Process Operations Lead - Stourton

Arla Foods; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a leader in the dairy industry, where you will manage a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence. This role involves setting objectives, resolving issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the highest standards in production. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of dairy while being part of a cooperative dedicated to making a positive impact. Embrace the opportunity to lead in a fast-paced environment and drive change in a globally recognized organization.

Benefits

Annual Pay Review

Employer Pension Matched up to 6%

4x Annual Life Salary Assurance

Flexible Benefits

Training and Development Commitment

Qualifications

• Ambitious and strategic leader with people management experience.
• Strong coordination skills and experience in operational leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Continuous Improvement team.
• Ensure operational systems are effectively managed and developed.
• Communicate and collaborate with global teams for best practices.

Skills

People Management

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing Principles

Problem Solving

Stakeholder Engagement

Tools

Digital Tools

Job description

Arla Foods Stourton, LS10 1AX

Mon-Fri, days based role

Benefits:

• Annual Pay review
• Employer pension matched up to 6% (12% total contributory)
• 4 x annual life salary assurance
• Flexible Benefits- buy additional annual leave, reward gateway scheme- discounts with various retailers via my benefit platform.
• People agenda commitment to training and development

Reporting to the Site Operations Manager, you will be responsible for leading and managing our Continuous Improvement (LCO) team. You will set day to day objectives for the team and deliver operational plans, whilst resolving issues and escalation points. You will work cross functionally with teams on site, as well as the wider UK and global site teams, to share best practices and ensure our Dairy/ Creamery is running to a best in class standard. You will be responsible for operational KPI’s for your whole area.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Operational Management: Ensure operating systems are accurately managed, maintained, and developed for responsive, data-based management of the operation. Resource and roster all aspects of the operation to deliver output and quality objectives while ensuring legal compliance.
• Team Leadership and Development: Maintain and develop a highly motivated team with a developing skillset for continuous improvement. Manage time and prioritize activities in conjunction with business plans. Set standards personally and monitor team performance.
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicate with global specialist networks and relevant third parties and suppliers to seek best practices and awareness of latest technologies. Work closely with other departments such as engineering and supply chain to ensure best practices are embedded.
• Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving: Monitor system faults across processes and work with supply chain specialists to resolve them. Collect relevant data, interpret results, and seek continuous improvement to set and achieve departmental KPIs. Assist engineering and department teams with problem-solving and maintaining equipment and processes at the highest standard.
• Training and Departmental Activities: Update and maintain training and SOP planning and sign-off. Drive dialogue and barometer action planning within the department. Organize team workload daily, provide cover at meetings, and contribute to departmental activities

Key skills & experience

In order to succeed in this role you will need to be an ambitious, strategic and strong leader who has people management experience within a fast paced manufacturing company. You will be able to demonstrate strong skills in coordination and have a wealth of experience in operational and strategic leadership with an understanding of continuous improvement, lean manufacturing principles, culture change and stakeholder engagement.

You will also need;

• Experience of leading either (Total Performance Management), IL6S (Integrated Lean Six Sigma), IWS (Integrate Works Systems) or similar

• Effective problem solving skills and ability to work under own initiative in a high speed environment
• Significant experience in leading and developing a team
• Previous experience of implementing digital tools would be preferred but not essential
• Knowledge of BRC & retailer audits, knowledge of quality and safety standards

Things We’d Love To Tell You About Our Stourton Site

• Our Stourton site takes in 2.2 million litres of milk daily
• It produces around 660 million litres of the nation’s favourites per year from 16 automated filling lines
• From Stourton we produce over 225 SKUs within 10 different product groups, such as Cravendale & BOB filtered milk, flavoured milk, creams, alcohol cream, custards and cottage cheese.
• The site has received c.£315 million in investment since 2004

Things We’d Love To Tell You About Arla

• We are a farmer- owned cooperative. That means we are committed to partnering with farmers so they are guaranteed a fair price for their milk.
• We experimented with poo powered trucks (google it- you won’t regret it), and built the world’s first ever 100% carbon neutral dairy. All as part of our ongoing commitment to combatting climate change.
• We are the producer of Lurpak, one of the world’s most iconic butter brands.
• We are a Danish business, operating across the UK, Europe, Asia, The Middle East, North America, South America and other regions across the globe.

Next steps

Please apply using the link or reach out to Jess Thwaite, Talent Partner at Arla Foods. The closing date for applications is May 25th 2025

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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