Process Engineer

Kinnerton Confectionery; Fakenham; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paycare healthcare cash plan

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension & life assurance plan

Salary sacrifice schemes

Job summary

Kinnerton Confectionery in Fakenham, Norfolk, is seeking a hands-on Process Engineer to lead continuous improvements across equipment reliability, process performance and product quality. This role emphasizes data-driven decisions, CI projects and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Operations and Quality.

The successful candidate will drive TPM/PPM, perform RCA, analyse performance data and support new product introductions while maintaining high safety and food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or continuous improvement roles.
• Demonstrable track record of improving equipment performance, reducing downtime, or delivering measurable CI outcomes.
• Strong capability in root cause analysis (RCA) and data-led problem solving.
• Data-driven mindset with experience using tools such as Excel, Power BI, QAD or SAP.
• Experience working with equipment reliability, performance optimisation, and preventative maintenance strategies (PPM).
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams.
• High attention to detail with a proactive, improvement-focused approach.
• Good understanding of health & safety and food safety standards (IOSH or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Spearhead and deliver continuous improvement (CI) projects to improve OEE, reduce downtime, and optimise performance.
• Drive equipment reliability strategies, including improved preventative maintenance (PPM) and asset performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Analyse performance data to identify trends, losses, and efficiency opportunities.
• Support process development, trials, and new product introduction (NPI).
• Improve maintenance and operational standards through TPM, standardisation, and training.
• Work cross-functional with Engineering, Operations, and Quality to deliver measurable improvements.

Skills

Process engineering

Root Cause Analysis

Data analysis

OEE optimization

PPM maintenance

Cross-functional

Safety standards

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Engineering qualification (HNC/HND) or apprenticeship

Tools

Excel

Power BI

QAD

SAP

Job description

Overview

Process Engineer

Kinnerton Confectionery, Fakenham, Norfolk

We’re hiring two Process Engineers to join our Fakenham site, where you’ll lead improvements in equipment reliability, process performance, and product quality. This is a hands‑on role focused on continuous improvement, data‑driven decision making and process optimisation - not routine maintenance.

Position type: Full‑time, permanentShift Pattern: 12 hour shifts, 06:00 - 18:00 on a 4 days on, 4 days off rotationPay rate: £22.94 - £23.89 (£48,000 - £50,000 annually)

Key Benefits: Paycare healthcare cash plan, 25 days holiday + bank holidays, pension & life assurance plan

Closing Date: 21/09/2026

Responsibilities

• Spearhead and deliver continuous improvement (CI) projects to improve OEE, reduce downtime, and optimise performance
• Drive equipment reliability strategies, including improved preventative maintenance (PPM) and asset performance
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement long‑term corrective actions
• Analyse performance data to identify trends, losses, and efficiency opportunities
• Support process development, trials, and new product introduction (NPI)
• Improve maintenance and operational standards through TPM, standardisation, and training
• Work cross‑functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Quality to deliver measurable improvements

Qualifications

Essential

• Proven experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or continuous improvement roles
• Demonstrable track record of improving equipment performance, reducing downtime, or delivering measurable CI outcomes
• Strong capability in root cause analysis (RCA) and data‑led problem solving
• Data‑driven mindset with experience using tools such as Excel, Power BI, QAD or SAP
• Experience working with equipment reliability, performance optimisation, and preventative maintenance strategies (PPM)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams
• High attention to detail with a proactive, improvement‑focused approach
• Good understanding of health & safety and food safety standards (IOSH or equivalent)

Desirable

• Experience in high‑volume manufacturing or FMCG / food production environments
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, RCM)
• Experience working with OEE, downtime analysis, and performance metrics
• Exposure to process trials, process development, or new product introduction (NPI)
• Experience with automated production or packaging equipment (e.g. flow wrappers)
• Engineering qualification (HNC/HND) or apprenticeship background
• Basic understanding of PLC systems and HACCP principles

Rewards Benefits

• 23.5 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• 4% employer and 5 % employee pension plan
• Life assurance plan x4 basic salary
• Various salary sacrifice schemes including pension payments, cycle to work and electric car (subject to meeting minimum criteria)
• Healthcare cash plan via paycare (Dental, Optical, Chiropody, Professional Therapy, Counselling) with a value over £400 each year

About Us

Our Fakenham site operates across three key production areas - Novelty, Nut, and Moulding, each led by a Plant Manager and supported by dedicated Shift Managers working on a 4 on 4 off pattern across days and nights. The site is a 11,000m² facility producing over 8,500 tonnes of confectionery annually, including NOMO – the UK’s #1 free‑from chocolate brand. With advanced technology and a nut‑safe promise, we supply major retailers and co‑manufacture for some of the world’s biggest confectionery brands. Every year, we produce over five million advent calendars and 30 million Easter eggs – making this a fast‑paced, innovative environment where no two days are the same.

Application & Interview Process

Kinnerton Confectionery is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know.

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