Machine Operator

KP Snacks; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading snack manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Machine Technician for their Tanfield site. This role involves setting up and monitoring packing machinery, ensuring quality checks, and maintaining hygiene standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in machine operation and strong organisational skills. Join a close-knit team that values development and teamwork. Competitive benefits are provided including comprehensive healthcare and pension plans.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare support

Pension plan with contribution matching

25 days holiday plus options to buy more

Access to employee benefits platform

Qualifications

• Understanding of machine operation and safety features.
• Experience in a manufacturing or technical role preferred.
• Ability to follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Set up and monitor packing machinery to ensure smooth operation.
• Conduct quality checks and document results.
• Maintain hygiene standards through cleaning protocols.

Skills

Machine operation understanding

Strong organisational skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Job description

Machine Operator (known internally as Machine Technician)

Initial FTC until December 2026
Tanfield (Home of Penn State Pretzels)
On-site | Shifts: 3-shift rotation (06:00 - 14:00, 14:00 - 22:00, 22:00 - 06:00)

Join our snack-loving team
We’re looking for a Machine Technician to join us at KP Snacks in Tanfield. If you’re organised, hands‑on and ready to grow your skills in a fast‑paced environment, this could be your next big move.

About the role
As a Machine Technician, you’ll play a key role in keeping our packing machines running smoothly and efficiently. You’ll carry out quality checks, support your team and make sure every product meets our high standards – and those of our customers. Reporting to the Area Manager, you’ll manage packing equipment and support manufacturing colleagues to deliver great results.

You’ll be part of a close‑knit team at our Tanfield site, where we make baked and fried snacks including Penn State Pretzels, Tyrrells Lentil Crisps and Skips. With a strong culture of development and a genuine family feel, it’s a great place to build your career.

What’s in it for you?

• 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?

• Set up and monitor packing machinery to ensure smooth, continuous running
• Carry out quality checks and record results to meet company and customer standards
• Support stock activities using JDE and Autostore systems
• Maintain high hygiene standards through cleaning and shutdown procedures
• Collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement

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:

• Good understanding of machine operation and safety features
• Strong organisational skills and ability to follow instructions
• Experience in a manufacturing or technical role – transferable skills welcome
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and teamwork
• A mindset that reflects our values