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 48000 - 72000 £ 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:
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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 knowing your stuff! Research KP Snacks, their values, and the IWS system. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on how you can demonstrate your leadership skills and experience in operational excellence – that’s what they’re after!
✨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 serious about 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 operational excellence and how your unique perspective can contribute to our team. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive continuous improvement and engage teams. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
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 the Company Culture
Research KP Snacks' culture and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially around inclusion and teamwork. Showing that you fit into their close-knit culture will make you a more attractive candidate.