Engineering Manager

James Cropper plc is a specialist materials group and maker of fine paper that has an operational reach across more than 50 countries.


We are looking to hire an experienced Engineering Manager. Reporting into the Paper Operations Director, the successful applicant will lead a 50+ strong Engineering department, including craft production support, power plant and engineering apprentices. The department is operational 24/7. You will also manage the budget for the department from a resource and material perspective.


The role:

As a key member of the business team delivering operational excellence you will be responsible for leading the engineering strategy for a complex manufacturing environment, managing the energy generation and improving energy efficiency whilst supporting the group’s long term growth plans.

Driving the engineering department’s performance to world class standards, ensuring the function’s compliance with legislation along with making improvements to safety, quality, service and overall efficiency levels. You will be a Health and Safety advocate and influencer, leading by example to maintain adherence to company policies and guidelines.

Encouraging your team to engage proactively with other business departments, sharing best practice and collaborating with colleagues outside of own sphere of the business. Building a positive, business-centred maintenance team delivering real value to the wider organisation.

Maintaining full engagement in performance development across your team and maintain an up to date record of all training and development activities/programs.

The person:

You will have a degree or equivalent qualification in a mechanical/electrical engineering discipline, and have experience at senior level in the maintenance of manufacturing, cutting and converting equipment.

Ideally holding an IOSH/NEBOSH qualification, you will have the ability to develop a vision for your department; having the courage to challenge the status quo and the discipline to deliver. You will have experience leading high performance teams, foster a continuous improvement culture and be able to work with stakeholders at all levels of the business.

Experience of building strong team cultures is desirable.

A minimum of 5 years’ experience as an engineering manager successfully delivering demonstrable success / experience in driving a Total Productive Maintenance methodology within a World Class Manufacturing framework. Experience with modern maintenance techniques along with project management including capital investments would be beneficial.

Experience and good understanding of high pressure steam systems, compressed air and power generation through gas turbines including the legislation.

You must have knowledge/experience of a unionised environment

Why James Cropper Paper?

James Cropper is a specialist paper manufacturer in north-west England. The company has developed a strong range of technical capabilities, making it a global player in high quality coloured and bookbinding papers, niche digital solutions, luxury packaging and offering unique bespoke materials. A business of around £75m, it has important market shares in the USA, China, the Far East, Europe and the UK.