Operational Excellence Lead - Manufacturing

Operational Excellence Manager (known internally as IWS Manager) Billingham (Home of McCoy’s, Pom-Bear and more) On-site Join our snack-loving teamWe’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 roleThe 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 overachievementComprehensive healthcare support – including Medicash Health Cash Plan or Private Healthcare, Digital GP, Best Doctors second opinion service and specialist cancer careKP Pension Plan – contribution matching up to 7% of your salary25 days holiday, plus the option to buy moreKP4ME – our online platform for benefits, discounts, wellbeing tools and moreWhat will you be doing?Site LeadershipLead the Teesside site through IWS phases to deliver CBN and OGSM targetsCoach and develop IWS Deployment Coaches and Line LeadsDrive colleague engagement using structured tools including PBAT/OHA, ‘Values & behaviours’ and the Best Companies SurveyCollaborate closely with site leadership and employee representativesLoss elimination & systems implementationDevelop and deliver the Site Master Plan and 90-day plansApply IWS tools including Push/Pull pillars, UPS, 6W2H, DDS, CILs and Defect HandlingLead root cause analysis to achieve breakthrough results in OEE and reduce downtimeEmbed and coach Daily Management Systems (DMS) and standard work practicesSupport & capability buildingProvide coaching and calibrated assessments across all site Pillars, Departments and Line Structure TeamsShare best practices and contribute to global IWS capability developmentBuild leadership capability across site teams and Line Structure TeamsWho 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 inclusionWe’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 & QualificationsDegree 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).ExperienceProven 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 & AttributesLeadership 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 fluence & 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 munication & 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

Created: 2025-10-27