IWS Programme Manager

IWS Programme Manager

Middlesbrough Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
K

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the implementation of the Intersnack Working System at our Teesside site.
  • Company: Join KP Snacks, a vibrant team making beloved snacks like McCoy’s and Pom-Bear.
  • Benefits: Enjoy an annual bonus, comprehensive healthcare, 25 days holiday, and a pension plan.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in operational excellence and employee engagement while growing your skills.
  • 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 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:

  • Annual bonus scheme, with a strong track record of overachievement

  • Comprehensive healthcare support – including Medicash Health Cash Plan or Private Healthcare, Digital GP, Best Doctors second opinion service and specialist cancer care

  • KP Pension Plan – contribution matching up to 7% of your salary

  • 25 days holiday, plus the option to buy more

  • KP4ME – our online platform for benefits, discounts, wellbeing tools and more

What will you be doing?

Site Leadership

  • Lead the Teesside site through IWS phases to deliver CBN and OGSM targets

  • Coach and develop IWS Deployment Coaches and Line Leads

  • Drive colleague engagement using structured tools including PBAT/OHA, ‘Values & behaviours’ and the Best Companies Survey

  • Collaborate closely with site leadership and employee representatives

Loss elimination & systems implementation

  • Develop and deliver the Site Master Plan and 90-day plans

  • Apply IWS tools including Push/Pull pillars, UPS, 6W2H, DDS, CILs and Defect Handling

  • Lead root cause analysis to achieve breakthrough results in OEE and reduce downtime

  • Embed and coach Daily Management Systems (DMS) and standard work practices

Support & capability building

  • Provide coaching and calibrated assessments across all site Pillars, Departments and Line Structure Teams

  • Share best practices and contribute to global IWS capability development

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Lean Six Sigma or equivalent lean systems certification.

  • Coaching accreditation and project/programme management qualifications (preferred).

Experience

  • Proven experience in food manufacturing or FMCG environments.

  • Leadership experience in operational excellence or lean transformation.

  • Budgeting, forecasting, and capital expenditure awareness.

  • Proven track record of embedding continuous improvement within operations, transitioning ownership from a traditional CI department to frontline teams.

Skills & Attributes

  • Leadership Through Others: Candidates must demonstrate how they’ve enabled, coached, and empowered teams—not just delivered results individually.

  • Broad CI Perspective: While TPM expertise is welcome, candidates must show adaptability across multiple IWS pillars and methodologies.

  • Influence & Presence: Ability to challenge constructively, contribute meaningfully in senior forums, and drive alignment across functions.

  • Analytical & Technical: Strong problem-solving skills, intermediate Excel proficiency, and familiarity with structured problem-solving tools.

  • Communication & Coaching: Clear, confident communication style with the ability to inspire and influence diverse teams.

  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect operational improvements to broader business goals.

  • Presence in Leadership Forums: Demonstrated ability to influence, challenge, and align senior stakeholders.

#LI-SC1 #LI-Onsite

IWS Programme Manager employer: KP Snacks

At KP Snacks, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values individuality and collaboration. As an IWS Programme Manager at our Teesside site, you'll benefit from a competitive annual bonus scheme, comprehensive healthcare support, and a commitment to your professional growth through coaching and development opportunities. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact operational excellence and employee engagement, all while enjoying the perks of working for a leading snack manufacturer.
K

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 want you to showcase your leadership skills and how you've empowered teams in the past.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for snacks! When discussing your experience, relate it back to KP Snacks' values and culture. Let them know why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute to their success.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.

We think you need these skills to ace IWS Programme Manager

IWS Implementation
Operational Excellence
Employee Engagement
Loss Elimination
Root Cause Analysis
Lean Six Sigma
Coaching Skills
Project Management
Continuous Improvement
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Strategic Thinking
Excel Proficiency
Team Leadership
Influencing Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your love for operational excellence and team engagement aligns with our values at KP Snacks.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in food manufacturing or FMCG environments. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve led teams and driven continuous improvement.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills that match the IWS Manager role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with KP Snacks.

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 Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in coaching and empowering teams. Think about specific situations where you've driven operational excellence or led a successful lean transformation. This will demonstrate your ability to lead the Teesside site effectively.

✨Connect Improvements to Business Goals

Be ready to discuss how your past experiences in continuous improvement have aligned with broader business objectives. This shows that you can think strategically and understand the bigger picture, which is crucial for the IWS Manager role.

✨Engage with Their Culture

KP Snacks values a close-knit culture and inclusion. Research their company culture and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to it. Showing that you align with their values will make you a more attractive candidate.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

K
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>