Laboratory Team Lead - Dairy Quality & Compliance

Arla Foods; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Arla Foods’ Aylesbury Dairy seeks a Laboratory/Technical Team Leader to drive quality and food safety across the site. You will lead a 7-person team, champion Arla standards, and manage audits with retailers and food service customers.

The role reports to the Senior QEHS Manager and focuses on continuous improvement, risk management, and cross-department collaboration. This leadership position requires 3–5 years in a similar role, HACCP Level 3, and internal auditing training, with HACCP Level 4

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years in a similar role.
• HACCP Level 3 certification required.
• Internal auditor training required.
• CLAS accreditation knowledge advantageous but not essential.
• HACCP Level 4 certification and/or lead auditor training desirable.

Responsibilities

• Ensures quality, food safety, and legal compliance by implementing Arla standards and customer requirements.
• Leads and inspires the laboratory team of 5 professionals and collaborates with other departments to implement improvements.
• Uses data and digital tools to monitor performance and support informed decision-making.
• Leads audits, coaching activities, and quality-related projects to enhance compliance and customer satisfaction.
• Delivers training on quality and drives quality and food safety reporting to stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Quality management

Auditing

Data analysis

Problem solving

Education

HACCP Level 3

HACCP Level 4

Lead auditor training

CLAS awareness

Job description

Arla Foods’ Aylesbury Dairy seeks a Laboratory/Technical Team Leader to drive quality and food safety across the site. You will lead a 7-person team, champion Arla standards, and manage audits with retailers and food service customers.

The role reports to the Senior QEHS Manager and focuses on continuous improvement, risk management, and cross-department collaboration. This leadership position requires 3–5 years in a similar role, HACCP Level 3, and internal auditing training, with HACCP Level 4