Operational Readiness Lead – Manufacturing Start-up

About the role

We are seeking an Operational Readiness Lead to establish and deploy our Integrated Work System (IWS) during a major manufacturing start-up at KP Snacks in Billingham. The role is accountable for building the management systems, standards, processes and team capability required to deliver sustainable performance from Day 1.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the start-up of a new manufacturing line, managing commissioning, qualification and verification activities to ensure a safe transition to full production.
• Drive project delivery and stakeholder engagement, communicating progress, milestones, risks and outcomes across Operations, Engineering and external partners.
• Coordinate site-level risk mitigation plans, resolve issues proactively and keep launch activities on track.
• Embed continuous improvement principles by aligning activities with Intersnack Work Systems (IWS) and establishing sustainable ways of working from day one.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to implement IWS, TPM, Lean, or World Class Manufacturing systems.
• Experience developing frontline leadership capability and management routines.
• Track record of supporting operational readiness, manufacturing start-ups or major transformations.

Required skills

• Integrated Work System (IWS)
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Lean manufacturing
• World Class Manufacturing (WCM)

What we offer

• Competitive annual salary with annual review and a target 7.5% bonus.
• £6,000 car allowance and electric-vehicle scheme.
• KP Pension Plan with up to 7% matched contributions.
• 25 days holiday plus the option to purchase up to five additional days.
• Comprehensive private healthcare, health cash plan, digital GP and employee assistance programme.
• KP4ME benefits platform offering discounts, cashback and wellbeing support.
• Family-friendly policies to support colleagues at every life stage.