Mechanical Operator (known internally as Lead Operator (Equipment Owner))
Pontefract (Home of Butterkist Popcorn)
On-site | Monday - Friday, three-shift rotation (05:45 - 14:00, 13:45 - 22:00, 21:45 - 06:00)
Join our snack-loving team
We’re looking for a Lead Operator 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
Our Manufacturing teams are at the heart of KP Snacks. They safely produce the high‑quality snacks our consumers love, while working in a fast‑paced, high‑performing environment. We focus on safety, quality, cost and service to deliver on our commitments and continually improve how we work.
As a Lead Operator, you will take operational responsibility for shift performance within a defined area or asset group. You will coordinate day‑to‑day activity, act as an Equipment Owner or Team Captain where required, and help your team deliver consistent standards across safety, quality, service and cost.
This role is central to maintaining compliance, improving performance and supporting colleagues so they can do their best work every day.
What’s in it for you?
We believe in rewarding our colleagues and helping them thrive. Here’s a flavour of what we offer:
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Comprehensive healthcare support – including Medicash Health Cash Plan, Digital GP, Best Doctors second opinion service and specialist cancer care
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KP Pension Plan – contribution matching up to 7% of your salary
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25 days holiday, plus the option to buy more
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KP4ME – our online platform for benefits, discounts, wellbeing tools and more
What will you be doing?
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Coordinating operational activity across your defined area
Ensuring standards, routines and compliance are consistently maintained throughout the shift, acting as an Equipment Owner or Team Captain where required -
Monitoring performance and taking timely corrective action
Tracking output, waste, downtime, quality and service, and stepping in quickly when performance drops below target -
Leading effective shift communication and issue resolution
Supporting or leading shift handovers, communicating risks and priorities clearly and acting as the escalation point for technical or people‑related issues -
Driving problem‑solving and continuous improvement
Leading structured root cause investigations and implementing sustainable corrective actions for recurring operational or compliance challenges -
Building capability across the team
Coaching Support and Technical Operators, ensuring colleagues are trained, competent and confident to perform their roles, in partnership with the Line Lead
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:
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Strong operational and technical expertise
Significant experience operating and troubleshooting machinery, automated systems or processes in manufacturing or warehousing -
Confidence coordinating colleagues within a shift environment
Experience directing activity, supporting teams and helping others follow standards -
A structured, practical approach to problem solving
Able to interpret production data, identify patterns and respond with appropriate actions -
Great communication and leadership presence
Able to influence, coach and guide colleagues to maintain high standards, even under pressure -
The right training and education
Mechanical or engineering experience (or NVQ Level 2 equivalent) is essential for this role.
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