Continuous Improvement Engineer

Continuous Improvement Engineer Continuous Improvement Engineer (known internally as Process Lead)Hellaby (Home of KP Nuts)On-site | Monday - Friday | 07:30 - 16:00 We’re looking for a Continuous Improvement 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 roleThis is a stretching and rewarding role within our high‑performing Manufacturing team. You’ll be at the heart of driving performance improvements across our production lines, using lean manufacturing tools and coaching colleagues to embed new ways of working. You’ll take ownership of key systems and processes, helping us reduce losses, improve changeovers and build capability across the site. What’s in it for youWe believe in rewarding our colleagues and helping them thrive. Here’s a flavour of what we offer: 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 Leading the development and ownership of the Centre Line Management System for your manufacturing line(s), ensuring consistent performance and control Coaching Equipment Owners to identify and respond to deviations, improve changeover procedures and embed best practice across the site Conducting weekly health checks to assess gaps in our Daily Management Systems and implementing effective countermeasures Analysing machine data to identify and eliminate losses, managing our online data capture system and sharing insights to drive improvement Participating in daily performance reviews with Line Leads to prioritise actions, allocate resources and report on results, while supporting site safety and hygiene initiatives in collaboration with our specialists Who are weWe’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 inclusionWe’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. What you can bring A Mechanical Engineering degree or completed Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship Experience in a world‑class manufacturing environment, ideally within FMCG Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and confidence working with data Strong coaching and communication skills, with the ability to positively influence change and build capability A curious mindset, with a passion for problem solving, continuous learning and sharing solutions Quality Engineer – Business Management System Duties Support the Business Management System (BMS) through internal and external auditing. Monitor and drive close out of Non‑conforming Reports (NCRs). Ensure all customer specifications and documents relevant to the BMS are to the correct issue status. Follow process for the implementation of changes on the BMS. Monitor compliance of BMS to relevant standards and customer requirements. Monitor and drive BMS compliance with AS9100/ISO09100, AS13100 and SABRe standards. Report on all Key performance indicators. Report quality statistics weekly/ monthly and project performance. Interpretate manufacturing drawings and specifications to internal standards. Adhere to company Health & Safety. Promote effective communication between your functional areas and other areas of the business. Generate and issue quality statistics and communicate findings across the teams. Conduct/ facilitate risk management through implementation and review failure mode effect analysis (FMEA). Enforce the quality disciplines and awareness of customer requirements throughout the business. Perform any other duties, which may reasonably be associated with the job in order to meet the needs of the company. Ensure a safe and healthy working environment by following proper ergonomics, safety equipment use, and hygiene practices. Generate and submit fair reports, documentation, and data summaries in accordance with quality standards and regulatory requirements. Promote environmentally friendly practices and sustainability initiatives within the workplace, and complete mandatory ESH‑related training and certifications. Requirements Highly motivated individual. Excellent attention to detail. Minimum of 2 years quality engineering experience. Ability to manage own time and workload effectively. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings. Customer Quality Engineer – Aerospace Key Responsibilities Lead and develop the site‑based Quality team, building capability and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Act as the main representative of the Quality function to internal teams, customers, and suppliers, managing all quality‑related communication. Oversee customer issues, returns, and complaints, ensuring timely root cause analysis and robust corrective and preventive actions. Manage internal and supplier audits, ensuring schedules are met, findings are actioned, and supplier performance aligns with business standards. Analyse customer feedback, audit results, and scrap trends to identify opportunities for improvement and reduce the Cost of Poor Quality. Provide quality input into design and process reviews to promote right‑first‑time manufacturing and a no‑fault‑forward culture. Ensure accurate and timely completion of key documentation, including FAI Reports (AS9102), concessions, and inspection reports. Support third‑party, certification, and customer audits, maintaining compliance with the Quality Management System and evolving standards. Qualifications and Experience Minimum of five years’ experience in a Quality or Engineering function, ideally within a manufacturing environment. Working knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent quality standards (preferred but not essential). Proven experience preparing ISIR, FAIR, and PPAP documentation. Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems, Product Realisation processes, and problem‑solving methodologies. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams. Proficient in statistical analysis techniques using Microsoft Excel and related software tools. Self‑motivated with the ability to work proactively and independently. Confident working across all levels of the organisation, with flexibility to travel to customers, company facilities, and other sites as required. Senior Automotive Quality Engineer Key Responsibilities Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive quality management systems throughout the production lifecycle. Conduct internal and external quality audits (e.g., IATF 16949 compliance). Analyze product defects and non‑conformance data to identify trends and root causes. Lead the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Utilize quality tools such as FMEA, SPC, and MSA in problem‑solving. Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure product quality throughout the development cycle. Manage supplier quality assurance activities, including audits and performance monitoring. Develop and deliver quality training programs to production and engineering staff. Prepare quality reports and presentations for management review. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the manufacturing processes. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical) or a related technical field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality engineering within the automotive industry. In‑depth knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and SPC. Experience with quality management systems and auditing. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Proficiency in data analysis software and tools. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders. Experience working in a hybrid environment, balancing on‑site and remote tasks. Senior Production Quality Engineer Key Responsibilities Develop, implement, and manage the company's Quality Management System (QMS). Oversee quality control processes for incoming materials, in‑process production, and finished goods. Lead root cause analysis investigations for product non‑conformances and implement effective CAPA. Develop and conduct quality training programs for production personnel. Establish and monitor key quality metrics and KPIs; report on quality performance to management. Conduct internal audits of manufacturing processes and quality systems. Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure new product introductions meet quality standards. Support supplier quality initiatives and conduct supplier audits as needed. Utilise statistical process control (SPC) techniques to monitor and improve manufacturing processes. Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001). Champion a culture of quality throughout the manufacturing organisation. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical) or a related technical discipline. Minimum of 5‑7 years of experience in a quality engineering role within a manufacturing environment. Proven experience with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949). Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies such as SPC, FMEA, MSA, APQP, and Six Sigma. Experience in root cause analysis and CAPA implementation. Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams. Proficiency in data analysis and reporting. Experience with auditing (internal/external) is required. Ability to lead and mentor junior quality engineers. Aerospace Quality Assurance Engineer Key Responsibilities Develop and implement robust quality assurance plans, procedures, and standards for aerospace manufacturing. Conduct regular inspections and audits of manufacturing processes, materials, and finished products to ensure compliance with specifications and regulations. Investigate quality issues, root cause analysis (RCA), and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Manage the non‑conformance reporting system and drive resolution of quality defects. Collaborate with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to address quality concerns and improve processes. Ensure adherence to AS9100, EASA Part 21G, and other relevant aerospace quality standards. Develop and deliver quality‑related training to production and engineering staff. Maintain quality documentation, records, and traceability systems. Monitor key quality metrics and provide regular reports to management. Support customer audits and regulatory inspections. Participate in design reviews and risk assessments to proactively identify potential quality issues. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality and manufacturing efficiency. Work with suppliers to ensure the quality of incoming components. Qualifications and Experience Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality assurance within the aerospace or defense industry. In‑depth knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and other relevant aerospace quality management systems. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and engineering principles. Proficiency in statistical process control (SPC) and problem‑solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys). Experience with inspection techniques and tools. Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical information. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Proficiency in quality management software and Microsoft Office Suite. Relevant certifications (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Engineer) are highly desirable. #J-18808-Ljbffr