116 Manufacturing jobs in Hartlepool

Operational Excellence Manager (known internally as 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:

• 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 – 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

What will you be doing?

Site Leadership

• Lead the Teesside site through IWS phases to deliver CBN and OGSM targets

• Coach and develop IWS Deployment Coaches and Line Leads

• Drive colleague engagement using structured tools including 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. 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

• 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.

• 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: 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 methodologies.

• Influence & 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 tools.

• Communication & 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

My client are looking for a Lead Manufacturing Engineer to manage a team of 8 Engineers and Technicians through manufacture and complex assembly of products going into a range of regulated industries.

This is an excellent opportunity to take the step from Senior Engineer to a direct Management position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a muti-disciplinary team, building technical capabilities while fostering a collaborative and innovative working environment.
• Support day-today production and new product introduction (NPI) activities, collaborating across wider operations and ensuring compliance with H&S.
• Provide expertise and lean manufacturing practices to solve manufacturing challenges.
• Deliver DFM (design for manufacturing) reviews and feedback throughout NPI processes, working alongside the design team to customer and industry specific requirements.
• Own and manage departmental budgets with support from your line manager, implementing equipment upgrades and improvements in line with budgets and ensuring NPI projects meet cost and quality requirements.
• Develop and maintain departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to proactively drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Degree in Engineering, or qualified by experience in manufacturing engineering positions.
• Experience in manufacturing or production environments, ideally with electro-mechanical products.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement principals (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen)
• Experience in regulated industries is desirable (defence, aerospace, marine, medical).

Location: on-site, south of Middlesbrough

Salary: up to £58k (DOE)

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Proven experience as a Process Engineer in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing principles, production optimisation techniques (Lean, Six Sigma), and quality control systems.
• Experience with CAD software and process simulation tools is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Familiarity with safety regulations and environmental compliance in manufacturing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes and systems.
• Evaluating and integrating new technologies, such as automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 solutions.
• Conducting process capability studies and implementing improvements to enhance yield and reduce waste.
• Developing and maintaining manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, SOPs, and process flow diagrams.
• Collaborating with R&D and engineering teams to ensure seamless product transfer from design to mass production.
• Troubleshooting manufacturing issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions.
• Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing processes and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Staying abreast of industry trends and best practices in advanced manufacturing.

• Assist senior engineers and technicians in various stages of the manufacturing process.
• Learn to operate and maintain specialized machinery and equipment.
• Participate in the design, development, and testing of new products and components.
• Contribute to quality control and assurance procedures, ensuring adherence to strict industry standards.
• Undertake theoretical study as required by the apprenticeship program, including coursework, assignments, and examinations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on projects, contributing to problem-solving and innovation.
• Develop proficiency in CAD/CAM software and other relevant engineering tools.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, and production output.
• Adhere to all health and safety regulations and company policies.
• Actively seek opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

• Minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), including Maths and English.
• A keen interest in engineering, manufacturing, and technology.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a logical approach to tasks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.
• A proactive attitude and a commitment to achieving high standards.
• Must be eligible to work in the UK and committed to the full duration of the apprenticeship program.

• Direct and manage all manufacturing operations to ensure optimal efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Develop and implement production plans and schedules to meet demand and optimise resource utilisation.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of production supervisors and associates, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
• Implement and maintain lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen).
• Oversee quality control processes to ensure products meet stringent standards and customer expectations.
• Manage the manufacturing budget, controlling costs and identifying opportunities for savings.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and other departments to support new product introductions and process improvements.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for production and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Drive initiatives to improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and reduce waste.
• Manage inventory levels and ensure efficient material flow within the manufacturing process.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment, promoting employee engagement and development.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in a manufacturing management or supervisory role, preferably within a relevant industry.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and EHS regulations.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in production planning and control systems.
• Experience in budget management and cost control.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet challenging deadlines.

• Oversee all aspects of the manufacturing operation, including production planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow management.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors and staff to foster a high-performance culture.
• Implement and continuously improve lean manufacturing methodologies, such as 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma, to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Ensure that all production activities meet stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, controlling costs and identifying opportunities for financial savings.
• Monitor production performance against key metrics and targets, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain a strong focus on health, safety, and environmental (HSE) compliance, ensuring a safe working environment for all employees.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and implement preventative maintenance programs.
• Manage inventory levels and coordinate with the supply chain department to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and dispatch of finished goods.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the plant to enhance operational efficiency and product quality.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in manufacturing operations management, with a proven track record of success.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management and cost control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in production planning software and ERP systems.
• A strong understanding of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices.
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Experience in the specific manufacturing sector of our client is highly advantageous.