Process Operator

KP Snacks; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading snack manufacturer in Sunderland is seeking Process Operators for an initial 12-month FTC. You will operate processing equipment efficiently, conduct quality checks, and maintain high standards in a dynamic work environment. The ideal candidate has experience in operating equipment and a strong focus on detail. Benefits include a competitive salary, healthcare support, and a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

Annual salary of £29,245.88

Comprehensive healthcare support

KP Pension Plan

25 days holiday, plus the option to buy more

Online platform for benefits and wellbeing tools

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating process equipment and quality checks (training provided if not).
• A good standard of literacy and numeracy.
• Ability to take ownership, work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Reliability and flexibility to cover packing activities when required.

Responsibilities

• Competently operate process equipment (fryer, flavour, packing, and bakery) to meet output targets.
• Carry out quality checks and testing procedures to maintain high standards.
• Resolve running issues quickly and effectively to keep lines performing at their best.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping, health & safety and hygiene standards.
• Fully engage with IWS principles and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Operating process equipment

Quality checks

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Literacy and numeracy

Reliability

Flexibility

Job description

Process Operator – Initial 12‑month FTC

Tanfield (Home of Penn State Pretzels). Shift: 3‑shift rotation | Sunday – Friday | 06:00 – 14:00, 14:00 – 22:00, 22:00 – 06:00

Join our snack-loving team

We’re looking for three Process Operators 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 play a key role in the safe, efficient and high‑quality operation of our processing equipment, ensuring every product meets company and customer standards. Once trained, you’ll operate as a Production Operator, carry out quality checks and maintain standards using the Intersnack Work Systems (IWS) approach. This is a hands‑on role where attention to detail and teamwork make all the difference.

What’s in it for you?

• Annual salary of £29,245.88
• Comprehensive healthcare support – including Medicash Health Cash Plan, 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?

• Competently operate process equipment (fryer, flavour, packing, and bakery) to meet output targets
• Carry out quality checks and testing procedures to maintain high standards
• Resolve running issues quickly and effectively to keep lines performing at their best
• Maintain excellent housekeeping, health & safety and hygiene standards
• Fully engage with IWS principles and support continuous improvement initiatives

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:

• Previous experience operating process equipment and quality checks (training provided if not)
• A good standard of literacy and numeracy
• Ability to take ownership, work independently and as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Reliability and flexibility to cover packing activities when required