Area Specialist - Operations

Arla Foods A.m.b.a; Lockerbie; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Arla Lockerbie is seeking an Area Specialist to lead continuous improvement initiatives across the LCO area, using data to drive decisions and improve equipment performance. You will work with operators, maintenance, and site leadership to raise safety, quality and productivity.

The role requires at least 5 years in a similar role, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is desirable, and experience with SAP, Power BI and Excel for performance reporting.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in a similar Area Specialist / CI role.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, OEE and CI methodologies.
• Experience using SAP, Power BI or Excel for performance reporting.
• Excellent communication and coaching skills to influence colleagues at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead weekly continuous improvement meetings focused on equipment performance, downtime and OEE.
• Analyse production and asset data to identify losses, determine root causes and implement improvements.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and Operational Asset Care processes to ensure consistent performance.
• Coach operators to build capability and strengthen team performance.
• Support adoption of new digital tools and reporting systems across the production area.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Technical/dairy/engineering qualification

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Lockerbie DG11

Mon - Fri Days 37.5 hours 8-4

Are you passionate about continuous improvement, data analysis, operational excellence and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment?

We're looking for an Area Specialist to join our Operations team at Arla Lockerbie, where you'll play a critical role in improve equipment performance, reducing losses and developing operational capability across your Line-Centred Organization (LCO) area.

As the operational expert within your area, you'll work closely with operators, technical operators, maintenance teams, and site leadership to deliver sustainable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys using data to drive decisions while coaching others to achieve operational excellence.

How you will make an impact

As an Area Specialist, you'll lead continuous improvement activities across your operational area, ensuring equipment performance, operational standards and team capability continue to develop. You'll combine technical expertise, analytical thinking and people development to deliver measurable business improvements.

• Leading weekly Continuous Improvement meetings focused on equipment performance, downtime reduction and OEE improvement.
• Analysing production and asset performance data to identify losses, determine root causes and implement sustainable improvements.
• Developing and maintaining operational standards, SOPs and Operational Asset Care processes to ensure consistent performance.
• Coaching and developing operators and technical operators to build capability and strengthen team performance.
• Supporting the implementation and adoption of new digital tools, systems and technologies across the production area.

The role sits within the Operations function and works closely with Maintenance, Continuous Improvement and Site Leadership Teams.

What will make you successful

We're looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, influencing others and driving continuous improvement through both people and process.

You will ideally hold a technical, dairy, food production or engineering-related qualification, or have equivalent experience within a manufacturing environment. Experience within food, dairy or FMCG manufacturing would be highly advantageous.

You'll bring

• At least 5 years' experience in a similar role.

• Lean six sigma green belt or above is highly desirable.

• Strong analytical skills with experience using production performance data to drive operational improvements.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience using systems such as SAP, Power BI, Excel or similar performance reporting tools.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to coach, engage and influence colleagues at all levels.
• Experience supporting process improvements, operational excellence initiatives or digital transformation projects.

What do we offer?

Salary starting from £43,585+ depending on experience.

At Arla, you'll join a collaborative and supportive Operations team committed to achieving world-class manufacturing performance. You'll work alongside experienced colleagues who are passionate about continuous improvement and helping each other succeed.

We're committed to helping our people grow, providing opportunities to expand your technical expertise, develop new skills and build a rewarding long-term career. You'll work alongside experienced colleagues who will support your development while giving you the opportunity to make a real impact from day one.

Would you like to join us?

The closing date for applications is 21 August.

For additional information, please contact James Paisley, Recruitment Coordinator [e-mail]

We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with natural, sustainable nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.

LI-JAMPA

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