At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the implementation of the Intersnack Working System at our Teesside site.
- Company: Join KP Snacks, home of your favourite snacks like McCoy’s and Pom-Bear.
- Benefits: Enjoy an annual bonus, comprehensive healthcare, and 25 days holiday plus more.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in operational excellence and employee engagement.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or 5+ years in site leadership; Lean Six Sigma preferred.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit culture that values diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
IWS Manager
Billingham (Home of McCoy’s, Pom-Bear and more)
On-site
Join our snack-loving team
We’re looking for an IWS Manager 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.
About the role
The IWS Manager will lead the phased implementation of the Intersnack Working System (IWS) at the Teesside site. This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence, enhancing employee engagement, and eliminating losses. It also contributes to regional capability-building and cross-site collaboration.
What’s in it for you?
We believe in rewarding our colleagues and helping them thrive. Here’s a flavour of what we offer:
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Annual bonus scheme, with a strong track record of overachievement
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Comprehensive healthcare support – including Medicash Health Cash Plan or Private Healthcare, Digital GP, Best Doctors second opinion service and specialist cancer care
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KP Pension Plan – contribution matching up to 7% of your salary
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25 days holiday, plus the option to buy more
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KP4ME – our online platform for benefits, discounts, wellbeing tools and more
What will you be doing?
Site Leadership
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Lead the Teesside site through IWS phases to deliver CBN and OGSM targets
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Coach and develop IWS Deployment Coaches and Line Leads
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Drive colleague engagement using structured tools including PBAT/OHA, ‘Values & behaviours’ and the Best Companies Survey
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Collaborate closely with site leadership and employee representatives
Loss elimination & systems implementation
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Develop and deliver the Site Master Plan and 90-day plans
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Apply IWS tools including Push/Pull pillars, UPS, 6W2H, DDS, CILs and Defect Handling
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Lead root cause analysis to achieve breakthrough results in OEE and reduce downtime
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Embed and coach Daily Management Systems (DMS) and standard work practices
Support & capability building
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Provide coaching and calibrated assessments across all site Pillars, Departments and Line Structure Teams
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Share best practices and contribute to global IWS capability development
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Build leadership capability across site teams and Line Structure Teams
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.
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.
We’d love to hear from you if you can bring:
Education & Qualifications
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Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field. Alternatively, candidates with 5+ years in a site leadership role overseeing teams of 150+ people will be considered.
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Lean Six Sigma or equivalent lean systems certification.
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Coaching accreditation and project/programme management qualifications (preferred).
Experience
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Proven experience in food manufacturing or FMCG environments.
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Leadership experience in operational excellence or lean transformation.
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Budgeting, forecasting, and capital expenditure awareness.
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Proven track record of embedding continuous improvement within operations, transitioning ownership from a traditional CI department to frontline teams.
Skills & Attributes
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Leadership Through Others: Candidates must demonstrate how they’ve enabled, coached, and empowered teams—not just delivered results individually.
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Broad CI Perspective: While TPM expertise is welcome, candidates must show adaptability across multiple IWS pillars and methodologies.
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Influence & Presence: Ability to challenge constructively, contribute meaningfully in senior forums, and drive alignment across functions.
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Analytical & Technical: Strong problem-solving skills, intermediate Excel proficiency, and familiarity with structured problem-solving tools.
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Communication & Coaching: Clear, confident communication style with the ability to inspire and influence diverse teams.
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Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect operational improvements to broader business goals.
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Presence in Leadership Forums: Demonstrated ability to influence, challenge, and align senior stakeholders.
#LI-SC1 #LI-Onsite
IWS Programme Manager employer: KP Snacks
Contact Detail:
KP Snacks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IWS Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at KP Snacks on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to operational excellence and lean transformation. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your experience effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your coaching skills! Be ready to discuss how you've empowered teams in the past. KP Snacks values leadership through others, so share specific examples of how you've driven engagement and improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the KP Snacks family.
We think you need these skills to ace IWS Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the IWS Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant certifications, like Lean Six Sigma, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our values. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your successes! Whether it’s improving efficiency or leading a successful project, we want to see numbers that demonstrate your impact. This helps us understand the value you can bring to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at KP Snacks
✨Know Your IWS Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Intersnack Working System (IWS) thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its tools and methodologies, like Push/Pull pillars and root cause analysis. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight how you've empowered and coached teams in previous roles. KP Snacks values leadership through others, so be ready to share specific instances where your influence led to operational excellence or team engagement.
✨Connect Improvements to Business Goals
Think about how your past experiences in continuous improvement can align with broader business objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your strategic thinking has driven results in previous positions, especially in food manufacturing or FMCG environments.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since the role requires inspiring diverse teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use mock interviews to refine your communication style, ensuring you can convey complex ideas simply and effectively during the actual interview.