Continuous Improvement Team Lead - Process Operations - Aylesbury Dairy

Arla Foods; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the dairy industry seeks a Continuous Improvement Manager for its Aylesbury facility. With responsibilities in managing a team and ensuring excellence in operations, this role requires knowledge of Lean principles and a passion for improvement. Join Arla Foods to make a significant impact in a sustainable dairy future.

Qualifications

• Experience leading continuous improvement teams in a liquid processing environment.
• Knowledge of Lean principles like 5S and Kaizen.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and implement continuous improvement and CAPEX projects.
• Set KPI standards and monitor team performance.
• Resolve system faults and organize daily workloads.

Skills

Lean principles

Continuous improvement

Communication skills

Education

Six Sigma qualification

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity. You’ll get the chance to work at our state of the art flagship dairy in Aylesbury. Built in 2010, covering 76 acres, our 100% carbon neutral dairy is the very first of its kind in the world! It plays a big part in helping Arla to #feedthenation, producing a staggering 1 billion litres of milk per year.

Reporting to the Senior Operations Manager, you will be responsible for managing a small LCO team are responsible for implementing and managing continuous improvement and CAPEX projects within the milk processing area of the site. You will work with other teams on site, as well as the wider UK and global site teams to share best practise and ensure our Aylesbury site is running to a best in class standard.

How you will make an impact

• Ensuring the operating systems for the area are accurately managed, maintained and developed to enable responsive, data based management of the operation
• Maintaining and developing a highly motivated team with a developing skillset for continuous improvement of team performance. You will be managing your own time and prioritising activities in conjunction with business plans, whilst seeking best practice through global networks
• As a key contributor to the site CI pipeline you will be setting KPI standards personally and monitoring team performance. You’ll communicate with relevant suppliers and third parties to ensure that we are aware of the latest technologies and industry best practices
• Day to day you will be monitoring system faults across process and work with Supply Chain specialists to resolve these. You will organise team workload on a daily basis ensuring clarity for team members(include coaching, assigning, follow up and feedback)
• Assist the engineering and department teams with problem solving and maintaining equipment and processes at the highest standard

What you’ll need in order to be successful in the role?

You will need to have previous experience of leading continuous improvement teams, ideally within a liquid processing environment. Knowledge of Lean principles such as 5S and Kaizen are essential, and a Six Sigma qualification would be preferred. You will need to have excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as computer systems knowledge. Previous experience working within both engineering would also be preferred but not essential. You will occasionally need to be contactable outside of working hours if guidance is required by the team.

Want to apply?

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Arla family. Please apply via this advert or our careers page. The deadline for applications is 19th June 2025. If you have a question about the role, then please contact Rachel McDaid, Senior Talent Partner [e-mail]

Please note we are not partnered with any recruitment agencies for this role. We kindly ask that recruitment agencies do not submit CVs on behalf of candidates for this role, as these CVs will not be considered under the agency ownership and if Arla does progress with any such candidate, this will not amount to acceptance of the agency's terms. We encourage interested individuals to apply directly through our official channels.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We're passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future.

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.

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