Automation Engineer

KP Snacks; Swadlincote; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading snack manufacturer in England is seeking an Automation Engineer to support automation systems and lead site engineering projects. The successful candidate will have a background in automation engineering and will work closely with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency. This is an on-site role based in Ashby de la Zouch, with a range of benefits including a bonus scheme, healthcare support, and a pension plan.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme

Comprehensive healthcare support

Pension plan with contribution matching

25 days holiday, plus options to buy more

Online platform for benefits and discounts

Qualifications

• Strong practical experience in automation engineering.
• Familiarity with operational technology and energy management systems.
• Demonstrated experience in continuous improvement programs.

Responsibilities

• Support and improve automation systems at the Ashby site.
• Lead site projects ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Collaborate for delivery of automation solutions.

Skills

Automation engineering background

Electrical engineering foundation

Experience with Siemens

Project engineering experience

Coaching and development skills

Education

HNC or above in engineering discipline

Time-served apprenticeship

Tools

Siemens

TIA Portal

GX Works

CX Programmer

Rockwell Automation

Job description

Automation Engineer

Ashby de la Zouch (Home of Hula Hoops, Space Raiders, Nik Naks and more)
On-site | Monday - Friday | Days (some flexibility required)

Join our snack-loving team

We’re looking for an Automation Engineer 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

You’ll be responsible for supporting and improving our automation systems, leading site projects and ensuring safe, efficient operations. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll work closely with colleagues across Engineering, Manufacturing and Technical to deliver automation solutions that make a real difference.

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?

• Lead automation and PLC support across the Ashby site, building fault‑finding capability across all shifts
• Tackle automation challenges with confidence, including obsolescence upgrades and CAPEX project delivery
• Collaborate with site teams, suppliers and contractors to deliver automation projects from concept to completion
• Make a real impact on automation standards, training and coaching – ensuring safe systems and consistent processes
• Learn and grow through cross‑functional teamwork, supporting both site‑driven and centrally driven engineering projects
• Support 24/7 emergency cover and ensure automation systems are available and safeguarded at all times
• Drive continuous improvement through Intersnack Work Systems and Initiative Management principles
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety, Environment and Hygiene policies, with a focus on safe working practices
• Manage automation documentation, contracts and warranties, ensuring systems are fit for purpose and aligned with KP Snacks standards

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.

Qualifications & Background

• HNC or above in an engineering discipline, or time‑served apprenticeship with strong practical experience
• A background in automation engineering
• A solid foundation in electrical engineering and control systems

Technical Experience

• Siemens (essential) and TIA Portal (desirable but not essential)
• Other PLC systems such as GX Works, CX Programmer, Rockwell Automation
• MES platforms and data collection systems
• Operational technology and energy management systems

Project & CI Experience

• Providing hands‑on coaching and development to wider teams in automation engineering (essential)
• Demonstrated experience in project engineering and management
• Involvement in maintenance and continuous improvement programmes
• Familiarity with quality management systems and legislative/food safety compliance
• Comfortable with budgeting, CapEx processes, and procurement