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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence initiatives and enhance team engagement at our Teesside site.
- Company: Join KP Snacks, a vibrant team creating beloved snacks like Hula Hoops and McCoys.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, healthcare support, pension matching, and generous holiday options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field, or 5+ years in site leadership.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Location: Billingham (Home of McCoys, Pom-Bear, and more)
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Are you ready to take your career to the next level? We’re on the lookout for an IWS Manager to join us at KP Snacks! If you’re passionate about bringing innovative ideas to the table, enhancing your skills, and being part of a team that values individuality, this could be your next big move.
\\n\\nAbout the Role\\n
As the IWS Manager, you will play a crucial role in leading the phased implementation of the IWS at our Teesside site. Your mission? Drive operational excellence, boost employee engagement, and eliminate losses while fostering regional capability-building and cross-site collaboration.
\\n\\nWhat’s in It for You?\\n
We believe in rewarding our colleagues and helping them thrive. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
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- 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 with 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
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\\n\\nYour Responsibilities\\n
Site Leadership
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- Lead the Teesside site through IWS phases to achieve CBN and OGSM targets
- Coach and develop IWS Deployment Coaches and Line Leads
- Drive colleague engagement using structured tools like PBAT/OHA, Values & Behaviours, and the Best Companies Survey
- Collaborate closely with site leadership and employee representatives
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Loss Elimination & Systems Implementation
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- Develop and deliver the Site Master Plan and 90-day plans
- Utilize 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
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Support & Capability Building
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- 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
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\\n\\nWho Are We?\\n
We’re KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack family. With over 15,000 of us working together across more than 30 countries, we create the snacks people love—from Hula Hoops to McCoys. In the UK, our team of around 2,400 colleagues is spread across seven sites and our Slough HQ. We pride ourselves on our close-knit culture, where we celebrate differences and push boundaries together.
\\n\\nOur Commitment to Inclusion\\n
We’re dedicated to building a workplace where everyone belongs. If you don’t tick every box, we still want to hear from you—your unique perspective could be just what we need. If there’s anything we can do to make the process easier for you, just let us know!
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Education & Qualifications
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- Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a 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).
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Experience
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- 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.
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Skills & Attributes
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- Leadership Through Others: Demonstrated ability to enable, coach, and empower teams—not just deliver results individually.
- Broad CI Perspective: Adaptability across multiple IWS pillars and methodologies.
- Influence & Presence: Ability to challenge constructively and drive alignment across functions.
- Analytical & Technical: Strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with structured problem-solving tools.
- Communication & Coaching: Clear, confident communication style with the ability to inspire diverse teams.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect operational improvements to broader business goals.
- Presence in Leadership Forums: Demonstrated ability to influence and align senior stakeholders.
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We can’t wait to see how you can contribute to our team!
Operational Excellence Lead - Manufacturing (Stockton-On-Tees) employer: KP Snacks
Contact Detail:
KP Snacks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Excellence Lead - Manufacturing (Stockton-On-Tees)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at KP Snacks on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching KP Snacks and their IWS initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for operational excellence and how you can drive results.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about your past experiences and how they relate to the role, so be ready to share specific examples of your leadership and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our snack-loving team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Excellence Lead - Manufacturing (Stockton-On-Tees)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant certifications, like Lean Six Sigma, to show us you’re the right fit for the Operational Excellence Lead role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about operational excellence and how your unique perspective can contribute to our snack-loving team. Don’t forget to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can think strategically and use structured problem-solving tools to drive results, so make sure to highlight these experiences!
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. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at KP Snacks
✨Know Your IWS Tools
Familiarise yourself with the IWS tools mentioned in the job description, like Push/Pull pillars and 6W2H. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles to drive operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in coaching and empowering teams. Think about specific situations where you’ve successfully led a team through change or improvement.
✨Engage with Their Values
Research KP Snacks' company culture and values. During the interview, relate your personal values to theirs and demonstrate how you can contribute to their close-knit culture and commitment to inclusion.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss a time when you identified a root cause of a problem and the steps you took to resolve it, ideally using structured problem-solving tools.
