Deputy Engineering Manager

Arla Foods Limited; North Tawton; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days holiday

Pension matching up to 6%

Life assurance

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Arla Foods Limited invites applications for a Deputy Engineering Manager role at Taw Valley. You will lead a high-performing engineering team, driving maintenance, reliability and continuous improvement to support world‑leading dairy production.

The role requires strong people leadership, data‑driven decision making and a proactive approach to improvement, with experience across SAP, CMMS and capital projects in regulated manufacturing settings.

Qualifications

• Experience leading an engineering team in manufacturing environments.
• Strong focus on maintenance, asset reliability and safety.
• Exposure to Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop an engineering team with accountability.
• Ensure maximum availability and efficiency of production equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and CAPEX delivery.
• Promote safety, food safety and quality across operations.
• Manage budgets and resources while supporting digital and sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Engineering leadership

People management

Stakeholder communication

Continuous improvement

Data-driven decisions

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SAP

CMMS

Capital projects planning

Job description

Deputy Engineering Manager, Arla - Taw Valley

Will you be the one to set the standard in this newly created engineering leadership role?

Join Arla Foods Ingredients at Taw Valley and play a key role in helping transform whey into high-quality food ingredients consumed around the world. As our site continues to grow and evolve, this new position offers the opportunity to shape engineering excellence, lead a talented team and deliver meaningful operational improvements.

How you will make an impact

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing engineering team, creating a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Ensure maximum availability and efficiency of production equipment and systems
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and support CAPEX planning and delivery
• Promote a strong culture of safety, food safety, quality and Lean manufacturing
• Manage engineering budgets and resources while supporting digital and sustainability initiatives

What will make you successful

You will bring engineering leadership experience from a manufacturing environment with a strong understanding of maintenance and asset reliability. Experience within food, dairy, FMCG, pharmaceutical or other highly regulated manufacturing environments would be advantageous.

You communicate effectively with both shopfloor and senior stakeholders and have the ability to motivate teams through change and growth. You are comfortable managing projects, driving continuous improvement and making data-driven decisions.

Experience with SAP, CMMS, capital projects, engineering planning and compliance-driven environments will help you succeed. We are particularly interested in individuals who combine technical credibility, people leadership and a proactive approach to improvement.

What do we offer?

This is a rare opportunity to join a growing site during a significant period of transformation. You'll have genuine influence over engineering standards, team development and operational performance.

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer 27 days holiday, matched pension contributions up to 6%, life assurance and flexible benefits. You'll also benefit from extensive development opportunities, strong collaboration, a supportive culture and the opportunity to build a long-term career within a global market-leading dairy business.

For additional information, please contact Chris Wakefield.

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