Associate Production Manager- Arla Food Ingredients, Taw Valley

Arla Foods Deutschland GmbH; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global dairy leader in Devon is seeking an Associate Production Manager to drive operational performance and lead teams in a fast-paced environment. You will oversee production, manage budgets, and ensure quality and safety standards. The ideal candidate has FMCG experience and strong leadership skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered. Apply by 3rd December 2025.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days holiday & Bank Holidays

Annual pay review

Pension contribution matched up to 6%

4 x annual salary life assurance

Access to discounted products

Commitment to training and development

Flexible Benefits

Cheese hamper at Christmas

Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills with a track record in building and motivating teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities are essential.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production operations, ensuring compliance with management systems.
• Manage budgets, KPIs, and resources effectively.
• Lead and develop your team to deliver exceptional performance.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Finance, and EHS teams.
• Ensure quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Support internal and external audits and drive improvement initiatives.

Skills

FMCG experience

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal abilities

Tools

SAP

LIA

VIW

COUPA

Job description

Associate Production Manager- Arla Food Ingredients, Taw Valley

Location: Devon, GB

Join Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI) at Taw Valley as an Associate Production Manager and help feed the world by transforming whey into high-quality food ingredients!

At Arla Foods Ingredients, we produce approximately 18,000 tons of permeate powder and 3,000 tons of whey protein concentrate annually. These are manufactured using advanced membrane filtration, evaporation, and drying technologies. Our ingredients are trusted by food manufacturers worldwide, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and consistency in everything we do.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary (salary discussed at application stage)
• 26 days holiday & Bank Holidays
• Annual pay review
• Pension contribution matched up to 6%
• 4 x annual salary life assurance
• Access to discounted products in our Staff Shop
• People agenda commitment to training and development
• Flexible Benefits – buy up to 5 days annual leave, reward gateway scheme – discounts with various retailers via my benefit platform.
• Most importantly – cheese hamper at Christmas!

How will you make an impact?

Reporting into the Head of AFI, you’ll play a key role in driving operational performance, setting strategic direction, ensuring quality and safety, and inspiring your team to deliver excellence every day.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee production operations, ensuring full compliance with management systems such as LIA, SAP, VIW, and COUPA.
• Manage budgets, KPIs, and resources effectively to maintain smooth and efficient operations.
• Lead, inspire, and develop your team to deliver exceptional performance and results.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Finance, and EHS teams to drive operational efficiency and uphold safety standards.
• Ensure excellence in quality, food safety, and environmental performance, meeting all regulatory and company requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process and performance.

What will make you successful?

You’ll bring solid FMCG experience and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven leadership skills with a track record in building, developing, and motivating high‑performing teams.

Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, combined with a team‑oriented mindset, are essential to foster collaboration and a positive working culture. You’ll demonstrate resilience, autonomy, and energy to drive results and make things happen. Knowledge of SAP or similar systems would be an advantage.

Would you like to join us?

Please apply directly or contact Olivia Pine, Talent Acquisition Partner at Arla Foods, for more information. The closing date for this position is the 3rd December 2025 and only CVs sent directly via the link will be considered.

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.