Job Title: Paper and Pulp SME - Project/Programme Manager\n Location: Remote\n Salary/Rate: £500 - £600 per day\n Start Date: 02/02/2026 - 31/05/2026 - may be extended\n Job Type: Contract\n\nWe have an exciting new contract opportunity with one of their top clients in the manufacturing industry. They need a Paper and Pulp SME - Project/Programme Manager to join their team on a remote 14 week contract, which is likely to be extended.\n\nThe Paper Domain SME will serve as the technical authority for all paper manufacturing, pulp processing, and mill optimisation 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.\n\nYou 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\n\nKey Responsibilities:\n\nProvide technical leadership and domain expertise for paper and pulp processes - from pulping, bleaching, and refining to papermaking, coating, and finishing\nAnalyse mill data to identify bottlenecks, quality issues, and process deviations; implement corrective and preventive actions.\nLead process optimisation and energy efficiency programs, focusing on reducing raw material waste, steam/electricity consumption, and downtime.\nStandardise operating parameters, best practices, and KPIs across mills for consistent product quality and yield.\nCollaborate with R&D and product teams for new grade development (e.g., kraft paper, duplex board, fluting, testliner, specialty papers).\nSupport capital projects - including feasibility studies, machine upgrades, and process redesigns.\nTrain, mentor, and develop the technical capability of engineers and operators in paper mill operations.

\n\nRequired Skills/Experience\n\nThe ideal candidate will have the following:\n\n5+ years in pulp & paper manufacturing (preferably integrated mills).\nB.E./B.Tech. / M.Tech. in Paper Technology, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical/Process Engineering.A strong understanding of:\n\nFiber line operations (pulping, bleaching, washing)\nPaper machine operations (forming, pressing, drying, coating)\nQuality parameters (basis weight, moisture, strength, brightness)\nChemical dosing and process control systems\nProven success in process troubleshooting, optimisation, and cost reduction.\nKnowledge of automation systems (DCS, QCS) and process monitoring tools.\nFamiliar with environmental and sustainability practices (effluent treatment, emission control, recycling).\nStrong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

\n\nIf you are interested in this opportunity, please apply now with your updated CV in Microsoft Word/PDF format.\n\nDisclaimer\n Notwithstanding any guidelines given to level of experience sought, we will consider candidates from outside this range if they can demonstrate the necessary competencies.\n\nSquare One is acting as both an employment agency and an employment business, and is an equal opportunities recruitment business. Square One embraces diversity and will treat everyone equally. Please see our website for our full diversity statement