At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing systems support and drive digital transformation projects.
- Company: Join KP Snacks, a leading snack manufacturer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and comprehensive healthcare.
- Other info: Flexible home-based role with travel across sites and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in digital manufacturing and work with emerging technologies like AI.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing systems and strong data analytics skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
This is a home-based role with regular travel across the UK, including extended periods supporting key projects where required.
Join our snack-loving team. We’re looking for a Manufacturing Systems Support & Data Lead to join us at KP Snacks. If you’re ready to bring your ideas to the table, grow your skills and be part of a team that values what makes you, you – this could be your next big move.
Who are we? We’re KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family. Across more than 30 countries, over 15,000 of us work together to make the snacks people love – from Hula Hoops to McCoy’s. In the UK, we’re a team of around 2,400 colleagues, based across seven sites and our Slough HQ. We’re proud of our close-knit culture, where we speak up, celebrate differences and push boundaries together.
About the role: This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in KP Snacks’ digital manufacturing journey. As our Systems Support & Data Lead, you’ll be responsible for supporting, developing and improving the manufacturing systems and data platforms that help our sites operate effectively. Working across Engineering, Operations, Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT), you’ll act as the link between technology and operational performance. You'll lead the governance and continuous improvement of systems including Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Energy Monitoring Systems, Litmus Edge and reporting platforms, ensuring data is trusted, accessible and used to drive better decision making. While the role includes supporting manufacturing systems across our sites, a significant focus will be on digital transformation projects, data analytics, machine optimisation and emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning. You'll also play an important role in supporting major business initiatives and helping shape the future of manufacturing technology across KP Snacks.
What’s in it for you? We believe in rewarding our colleagues and helping them thrive. Here’s a flavour of what we offer:
- Competitive annual salary, annual salary review and annual bonus opportunity (target 5%)
- Business needs car allowance
- KP Pension Plan with up to 7% matched contributions
- 25 days holiday, with the option to buy up to five additional days, plus additional holiday after five years’ service
- Comprehensive healthcare including Single Cover Private Healthcare, Health Cash Plan, Digital GP and Employee Assistance Programme
- Electric Vehicle Car Scheme, supporting more sustainable and cost-effective travel
- KP4ME benefits platform with discounts, cashback and wellbeing support
- Enhanced family-friendly policies to support colleagues at every stage of life
What will you be doing?
- Leading manufacturing systems support and governance
- Providing technical ownership of key manufacturing systems, ensuring they remain reliable, secure, standardised and aligned to business needs
- Driving data-led performance improvement
- Developing dashboards, reporting solutions and performance metrics that improve operational visibility, support decision making and unlock opportunities for continuous improvement
- Supporting digital transformation projects
- Leading and supporting projects focused on manufacturing systems, digitisation, machine optimisation and emerging technologies, helping KP Snacks maximise the value of its technology investments
- Building strong partnerships across the business
- Working closely with Engineering, Operations, OT, IT and external partners to deliver improvements, resolve complex issues and ensure manufacturing requirements are represented in key projects
- Developing capability and future ways of working
- Coaching site-based systems contacts, driving standardisation across sites and supporting the adoption of AI, machine learning and advanced analytics solutions
We’d love to hear from you if you can bring:
- Manufacturing systems experience
- Experience supporting Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or similar manufacturing technologies within an FMCG, manufacturing or industrial environment
- Strong data and analytics capability
- The ability to analyse operational data, create meaningful insights and use reporting tools such as Power BI to support business performance
- Experience delivering technology improvements
- A track record of identifying and implementing system enhancements, automation solutions or digital initiatives that deliver measurable business value
- Excellent stakeholder management skills
- The ability to build relationships and influence colleagues across Engineering, Operations, OT, IT and external suppliers
- A passion for innovation and continuous improvement
- An interest in emerging technologies including AI, machine learning and Industry 4.0, combined with a desire to improve the way manufacturing systems support business performance
- Flexibility to travel across our sites
- A willingness to spend time at different KP Snacks locations to support projects, system implementations and continuous improvement initiatives
Our purpose: At KP Snacks, we're passionate about creating happy snacking moments through our great tasting snacks and iconic brands. Every day, millions of people enjoy our products, including Hula Hoops, McCoy's, KP Nuts, Tyrrells, Skips, POM-BEAR and Butterkist, making us one of the UK's leading snack manufacturers. For decades, we've been delighting consumers by combining well-loved favourites with exciting innovations that reflect changing tastes and expectations. We're equally passionate about our people and committed to creating a workplace where everyone can grow, develop and make a real impact. As part of the Intersnack Group, one of the world's leading snack manufacturers, we combine global expertise with a shared commitment to creating happy snacking moments every day.
We’re committed to inclusion: We’re building a workplace where everyone belongs. If you don’t tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you – your unique perspective could be just what we need. And if there’s anything we can do to make the process easier for you, just let us know.
Manufacturing Systems Support & Data Lead in Dartford employer: KP Snacks
At KP Snacks, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates creativity and collaboration. As a Senior Customer Service Coordinator in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, you'll enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional service. Join us and be part of a company that values your contributions while indulging in the joy of snacks!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Systems Support & Data Lead in Dartford
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like KP Snacks, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Systems Support & Data Lead in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to KP Snacks specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at KP Snacks
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with KP Snacks, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like KP Snacks value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
