the programme ends, you’ll deliver a presentation about your learnings, celebrate your success with a graduation dinner and work with your Talent Lead to find the best permanent home for you.

But don’t worry, you won’t be doing this alone. You’ll have a network of graduates to bounce ideas off, be given a mentor and a former graduate will be there for guidance and support throughout your journey.

About you

To be considered for this role you must have as a minimum:

• Adegree in a Engineering (mechanical, electrical or automation disciplines) or due to complete this by September 2024.
• Be able to start in the business full time on 2nd September 2024.
• Speak fluent English (minimum B2 level). We’d be particularly interested also to receive applications from candidates who are fluent in German as this could open an opportunity to have a placement in one of our German mills.
• Hold the relevant right to work within the UK.

Benefits

So what’s in it for you?

• A starting salary of £30,000.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Company pension.
• Life insurance.
• Income protection.
• Employee Assistant Programme (which allows you up to 8x counselling sessions per year).
• Cycle to work programme.

*Assessment Centres will be held virtually on 28th March 2024.