OCC Manager

BASIC SALARY Highly Competitive Salary BENEFITS Pension Executive Benefits Mobile LOCATION Chester COMMUTABLE LOCATIONS Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Bradford, Stoke, London, Swansea, Edinburgh JOB DESCRIPTION This OCC Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of a newly commissioned, state-of-the-art Valmet OCC (old corrugated containers) recycling plant. The facility processes 100% recycled fibre to supply stock for the high-capacity PM3 containerboard line. As the OCC Manager, you will lead a high-performing operations team, driving continuous improvement in fibre yield, safety, pulp quality, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Manage the 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.

Enforce an uncompromisable 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, mentor, and upskill a dedicated team of OCC shift supervisors, process operators, and general operatives.

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.

PERSON SPECIFICATION Experience: proven track record 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 waste paper contamination removal. Education: 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). THE OCC MANAGER ROLE This OCC Manager role offers significant opportunity for an ambitious, experienced professional to develop their career with a growing and forward‑thinking company and group with a track record and plans for strong growth.

It is highly likely you will have worked in any of the following roles: OCC Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Engineering Manager, Operational Excellence Manager, CI Manager, Operations Manager - Container board, Corrugated, Packaging, Paper, Paper Mill, Pulp, Tissue. EEO STATEMENT Wallace Hind Selection alongside our client embrace diversity, champion equality, and foster inclusion to create a work environment where everyone belongs and thrives. REF IP18528, Wallace Hind Selection #J-18808-Ljbffr