Process Operator

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

Job summary

A snack manufacturing company in Tanfield Lea is seeking Process Operators for an initial 12-month FTC. The role involves operating processing equipment, conducting quality checks, and ensuring high standards in production. Ideal candidates should have experience in process operation or a willingness to train. The position offers a salary of £29,245.88, benefits, and a strong team environment.

Benefits

Annual salary of £29,245.88

Comprehensive healthcare support

KP Pension Plan

25 days holiday, plus option to buy more

Access to KP4ME platform for benefits

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating process equipment and quality checks (training provided if not).
• 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

• Operate process equipment to meet output targets.
• Carry out quality checks and testing procedures.
• Resolve running issues to keep lines performing.
• Maintain high housekeeping and safety standards.
• Engage with IWS principles and support improvement.

Skills

Operating process equipment

Quality checks

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Literacy and numeracy

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