Maintenance & Engineering Project Lead - Taw Valley Creamery UK

Arla Group; Mid Devon; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days holiday + Bank Holidays

Annual pay review

Life assurance 4x salary

Career development investments

Staff canteen

Job summary

Arla Foods Ingredients in Devon seeks a Project Lead to plan and execute CAPEX projects that enable supply chain initiatives, drive safety, quality, and cost improvements across the site.

You will report to the Associate Maintenance & Engineering Manager, coordinating with internal and external teams to ensure successful project delivery and close-out.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or related field.
• Knowledge of dairy or food processing essential.
• Understanding of project management processes.
• Proficient in SAP, LIA, ARIBA or similar systems.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional alignment and define project success criteria across safety, quality, cost, delivery and productivity.
• Develop and execute detailed project plans, sourcing strategies and funding processes.
• Build and manage internal and external project teams; drive communication and change management.
• Oversee construction planning, safety plans, cash-flow management, commissioning and start-up activities.
• Ensure full project close-out, documentation and structured problem-solving to optimise outcomes.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SAP

ARIBA

LIA

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking a Project Lead for our Arla Foods Ingredients business in Devon, which produces 18,000 tons of permeate powder and 4000 tons of whey protein concentrate, using membrane, evaporator and drying technology. Reporting into the Associate Maintenance & Engineering Manager, the role will support the planning and execution of CAPEX projects to deliver Supply Chain initiatives through new investments to support maintenance, safety capacity increases and cost improvements across the site.

How will you make an impact?

• Lead cross‑functional alignment and define project success criteria across safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.
• Develop and execute detailed project plans, sourcing strategies, and funding processes.
• Build and manage internal and external project teams while driving effective communication and change management.
• Oversee construction planning, safety plans, cash‑flow management, commissioning, and start‑up activities.
• Ensure full project close‑out, documentation, and structured problem‑solving to optimise outcomes.

What will you need to succeed?

You will need a degree in Engineering (or related field) with a minimum of 3 years related work experience. Knowledge of dairy or food processing is essential as well as an understanding of project management processes. You will be proficient in SAP, LIA, ARIBA or similar systems. Excellent communication (oral and written) skills are essential, as is experience with Microsoft Applications.

What do we offer?

• Competitive salary
• 26 days holiday & Bank Holidays
• Annual pay review
• 4 x annual salary life assurance
• People agenda commitment to training and development, with investment bringing ample career progression opportunities
• Subsidized staff canteen
• Access to discounted Arla products

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 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.