What does a Recruitment Partner do?

Partnering with hiring managers to recruit brilliant talent across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Commercial and Support functions, while delivering a standout candidate experience.

How did you end up in this job?

I had no idea what I wanted to do when I left education. I felt stuck, so I jumped straight into work without any higher qualifications. I always said I’d never go into recruitment – and yet here I am, eight years in and loving it. I started as a Junior Consultant and worked my way up to a Management role, earning my CMI Level 3 in Leadership & Management along the way. Now I’m proud to be part of the internal recruitment team at KP Snacks, helping to find brilliant talent across our business.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing this career?

Rather than focusing on my role, I’d like to talk about why you should consider food manufacturing. It’s an industry that’s constantly evolving – no two days are the same. Whether it’s responding to changing consumer trends, launching new products or improving how we work, there’s always something new to get stuck into. There’s real opportunity to grow your career here. From entry-level roles to leadership positions, food manufacturing offers clear progression paths and the chance to build skills across different areas of the business. You’ll find inclusive, creative cultures where people are encouraged to speak up, share ideas and be themselves. And of course, if you’re working at KP Snacks – there’s the added bonus of free snacks!

But if you’re considering a role within Recruitment or Human Resources, here’s why it’s worth exploring. You’ll be at the heart of shaping the culture and future of the business – helping to attract, support and develop brilliant people. It’s a role that’s both people-focused and strategic, where you can make a real impact every day. You’ll work across different functions, build strong relationships and gain insight into how the business operates. It’s fast-paced, varied and full of opportunities to grow your skills – whether that’s in talent acquisition, learning and development, or colleague engagement.

If you had the chance to do it all over again, what would you do the same / differently?

If I could go back, I’d definitely explore degree apprenticeships within food manufacturing. At the time, I didn’t know much about them – but the chance to learn while you earn, gain hands-on experience and rotate through different areas of a business is such a valuable way to build your career. Food manufacturing is full of opportunity, and starting out with that kind of foundation would have been a brilliant way to discover where my strengths and interests really lie.

Did you buy something special with your first pay cheque?

Honestly, I got way too excited and blew it all in River Island – no regrets! I still have the jacket I bought, and yes, I treated myself to a caramel macchiato… some habits never change.