Join Our Snack-Loving Team as an Operational Excellence Manager!
Location: Billingham (Home of McCoy’s, Pom-Bear, and more)
Work Style: On-site
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 operational excellence and eager to make a difference, this could be your next big move!
About the Role
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, enhance employee engagement, and eliminate losses while fostering 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 taste 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 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
Your Responsibilities
Site Leadership
* 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
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. With over 15,000 colleagues across more than 30 countries, we create the snacks people love—from Hula Hoops to McCoy’s. In the UK, our team of around 2,400 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.
Our Commitment 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. If there’s anything we can do to make the process easier for you, just let us know.
What We’re Looking For
Education & Qualifications
* 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).
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: 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.
We can’t wait to hear from you!