At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the start-up of a new manufacturing line and ensure operational readiness.
- Company: Join KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family, known for iconic snacks.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing operations and implementing effective management systems.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Any additional information you require for this job can be found in the below text. Make sure to read thoroughly, then apply.
Billingham (Home of McCoys, POM-BEAR, Wheat Crunchies, and more)
On-site | Monday - Friday
Join our snack-loving team. We are looking for an Operational Readiness 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 are 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 McCoys. In the UK, we are a team of around 2,400 colleagues, based across seven sites and our Slough HQ. We are proud of our close-knit culture, where we speak up, celebrate differences and push boundaries together.
About the role: Are you passionate about building high-performing manufacturing organisations from the ground up? We are seeking an experienced Operational Readiness Lead to establish and deploy our Integrated Work System (IWS) during a major manufacturing start-up. This role is accountable for ensuring the site is operationally ready for launch by building the management systems, standards, processes and team capability required to deliver sustainable performance from Day 1.
Working closely with Site Leadership, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality and Engineering teams, you will lead the development of the operating system that underpins safety, quality, service, cost and people performance. Success in this role will be measured not by project delivery, but by the creation of a capable organisation, effective management systems and a culture of continuous improvement that can sustain world-class results.
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 7.5%), plus a £6,000 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 the start-up of a new manufacturing line by managing commissioning, qualification and verification activities, ensuring a safe and successful transition into full production.
- Driving project delivery and stakeholder engagement through clear communication of progress, milestones, risks and outcomes across Operations, Engineering and external partners.
- Managing risk and operational readiness by coordinating site-level mitigation plans, resolving issues proactively and ensuring all launch activities remain on track.
- Embedding Continuous Improvement principles by ensuring all activities align with Intersnack Work Systems (IWS) and supporting the development of sustainable ways of working from day one.
We'd love to hear from you if you can bring:
- Experience leading operations within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience implementing IWS, TPM, Lean, WCM or equivalent manufacturing operating systems.
- Experience developing frontline leadership capability and management routines.
- Experience creating standard work, governance systems and performance management processes.
- Experience supporting operational readiness, manufacturing start-ups or major operational transformations.
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive organisational change.
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.
Operational Readiness Lead (IWS) in Norton 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 Operational Readiness Lead (IWS) in Norton
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨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 Operational Readiness Lead (IWS) in Norton
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.