Operations Team Leader, Arla - Oswestry

Arla Group; Oswestry; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual pay review

Pension 6% matched

Life assurance 4x salary

Flexible benefits

Training & development

Discounted Arla products

Job summary

Arla Foods Oswestry is seeking a Shift Manager to lead our Operations team, directing a group of 10-20 colleagues on 3 on 3 off days and nights. You will own performance, safety and continuous improvement, ensuring delivery of production plans with high quality and GMP compliance.

You'll work with cross-functional teams, coach staff, manage resources, and drive Lean improvements. We offer development opportunities, competitive pay, pension, life cover, and discounts on Arla products as part of

Qualifications

• Experience managing teams within a manufacturing, FMCG or production environment.
• Strong understanding of operational performance, safety and quality standards.
• Experience working in fast-paced environments with responsibility for people and performance management.
• Knowledge of Lean principles; Six Sigma knowledge is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and support production colleagues to achieve objectives.
• Drive safety, quality and performance while complying with GMP and health & safety standards.
• Manage resources, including direct reports, investigations and performance management.
• Collaborate with M&E Team Leader and stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain alignment.
• Lead continuous improvement activities and daily direction setting.

Skills

People leadership

Team coaching

Safety management

Lean principles

Problem solving

Communication

Job description

Shift based role | 3 on 3 off | Days and nights

Ready to lead a team of up to 20 colleagues and take ownership of performance,safetyand continuous improvement within one of Europe's leading dairy manufacturers?

This role offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated production team within one of Arla's cheese packaging facilities. You'll play a key role in driving performance,safetyand continuous improvement, while helping your team achieve their full potential.

Read more about our part of the business hereInside Arla | Arla

How you will make an impact

As a Shift Manager, you will join our Operations team at Arla Foods Oswestry and reportintothe Core Team Leader. You willbe responsible forleading a team of 10-20 colleagues, ensuring the safe,efficientand high-quality delivery of production plans while driving performance,engagementand continuous improvement across your area. You will work closely with cross-functional teams tomaintainoperational excellence and support thesitebusiness plan.

• Lead,coachand support production colleagues to help them achieve individual and team objectives.
• Drive safety, quality and operational performance while ensuring compliance with GMP, food safety, health and safety and environmental standards.
• Manage resources effectively, including direct reports,investigationsand performance management, to support cost-efficient production.
• Work closely with the M&E Team Leader and other stakeholders to resolve issues quickly andmaintainalignment on performance.
• Lead continuous improvement activity, daily direction setting meetings, walking tours, processconfirmationand implementation of departmentalobjectives.

What will make you successful

We are looking for an experienced people leader who enjoys creating high-performing teams andmaintainingstandards within a manufacturing environment. You will bringstrong communicationand problem-solving skills alongside a genuine passion for developing others and delivering results.

• Experience managing teams within a manufacturing, FMCG or production environment.
• A strong understanding of operational performance,safetyand quality standards.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with responsibility for people and performance management.
• Knowledge of Lean principles would be beneficial, with Six Sigma knowledge consideredadvantageous.

The three qualities that will help you thrive in this role are

• Strong leadership andpeopledevelopment capability.
• A positive and proactive approach to problem solving and change.
• The ability to collaborate effectively and build relationships across teams.

At Arla, we believe in supporting each other's development. You'll join a collaborative environment where colleagues work together to solve challenges, shareexpertiseand continuously improve. We are committed to helping our people grow and succeed, no matter where they areintheir career journey.

What do we offer?

Joining Arla means becoming part of a global dairy cooperative and a market leader committed to producing nutritious dairy products in a sustainable way. At our Oswestry site,you'llwork in a cheese packaging facility that covers8 acresof land and packages approximately 350different typesof products, supplying branded and private-label products to customers in the UK and internationally.

• Annual pay review.
• Employer pension matched up to 6% contribution.
• Life assurancecover of4x annual salary.
• Flexible benefits, including the option to buyadditionalannual leave and access discounts through the Reward Gateway scheme.
• Commitment to training and development as part of ourpeopleagenda.
• Access to discounted Arla products.

Our positive and collaborative culture will bringout the best in you.You'lljoin anorganisationcommitted to developing talent, promoting from within and creating opportunities for growth.

Would you like to join us?

The initial closing date is the 23rd of October 2026.

For additional information, please contact the Hiring Manager or reach out to Jess Thwaite, Talent Partner, at [e-mail].

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.

#LI-JESTH
Ref. 111300