Dairy Lab Team Leader: Quality & Audit Champion

Arla Group; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Arla Group’s Aylesbury Dairy is recruiting a Laboratory/Technical Team Leader to drive quality improvements, audits, and compliance across the site. You will lead a team of 7, coach colleagues, and collaborate with other departments to uphold Arla standards.

You will oversee QA/QC activities, maintain the quality management system, and deliver training. Weekend cover is possible, with occasional out-of-hours auditing.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years in a similar role.
• HACCP Level 3 certification and internal auditor training.
• Knowledge of CLAS accreditation; HACCP Level 4 or lead auditor training desirable.
• Experience in the dairy industry and with UK retailers preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensures quality, food safety, and legal compliance by implementing Arla standards and industry regulations across the site.
• Develops and inspires the laboratory team of 5 professionals and works with other departments to implement improvements; acts as trusted advisor.
• Uses data and digital tools to monitor performance, generate reports, and support informed decision-making.
• Leads and supports audits, coaching activities, and quality-related projects to enhance compliance and customer satisfaction.
• Maintains the quality management system with group protocols, delivers training, and drives quality/food safety projects.

Skills

Auditing

Quality management

Lab leadership

Food safety

Education

HACCP Level 3 certification

HACCP Level 4 certification

Lead auditor training

CLAS accreditation knowledge

Job description

Arla Group’s Aylesbury Dairy is recruiting a Laboratory/Technical Team Leader to drive quality improvements, audits, and compliance across the site. You will lead a team of 7, coach colleagues, and collaborate with other departments to uphold Arla standards.

You will oversee QA/QC activities, maintain the quality management system, and deliver training. Weekend cover is possible, with occasional out-of-hours auditing.