OCC Manager - Recycled Fibre plant

Position Overview
The OCC Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and cost-effective
operation of the 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 containerboard line.
You will lead a high-performing operations team, driving continuous improvement in fibre yield, safety, pulp
quality, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
 
Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence & Production
- Manage 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.
- Troubleshoot complex process bottlenecks and collaborate with engineering teams on root cause
analysis (RCA).

Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
- Enforce an uncompromised 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 risk assessments, incident investigations, and implement safe systems of work (SSOW).

Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and upskill a dedicated team of OCC shift supervisors, process operators, and general
operatives.
- Design and deliver training programs on the advanced automation and Valmet DCS/QCS systems.
- Manage team performance, attendance, and shift rotas to maintain full 24/7 operational capability.
 
Maintenance & Asset Management
- 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.
Investigation Script Page 1 of 2[Şirkete Özel / Internal Only]
 
Candidate Profile
Experience & Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum 5+ years 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 wastepaper 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).
 
Key Skills
- Leadership: Strong, visible leadership style with the ability to motivate teams in a fast-paced
environment.
- Analytical Thinking: Data-driven problem solver capable of interpreting complex process data to fix
inefficiencies.
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with raw material sourcing teams, maintenance
crews, and senior mill directors.
 
Benefits
- Competitive annual salary (dependent on experience)
- Fantastic company pension scheme with 10% employer contribution
- Private medical insurance for you and your family
- Group Income Protection
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- 12 half days pa
- Opportunities for professional growth within a multi-billion-pound international holding group