Area Engineering Manager (Hartlepool)

Join our snack-loving team! We are looking for an Area Engineering Manager to join our team at KP Snacks. As Area Engineering Manager, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the smooth and safe running of engineering activities across your area of responsibility. You’ll lead, coach and motivate a dedicated team, managing both planned maintenance and swift responses to breakdowns. Focused on improving plant performance and reducing downtime, you’ll champion a zero-loss culture and drive continuous improvement through progressive maintenance strategies.

Working closely with colleagues across the site and external contractors, you’ll take ownership of critical engineering assets and support compliance with food safety, health and safety, and environmental standards. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a high-performing team and make a real difference in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What’s in it for you?

• Annual bonus scheme, with an excellent track record of over achievement.
• £6000 car cash allowance.
• Comprehensive Healthcare Support – Access to a Medicash Health Cash Plan or Private Healthcare, including a Digital GP service, Best Doctors (Second Medical Opinion Service), and specialist Cancer Care for peace of mind when you need it most.
• KP Pension Plan - contribution matching up to 7% of your salary.
• 25 days holiday + holiday buy scheme.
• KP4ME - online benefits, discounts, prizes, competitions and information platform with access to mental, physical and financial wellbeing information and tools.

What will you be doing?

• Leading, coaching and developing your team to build capability, engagement and resilience.
• Driving continuous improvement and supporting a zero-loss culture through progressive maintenance strategies.
• Collaborating across functions and with contractors to plan and coordinate maintenance, service activities and audits.
• Delivering improvements in plant reliability, reducing downtime and ensuring engineering assets perform to the highest standards.
• Supporting technical audits, risk assessments and regulatory compliance, while broadening your own expertise in food safety, health & safety, and continuous improvement.

Who are we?

We are KP Snacks, proud to be part of the Intersnack family. Picture this: over 15,000 of us, spread across more than 30 countries, all working together to create the snacks you love. From Hula Hoops to McCoy's, we are the team behind your favourite munchies. Here in the UK, we are about 2,400 strong, spread across seven factories and our Slough HQ. But don’t let our size fool you – we’re as close-knit as they come. We believe in speaking our minds, celebrating our differences, and pushing boundaries together. Diversity isn’t just a buzzword for us. We’re on a mission to create a workplace where everyone belongs. So, even if you don’t tick every box, we want to hear from you! Your unique perspective could be just what we need. Also, if there’s anything we can do to make this process easier for you, just give us a shout.

We’d love to hear from you if you can demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• Degree qualified or apprentice-trained engineer with a recognised mechanical or electrical qualification.
• Strong project management and health & safety knowledge, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Experience working in food production, FMCG or similar site services maintenance.
• NEBOSH or IOSH qualification desirable — we encourage applications even if not all criteria are met.
• A collaborative approach aligned with KP values: we care, we act, we grow.